Macaroni Recipe: Lumps of Coal

Those on Santa's "Nice" list get toys, candy, fruit, or other goodies in their Christmas stocking. Those on the "Naughty" list get nothing but lumps of coal. Most people, of course, are a little bit of both so these Chocolate Lumps of Coal are perfect for everyone!

Lumps of Coal

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 bag (10.5 oz) mini marshmallows
• 7 cups chocolate cereal (Cocoa Krispies or Cocoa Pebbles)
• Cooking spray
• 2 bags (12 oz) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 Tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
• Black jimmies, black sugar, or black sprinkles

In a large pot, melt butter and marshmallows over medium-low heat until smooth, stirring constantly so it doesn't scorch or burn. Remove the mixture from the stove and quickly stir in cereal until evenly coated. Let cool for about 10 minutes (the mixture will stick together better after it has cooled a bit). Coat your hands with butter or cooking spray and shape handfuls of the cereal mixture into tightly-compacted roundish, squarish lumps. Let sit for about an hour to firm up.

Microwave 1 bag of chocolate chips and 1 Tablespoon of canola oil on high for 90 seconds; stir. Continue microwaving and stirring in 20-second intervals till smooth. Using two forks, dip each cereal square in melted chocolate. Place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle immediately with chocolate jimmies. Repeat with second bag of chocolate chips and the rest of the oil. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes or until set. Store in airtight container or sealed storage bag. (I should mention that I ran out of melted chocolate before I ran out of lumps of coal but I didn't want to use up another bag of chocolate chips just for the few undipped lumps of coal that were left -- I knew my kids would happily gobble them up!)

Fill a snack-size baggie with lumps of coal and tuck inside a mini stocking for a cute treat to give to your friends.