Chocolate stir spoons

Stirring your cocoa or coffee with a chocolate stir spoon gives it an extra jolt of sweetness. But they're a bit pricey, so most people save them for special occasions. Make these simple homemade versions and stop depriving yourself! They're even elegant enough for gifts!

Stir in the rich flavor of chocolate

Chocolate has been a guilty pleasure for men and women all over the world since 1900 BC. The history of chocolate begins in Mesoamerica, where it played an important role in Mayan and Aztec events. Thanks to the contributions of John Cadbury and Milton Hershey, it's become the sweet, decadent treat we all love today.

Stir a little history into your favorite hot chocolate, coffee (and even some teas) with this recipe for adorable homemade chocolate stir spoons.

Yields 20

Ingredients:

• 20 clear, plastic spoons
• 1 cup white, milk or dark chocolate, chopped or chips
• Chopped nuts, crushed peppermint, sprinkles, chopped marshmallows or other small candies (optional)

Directions:

1. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper.
2. In a small bowl, microwave the chocolate on high, 60 seconds at a time, until melted.
3. Dip the plastic spoons in the chocolate until well coated on both sides, including up to one third of the stem. If necessary, use another spoon to pour additional chocolate over your stir spoon.
4. Tap the spoon on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate. (If your chocolate becomes difficult to work with, pop it back in the microwave to remelt).
5. To coat, hold the stir spoon over an empty bowl, and sprinkle your topping of choice over both sides.
6. Place upside down (bowl-side down) on the wax paper.
7. Repeat until all the spoons are coated.
8. When all your spoons are coated, put the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for around 15 minutes until the chocolate has dried.
9. You can save them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag if you're worried they'll melt.
10. To give them as gifts, wrap each spoon individually in plastic wrap and tie with ribbon.
11. Use the spoons to stir your hot chocolate or coffee.

More about chocolate

5 Dark chocolate after-dinner drinks
Tips for pairing chocolates and wine
Food and chocolate pairing menus