How to Make Edible Christmas Wreaths

December 11, 2011 | by rebecca stewart

Every year as Christmas approaches, it seems as though things can lean towards the overwhelming more often than not. Between the shopping, wrapping, program-attending, and party going it’s enough to make a girl’s head spin. There is one thing about this time of year that I absolutely adore, though: baking with the kids.

Once the kids are out of school for their winter break, the girls in our family schedule a day of baking with the kids. In the midst of all the sugar cookies, white chocolate covered pretzels, and such is a family tradition that has been passed down from my mom’s mom to us – the edible Christmas Wreath. While I’ve discovered this isn’t an exclusive recipe, it seems, more often than not, people have been living life without this delectable Christmas treat. That’s just tragic, in my opinion. So, let’s get to it, then.

Edible Christmas Wreath:

Ingredients:

• ½ stick of butter/margarine
• 1 bag of marshmallows
• Splash of vanilla
• 5 cups of Corn Flakes
• Green food coloring
• Red Hots

*We typically double the recipe

Preparation:

• Trust me when I tell you, have everything measured and ready to go before you turn a burner on.
• Spread wax paper over your kitchen table (or other work area). Tip: For easy wreath removal later, spray and spread your sheets with cooking spray.
• Place a bowl or two of cold water on your working area. This makes the wreath forming go much more easily.
• Have a potholder set up on your table, ready for your hot pot.

Cooking Directions:

• Melt butter/margarine and marshmallows over high heat. Tip: Get your butter melting first – at least enough to cover the bottom of the pot, before adding the ‘mallows.
• Add splash of vanilla.
• When the lumps are gone, add green food coloring to your mixture until you’re satisfied with the color. Note: Don’t skimp on the food coloring, no one wants to eat an anemic wreath. They will, but it’s just not pretty.
• Remove from heat, add cornflakes and mix until flakes are covered.

Forming the wreaths:

• The younger kids are wonderful for adorning the wreaths with the red hots, while your older kiddos can help with the wreath forming.
• With your freshly washed hands, dip your fingers into those bowls of water you set up during prep and grab fingerfuls of the wreath mixture.
• Place on wax paper and form your wreath, using your finger to create the hole in the middle. They can be as big or little as you want.
• As you and your older helpers are forming the wreaths, have your designated red hot technicians following behind placing the desired number of red hots on each wreath.

Once all is said and done, place your beautifully edible creations in containers and store in the refrigerator until it’s time to enjoy.