Hello All,
As promised, I’m giving you some of my handmade Christmas gifts ideas. These are sure to please most of those on your list, whether they’ve been naughty or nice. These can be dressed up with bows and fancy containers or thrown on a plate with a self-stick bow. Since we are all watching our pennies, these will make a nice addition to your normal holiday gift giving. Most of these will cost less than $10 to make.
Day 1 – Betty Hale’s Cookies
This recipe is from a good friend of my grand-mama. She is almost as sweet as these cookies. Put these cookies in a decorative tin for gifting. One word of warning, your arm will need some icy hot after stirring this dough.
2 sticks of butter, room temperature
2 eggs
2 C. self-rising flour
2 C. oatmeal
1 C. white sugar
1 C. brown sugar
1 C. shredded coconut
1 C. chopped nuts (pecans)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Beat sugars, butter, and eggs together. Add the other ingredients. Batter will be very stiff. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
Day 2 – Mint Drinking Chocolate
This recipe is my way of mixing hot chocolate with the Starbuck’s peppermint mocha latte. There’s no coffee but you won’t miss it. You’ll combine all the ingredients and put into a decorative container if you’re giving it as a gift. Include the directions on the tag.
1 C. 60% cacao chocolate chips
1 C. semisweet chocolate chips
1 C. crushed Andes candies
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container. To make the drinking chocolate: Place 3 heaping tablespoons of mix into a mug with 1 tablespoon of milk. Microwave 30 seconds and stir. Fill the mug ¾ full of milk and microwave 1-2 minutes until hot. Stir and lounge in the chocolate luxuriance.
Day 3 – Chex Mix
This is my go-to teacher gift. I make at least two types and give a combination. You can make it really pretty by placing it in mason jars tied with ribbons.
Original Chex Mix
http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=6709&CategoryId=343
Muddy Buddies or White Trash
http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=19919&CategoryId=343
Cheesy Ranch Mix
http://www.chex.com/Recipes/RecipeView.aspx?RecipeId=20022&CategoryId=343
Day 4 – Mulling Spices
This is a great gift for the hostess or mom that hosts all the kids’ parties. It is great in cider or wine. You can give a couple of pouches per recipient and make a gift tag with the instructions on it.
http://www.recipezaar.com/Mulling-Spices-For-WineApple-Cider-106470
Day 5 – Hot Toddy Mix
This is for your friend that likes to party. This is also perfect for going to a cabin or skiing. Make the mix and store it in a jar. It will last a good, long time.
1 stick of butter, softened
3 cups brown sugar
¼ tsp. each clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
Cream all ingredients until well blended. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
To make: Place 2 tablespoons of mix into a mug with a shot of dark rum. Top with boiling water and stir. Enjoy with a loved one!
Day 6 – Cinnamon Ornaments
This is great for the kids to make and give to grandparents, aunts and uncles.
http://www.make-stuff.com/projects/cinnamon_ornaments.html
Day 7 – The 5 Minute Fudge Wreath
I took this idea from Rachael Ray. I’ve switched up the types of chocolates, the toppings and the shape. No matter what I did, it turned out great. You will look a pro if you show up to a dinner party with this.
http://rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=824
Drink of the Week – See Above
Try day 2, 4, or 5. You won’t be disappointed.
Dessert of the Week – Thin Mint Knock-Offs
I love some thin mints but you can’t always get them. Here is super easy way to make them. No baking required.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4470826_make-thin-mint-style-cookies.html
With a hot toddy in one hand and a cookie in the other,
Brooke
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