Edible Christmas Coal

Traditionally coal is given to kids on the "naughty list" at Christmas time instead of presents. Christmas coal can also be a great white elephant gift snuck into stockings and under the tree to bring a laugh to the holiday season. Often edible christmas coal comes in the form of licorice or has a licorice flavor--a flavor that is either loved or hated. Using Oreos instead, this Instructable is a new take on edible Christmas coal to share with everyone this holiday season at a holiday party or as a sneaky stocking surprise.

You'll Need the Following:

• 1 Package of Regular Oreos
• 1/4 Cup of Butter (1/2 stick)
• 4 Cups Mini Marshmallows

Tools:

• Glass 8" Baking Square Dish
• Stovetop Pan
• Wax Paper (optional)
• Wooden Spoon

Grind your Oreos in a food processor until they are finely and evenly ground. Depending on the size of your food processor you may have to work in batches. When your oreos are evenly ground, place them in a bowl and set aside.

If you do not have a food processor, you can place the Oreos in a large ziplock bag and smash them with a rolling pin.

Butter the inside of your glass pan in preparation for your coal making. You'll want to generously butter the pan as that will allow your coal to easily slide out once it's set.

Place your half stick of butter in a pan on the stove over low to medium heat. Melt all of your butter. Stir occasionally to prevent the butter from burning.

Once your butter has melted, add your marshmallows. Stir constantly to prevent burning as your marshmallows melt. Continue to heat and stir until your marshmallows have completely melted and the consistency is uniform and liquid. Once smooth and liquid, remove your marshmallow mixture from the heat.

Pour your melted marshmallows into your ground Oreos. Mix thoroughly. The mixture will become sticky and harder to mix, you only have to mix until evenly combined.

Transfer your coal mixture to your greased pan. Press down into the pan until the surface is even. You can press down with your hands, the back of the spoon, or with a piece of wax paper.

Allow your coal to cool for 20 minutes at least at room temperature.

Once your coal has solidified and cooled you can cut it up. Using a butter knife, divide your coal into 1" (2.54 cm) cubes to make them realistic as coal pieces. If you really wanted to you could pinch the corners until you had a realistic coal briquet shape.

You're done. Serve your coal pieces at your next holiday party or package them up and place them in someone's stocking!

Enjoy.