Top treats with wintry sweets

A cocoa-themed dessert is easy with this fun idea from party pro Michelle Stewart ( Michellespartyplanit.com). Simply pick up a box of brownie bites in the bakery section of your local supermarket or whip up a batch from a box mix of brownies, following directions for a 13"x9" pan. Let brownies cool, then cut them into circles using a 11⁄ 2" round cookie cutter. Top each brownie with a dollop of vanilla icing, then sprinkle on crushed peppermint candies (or leftover candy canes) for a hint of flavor. Top treats with an edible mug (like Hot Cocoa Lollipops, $ 5 for 12, Orientaltrading.com). Just wiggle the pop to loosen it from the paper stick, then pull.