‘Pathological consumption has become so normalised that we scarcely notice it.’

‘There’s nothing they need, nothing they don’t own already, nothing they even want. So you buy them a solar-powered waving queen; a belly button brush; a silver-plated ice cream tub holder; a “hilarious” inflatable zimmer frame; a confection of plastic and electronics called Terry the Swearing Turtle; or – and somehow I find this significant – a Scratch Off World wall map.

They seem amusing on the first day of Christmas, daft on the second, embarrassing on the third. By the twelfth they’re in landfill.

Bake them a cake, write them a poem, give them a kiss, tell them a joke, but for god’s sake stop trashing the planet to tell someone you care. All it shows is that you don’t.’

The Gift of Death‘ by George Monbiot, published in the Guardian 11th December 2012

Popcorn Rocky Road

Guys, this is it! The bees’ knees, as it were; the cat’s pyjamas. If you were looking for an edible gift to give at Christmas, a useful gift, nay a gift that doesn’t kill the planet, look no further. Your dad, your colleagues, your friends and all your kids’ teachers will love you for making some of this, wrapping it and gifting it to them at the end of the school year. It’s super-easy, and sure to wow anyone who is lucky enough to be on the receiving end. It’s popcorn rocky road! We might also call it ‘loaded’ rocky road. It’s got everything.

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We have popcorn (salty and sweet), pretzels (optional), raspberry lollies (can’t do without), chocolate (dark is best), coconut chips (for crunch), freeze dried strawberries (a modern twist), marshmallows (pink and white), and pistachios (green for Christmas). You really can’t go wrong; everyone loves rocky road. I’ve even made it with double the marshmallows (by mistake) and once with Turkish Delight (on purpose) and no complaint could be heard from the gathered noshers. It’s really a win for giver and receiver alike!

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It’s also a win for the time-poor cook, because once you have all the ingredients assembled (yes, they’re expensive, but worth it), it’s simply a matter of adding them to a large bowl, pouring melted chocolate over, spooning into a tray and chilling till set. Once set, cut into logs (think Darrell Lea) and wrap in cellophane brown paper, as tradition dictates, tie with biodegradable string and you’re done. Homemade gifts just got easier. No need to turn on the oven or get out the rolling pin. Your job is done. And the planet thanks you.

Popcorn Rocky Road

Other useful gift ideas:
Homemade Brownie Mix in a Jar
Cranberry, Coconut and Pistachio Truffles
Chewy Italian Almond Macadamia Cookies
Buy a goat

Popcorn Rocky Road

Popcorn Rocky Road
‘Bake them a cake, write them a poem, give them a kiss, tell them a joke, but for god’s sake stop trashing the planet to tell someone you care.’

Makes 16

Ingredients
35g (1 ½ cups) sweet and salty popcorn (I added some pretzels as well)
120g red raspberry lollies, halved
400g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), melted
40g roasted coconut chips, plus extra (optional)
10g packet freeze dried strawberry slices
280g pink and white marshmallows, halved
55g (½ cup) pistachios

Method
Grease the base of a 23 x 23cm (9 x 9-inch) square cake pan and line with baking paper, allowing two opposing sides to overhang.

Combine the popcorn, marshmallow, lollies, coconut chips, strawberries and pistachios in a large bowl. Pour over the chocolate and mix until well combined.

Spoon mixture into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Tap the pan on a work bench to settle. Sprinkle with extra coconut chips, if using. Place in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.

Notes
Adapted (slightly) from Taste.com.au

2 thoughts on “Popcorn Rocky Road”

  1. If someone gave me this Popcorn Rocky Road on Christmas Eve, I’d smother them in kisses! I need to find some pink vegan marshmallows they certainly are pretty. Merry Christmas Alison! xox -Hanne

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