Who doesn't like a little bit of candy around the holidays? I made this candy cottage using candy melts, a sleigh mold, and a gingerbread house mold that I found at www.opensky.com . The best part of this is that when you are finished, you can fill it with candy, or cookies, or whatever you like. It makes a great showpiece, as well as a fun surprise for children. The peppermint tray has been on Pinterest, as well as The Chew, and is a fun,easy thing to make! This one, is about to be delivered to a family we love, but they have no idea it is coming! I hope they enjoy it!
Cottage Instructions:
Using candy melts,( I usually use Merckens, but could not find it due to low supplies since Hurricane Sandy), melt down the color you are using in a double boiler, or in the microwave. If using the microwave, do this in 30 secinds intervals, taking care not to burn the chocolate.
Once it is melted, pour into the molds and let it set for about 1/2 hour. Remove the pieces from the molds. One at a time, using melted chocolate as the "glue" , place the pieces together, holding them in place for a few minutes until they are set. Before I place the last part of the roof on, I filled this one with candy.
Let the house set for a good hour, just to make sure all of the chocolate glue has hardened. If desired, add embellishments, as I did here....trees, gingerbread people( all part of the mold set), a sled, and some additional snow(white chocolate). Place on the peppermint tray, again using a little chocolate glue to hold in place!
Peppermint Tray Instructions:
Line a parchment -lined baking sheet with peppermints placed about 1/4 of an inch apart. I made 10 rows of eight(about 18 oz.). Place in a 350 degree oven for about 5-7 minutes until they melt and are touching. remove from the oven. If edges are uneven, wait 30 seconds, then trim carefully with a sharp knife(candy is super hot)! Let cool for about 15 minutes, then use as a base for the cottage, or as a serving tray for desserts. Just remember not to place anything hot on top, because the candy will melt!
Here it is wrapped and ready to go( a bit hard to see through the cellophane)!
Happy Holidays!!
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