READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol. 1 Issue 5 November 2013 | Page 74

There is nothing better than settling down
with a great book while treating yourself
to an indulgent snack... here are a few
recipes to tease your sweet tooth.
Small bites make holiday entertaining easier
(BPT) - Mouth-watering desserts in small bites are all the rage
this holiday season. Guests love the idea of having lots of
choices at holiday gatherings, so more options in smaller
portions will be popular this year.

Ghirardelli Dessert
Cups
Ingredients:
4 cups Ghirardelli
Dark Melting Wafers

According to Sissy Biggers, lifestyle expert and former Food
Network Ready, Set Cook! host, smaller bites allow you to
stage an elaborate holiday soiree more easily.

8 small water balloons

"It's easy to create a fun, memorable holiday party with simple
entertaining techniques that yield big results! Guests will love
the variety of smaller treats that pack big flavors and the
simple addition of decorative touches effortlessly transform the
look of a room in minutes," she says.

8 ounces Ghirardelli Classic White Baking Chips

Turning your favorite holiday recipes into delightful nibbles is
easy, too. Following are some great entertainment tips for
making a wider assortment of holiday treats in smaller bites
and serving them up in style:
* Small bites, big delights - Turn your favorite holiday recipes
into delightful nibbles, allowing your guests to sample a larger
variety of treats throughout the party.
* Elegant, dipped desserts - There's no need to make
everything from scratch. Add some holiday pizzazz to pretzels,
fruit, nuts or cookies using Ghirardelli's new Premium Dark
and White Candy Making & Dipping wafers. Simply melt the
wafers in the microwave and dip or drizzle over your favorite
treats. It's a quick way to dress up your holiday treats.
* Add a hot chocolate bar - Let your guests get in the act by
setting up a make-your-own sundae station or a hot cocoa bar.
Stock with chocolate pieces, whipped cream, sprinkles and
Ghirardelli's new Premium Hot Cocoa flavors: Chocolate
Caramel, Double Chocolate and Chocolate Mocha. It's not
only fun for your guests, but also easy to prepare.
* Decorate with flair - Sprinkle glitter on tabletops and place
small glazed pinecones or miniature holiday balls and baubles
around the room to add a chic and decorative touch. Artfully
arrange food to add interest to buffet tables. Position food on
tiers using holiday tins in a variety of heights to create visual
interest and maximize often-limited table space.
* Be creative with your presentation - Add flare by serving
treats in nontraditional ways - a big margarita glass, small shot
glasses or baked small bites on clear glass pottery.
If you're looking to try something new this holiday season,
consider this delightful dessert recipe.

For mousse:
4 tablespoons orange liqueur
2 tablespoons water
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 egg whites
Directions:
In a double boiler over hot water, melt 2 cups of wafers. Cool
about 5 minutes. Inflate balloons to 4 inches in diameter and
tie ends in a knot. Holding balloons by the knot, dip into
melted wafers, tipping to cover balloon halfway up. Place
balloon, knotted side up, on wax paper-lined baking sheet,
holding balloon in place until it starts to set. Repeat with
remaining balloons to make 8 cups. Place in freezer for 5
minutes.
Melt remaining 2 cup of wafers and repeat dipping procedure.
Place in freezer for 10 minutes. Snip hole in each balloon to
deflate. Carefully peel away from dessert cups. Refrigerate
until needed. Use the same day. Fill cups with ice cream,
sorbet, mousse or fresh fruit such as raspberries or
strawberries.
For mousse:
In double boiler over hot water, melt white chips with liqueur
and water; stir gently to blend. Cool until melted white chips
mixture no longer feels warm to the touch. In large bowl with
electric mixer, beat cream until soft peaks form. Fold cream
into melted white chip mixture. In large bowl with clean mixer,
whisk egg whites until