You Don't Have To Be A Scrooge To Have A Good Christmas! Pt. 1--Homemade Goodness

Like so many others, I have been seriously wondering how we're going to cut corners this Christmas! So, I put together a list of ideas for lots of people on your list. And the best part is most of them cost less than $10!!!!

One of my favorite ideas for just about anyone is something fresh from your kitchen. It doesn't have to be glamorous or expensive-- anything made by you is going to add that 'special something' that a gift from namethatstore.com can't. What follows are some great ideas, with information on where to find the recipes. Enjoy browsing!

**The links included in no way mean I endorse any particular brand, product or store--They are simply there to show examples of cost, recipes or product type.

Tea Breads, Quick Breads, with Extra Goodies

These are especially good when you add in some extras. For instance, make a couple loaves of Mini Lemon Tea Bread and add a small container of Citrus Spread: 1/2 C. softened butter, 1 T. powdered sugar, 1 tsp. finely shredded orange or lemon peel. Or, try Pumpkin Bread with Nut Butter or Breakfast Butter: (Nut Butter) 1/2 C. finely chopped almonds or walnuts, 1/4 C. softened butter, 1/4 C. apricot or peach preserves; (Breakfast Butter) 1/2 C. softened butter, 2 T. honey or maple syrup.
Most recipes will make enough for 1-2 9" loaves, 3-4 4" loaves, a dozen muffins or 2 dozen mini muffins. This is where making enough for a whole crew of people comes in.
To make it even more special, purchase a package of tea samplers ($3-$6 for 20-25 tea bags), and include one or two of each flavor in with your bread. You can also add a package of hot cocoa mix or flavored coffee. Wrap it up pretty with some green Saran Wrap, red or printed tissue paper, and a pretty ribbon! Voila! You've got a personalized lovely gift for the whole family! And, if you have kids, get them involved. They can help mix, bake, wrap and learn about the real art of giving in the process.

Saucey Sauces***

This category has endless ideas, so let your imagination soar! Some of my own favorites include:

Homemade pesto, packaged with small votive candles, a package of pasta, and 2 mini bottles of wine.

Homemade chocolate sauce (recipe follows), packaged with a jar of marachino cherries, a small container of nuts, and an ice cream scoop.

Freezer Chocolate Fudge Sauce

½ cup margarine or butter 2 ½ cups sugar 3 squares (3 ounces) unsweetened chocolate 12 oz. can evaporated milk 1 teaspoon vanilla

Melt margarine in the top of a double boiler. Add chocolate and melt, while constantly stirring. Add sugar gradually, ¼ cup at a time, while stirring. Add salt and stir milk in gradually and finally add the vanilla. Cook until desired thickness – approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Pour the sauce into a clean, warm, wide-mouth quart jar or similar freezer-safe container(s). Allow the sauce to cool at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours. Seal and freeze.

Fiesta, Key West, and Smokey BBQ Sauce, cute packaged together. Go to a warehouse club to purchase some of the ingredients and make multiple batches to give to more than one household!

Other Delectable Treats

• Homemade chili, packaged in a jar with a couple of packages of hand warmers (which, btw, can be found in the outdoors section of most dept. stores).
• Biscotti, with sample size coffees.
• A loaf of Italian style bread with herbed olive oil for dipping. You can make the bread & buy the oil & spices, or vice versa!
• A box of gourmet pancake or waffle mix and a jar of homemade topping.

Also, with any of the items listed above, a nice tea towel or calendar towel tucked in is always a nice touch. Your gifts can be simple, delicious, and cost effective. Packaging can be simple, from colored saran wrap to tissue paper, from clear jars (save your jelly, spaghetti, mayo, salsa jars) with nifty labels you make through your computer or labels you make by hand...items can be tucked in gift bags or simple boxes, smothered in raffia. For the gift tag, you can write the recipe on an index card and write the recipients name on the front. Check your local dollar store for inexpensive packing materials. Make several batches to give to neighbors, relatives and friends to save the most buck! Or get with with a relative or friend, split the cost, and spend the day cooking up good gifts together.
I hope you've found these ideas inspiring! More ideas on the way soon....





***For any home canning, be sure to check the USDA Guide for safety!