This is the time of year I begin to have delusional thoughts that I might just make my Christmas gifts. Maybe some of those cute painted mugs I saw on pinterest. Perhaps some knitted potholders. (I have one finished!) Inexpensive, tasty, useful gifts that my friends and family will appreciate.
I’m definitely going to make chai tea mix from here: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chai-Tea-Mix/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=chai%20tea%20mix&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1. It’s an awesome blend, easy, and it’ll look nice in the big green Mason jars I found.
I can always make up a huge batch of standard, buttery, spicy, salty party mix, of course. It’s a standard and while I’m glad to make it, I’m loathe to give it away because I want to eat it all. Make more, you say? Ha! I’ll eat that too! But definitely a possibility.
So…other ideas? I’m not much of a baker, so I’m thinking of things I can pack into containers for snacking in front of a good movie. What’s your favorite holiday snack recipe?
I made a bunch of Christmas Popcorn. I don’t have a recipe with me, but you pop a bunch of popcorn, and put the popcorn in a bowl with other things like pieces of pretzels and M&M’s and whatever else sounds good, then get some of the candy melting stuff and melt it in the microwave then pour it over the popcorn mix. For the candy melting stuff to put on the popcorn, you should be able to find packages in your baking aisle. Make sure it coats evenly, then let the popcorn dry out and harden on some sheets of wax paper. You can pour on some Christmas sprinkles to make it more Christmas-y. It was easy, and everyone seemed to like it, and it would be perfect for snacking in front of a movie.
That sounds good, and a fun way to take care of all the odds and ends we may have left over after other snack-making endeavors. God forbid we should have leftover m&ms or anything.
I just found this recipe (not really a recipe, more of an assemblage).
They are adorable, and I would love to get a container of them, squeal about how adorable they are and then chomp those suckers down! (Movie optional.)
Those are really cute, and all the ingredients are good too.
I went to Sam’s tonight and now I have all the stuff for party mix, dipped pretzels, and something that involves lots and lots of nuts.
While they involve some baking, and the assemblage is very technical, I absolutely love these mini gingerbread house mug-percher thingies (no, I’m not that great at naming things, why do you ask?). They look beautiful when you’re serving them, and plopping them into the drink would make for some cookie-flavored hot cocoa/coffee/etc . . .
I made venison jerky, and have been having a hard time staying out of it. I also made some homemade barbecue sauce that is so delicious I may have a hard time giving it away.
There will be Chex Mix, (or at least my loosely interpreted version.)
I’m making candy sushi again this year. Just as much fun to make as it is to eat. I have sushi takeout containers to pack up little meals for people. I’m going for decorative stuff this year, last time I got it so realistic looking peoples jaws dropped once they took a good look.
I can make a perfect batch of English toffee in ten minutes flat. Takes practice, though.
I usually start my consumable gifts about 6 months ahead. Limoncello, homemade wines and jams, dehydrated fruits from my trees, granola, holiday cookies, peanut butter balls and the toffee. I do make jerky, too – it’s so easy and always appreciated!
If you want recipes for any of the above, just say the word.
1 box spice cake mix
1 can pumpkin
1 bag cinnamon chips (made by Hersheys)
Mix, and bake in muffin tins at 350.
I made a batch and they were gone in about 20 minutes. Then I made a double batch and took them to work, and they were gone within an hour.
I was told that if you put cream cheese icing on the top they are great, but IMHO that makes them cupcakes, and I prefer to leave the icing off and tell myself I’m eating a serving of pumpkin.
