Homemade for the Holidays

Taking the Time to Hand Make Gifts 

Great Falls
Written by Amy Grisak
Photography by Amy Grisack   

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and gifts from the heart and home are always appreciated by family and friends. Creating useful and unique gifts prolongs the enjoyment of the Christmas season, and these presents are bound to be favorites people look forward to receiving every year. 

Homemade Beeswax Candles 

In the dark, winter days, candles create a cozy atmosphere. While homemade candles can be made of anything from paraffin or soy to palm wax or beeswax, the latter has long been a favorite for its clean-burning and healthy nature. Plus, it’s a particularly special gift when using beeswax from your own or local hives. 

Pillar candles allow the natural beauty of the beeswax to shine. While metal candle molds have been used for over a century, rigid, plastic molds tend to be easier to handle and make candle extraction easier as well. They can be found in local craft shops or online. Packages often include the proper wick and type of wax for the mold.

Beeswax can be placed in a glass bowl or measuring cup and slowly heated in the microwave. The more traditional method is placing the wax in a metal can inside a pan full of water.  A double broiler is another option, but bear in mind the wax does not clean out of anything easily. Remember, never melt wax in a pan directly on the stove.

While the wax is melting, string the wick through the mold. Use a bobby pin or some other straight fastener to tighten the wick at the bottom and center it in the mold. Be sure to add clay to the bottom of the mold where the wick comes through so the wax doesn’t drip out. 

Using hand protection, carefully remove the melted wax from the heat and slowly pour it into the mold. Allow it to sit, undisturbed, for an hour or until it is cool. Next, place it in the freezer for at least 20 minutes, making the candle easy to remove from the mold. After carefully pulling it from the mold, snip off the fastener at the bottom so it’s flush, then trim the wick at the top to roughly half an inch.

Hot Cocoa Bombs

There’s nothing better than a hot mug of decadently rich hot cocoa on a bitterly cold, winter day. These hot cocoa bombs are as entertaining as they are delicious.  

Typically, the only utensil necessary to purchase is a set of silicone, two- to two-and-a-half-inch half round molds. These usually come in two sets of six half-rounds, allowing you to make six hot cocoa bombs at a time. Most local craft/cooking stores carry these or they can be found online. 

Use a chunk chocolate or high-quality chocolate chips such as Guittard (not melts for candy). If you're using a chunk chocolate, be sure to chop it into small pieces. The greatest challenge with hot cocoa bombs is tempering the chocolate. It can be melted in the microwave, however it is easier to maintain control of the temperature in a double boiler. Place approximately 20 ounces of chocolate in the bowl and stir constantly until it reaches precisely 90°. If it surpasses this temperature, add more chocolate chips and stir briskly to cool. 

While it's easiest to use a pastry brush to transfer the chocolate to the interior of the mold, you can use a spoon. Spread a thin coat around the interior of each of the molds, then chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before applying the second coat. 

After the second coat has cooled, carefully remove from the molds. Fill one half with a heaping tablespoon of your favorite hot cocoa powder and top with mini marshmallows. Join the two halves using a thin line of melted chocolate piped on with a frosting bag. Sprinkles make a fun, decorative addition on top. 

To make the luscious hot cocoa, heat a large mug of milk and carefully add the hot cocoa bomb. Watch the chocolate melt and all the goodness create a memorable winter treat. Appropriate “gift wrapping” could include placing the hot cocoa bomb in a Christmas-themed mug. 

Nourishing Lotion

Whether working outside or making the best of the cold weather indoors, winter is tough on skin. This rich lotion is a remedy to keep hands from cracking, but can be used on any dry skin - it’s even great to use on feet. 

1/4 cup beeswax
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 T shea butter
1/2 cup safflower oil (I recommend The Oil Barn’s safflower oil from Big Sandy, but almond or jojoba oils can be used.)
Favorite essential oil  

Place the beeswax, coconut oil, shea butter, and safflower in a double boiler. Warm on medium heat, stirring frequently, until everything is melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before adding enough drops of essential oils to reach desired fragrance. Pour into small mason jars or tins, which can be decorated for the season.

Cranberry Liqueur 

The cheerful, brilliant red of cranberry liqueur makes a festive and warming drink during the holiday season whether sipped straight or added to merry mixed drinks. The real beauty is this elegant beverage is so easy to make. 

12 oz. cranberries (fresh or frozen)
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 cups high quality vodka 

Combine the sugar and water in a medium-sized pan. Cook for roughly five minutes on medium heat, or until the sugar dissolves. Allow to cool. Rinse and remove any damaged cranberries, then place in a blender or food processor and blitz until finely chopped. 

Place the sugar syrup, cranberries, and vodka in a large jar. Store in a cool, dark spot, but don’t forget to shake it every few days. 

After at least three weeks, strain out the cranberries, then pour into attractive bottles and add a label. For an extra special gift, include a recipe or two for cranberry cocktails.