If you thought chocolate was just for eating, think again. There are plenty of fun and creative ways to use a single bar of chocolate.
Whether you’ve got a few bars of cocoa left over or still need a last minute present for the holiday season, here are some ideas to use chocolate differently this year.
Make your own chocolate treats
Everyone loves edible presents. For friends and family with a sweet tooth, homemade truffles or chocolate chip cookies are always a great idea. Well-made truffles look and taste the part. They’re also fun for the whole family to get involved in. If you need a recipe for some extra special chocolate chip cookies, check out the famous DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels signature recipe.
Chocolate face mask
Cocoa is great for your skin. The raw powder of the cocoa plant softens skin and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Because of the high content of flavanols, externally applied cocoa can boost the skin’s natural protection against environmental stressors. You can make your own chocolate face mask easily.
- Mix together one avocado (mashed) with three tablespoons of raw cocoa powder
- Simply apply the soothing paste to your skin
- Rest and leave it on for 30 minutes
- Then rinse off the mask
Chocolate lip balm
Chapped lips require some extra care and maintenance. But lip balm needn’t be tasteless. To make a tasty chocolate lip butter you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon of beeswax
- 4 tablespoons of jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of raw cocoa powder
- 1 small tin
Simply warm the beeswax, jojoba oil and honey in a small bowl. Be careful not to boil it. Then add the cocoa powder. Stir well until it becomes a seamless paste and add it to the small tin. Allow the mixture to cool. Apply to lips once the balm has settled.
Chocolate candles
Sometimes the smell of chocolate is enough. Scented candles are always a great gift idea. You could use leftover tea lights or standard candles for this. Here’s what you need:
- 1 bar of chocolate
- Candle wax
- Candle wicks
- Empty can
Break up the chocolate bar and put the pieces into the can. Add the candle wax. Heat up some water in a pot until boiling, and place the can with the chocolate and wax into the water. Allow the water surrounding the can to melt the ingredients. Then mix everything together with a spoon. You can pour the melted mixture into a more suitable container. Add the wicks and allow everything to cool at room temperature. When you’re working with chocolate, it’s easy for some of the brown goodness to land on your clothes. But don’t let that spoil the fun. Simply follow these tips to remove chocolate stains from fabrics.
