Hostess Gifts

Fresh Fruit Potpourri

Ingredients and Materials:

decorative container of your choice
dried oranges
dried lemons
dried apples
cinnamon sticks
bay leaves
star anise
cardamom
dried cranberries

If you have a dehydrator, dry the fruit in it; otherwise place the sliced fruit in the oven at 200 degrees for as long as 24 hours. In the microwave it takes about an hour at 30 percent power.

Once the fruit is dried, add the cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, star anise, cardamom and dried cranberries. Mix and pour into a decorative container. (Note: The purpose of potpourri is to be fragrant and decorative, this potpourri is completely natural and therefore safe to use around children and pets.)

Ingredients and Materials:

chocolate squares or cubes (dark, milk and white)
plastic sandwich bags
scissors
small souffle dishes
small custard cups
larger bowl with flat bottom
aluminum foil

Preparation:

Place chocolate cubes or squares in a ziplock plastic bag and submerge in a pot of hot water to melt the chocolate.

Cover the container (custard dish, small souffle dish or larger flat bowl) with aluminum foil, making sure to fan the foil at the bottom to catch the excess chocolate.

Place in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. Carefully peel the aluminum foil from the chocolate. Note: Don't oil the foil.

Fill the chocolate bowl with strawberries or fruit of your choice.