Hot Cocoa Candle

by Nicole Blum, Photograph by Joe Polillio

Get a jump on April Fool's with this yummy (looking) treat. A simple technique creates the whipped cream; brown dye gives the cocoa its luscious color.

Remember, never leave candles burning unattended or near unsupervised children.

Materials

2 3/4 cups soy wax flakes
pouring container or heatproof measuring cup with spout
one third of a 3/4-ounce cube of brown wax dye

6-ounce glass mug made for hot beverages
9-inch-tall prewaxed wire wick with clip

Instructions

To make the cocoa:
Melt 1 3/4 cups of the soy wax flakes in a pouring container following these directions or in a heatproof measuring cup in the microwave according to the package directions. While the wax is melting, chop the dye into small pieces, then stir it into the wax.
Pour the wax into the mug and insert the wick. (If the wick tips, put a pencil across the top of the mug and lean the wick against it.) Let the candle cool, about 1 hour. The dye will lighten as the wax cools.
To make the whipped cream:
Melt the remaining wax and let it cool until it's opaque, about 5 minutes.
Whip the wax with a fork until it begins to form frothy peaks. If the wax is too thin, wait a few minutes and try again. If it thickens too quickly, remelt it.
Scoop the whipped wax onto the cocoa as shown. Let it cool, then trim the wick so that it extends 1/4 inch.