Sep 21 2008
Christmas Gifting On My Mind! (101 days till Christmas eve)
In the spirit of the economy let me eliminate a bunch of trips to the mall where I would have to walk around frantically trying to find just the right gift for all, on my shopping list. I truly believe its time to bring back the old fashioned spirit of Christmas and spend a few happy hours creating tasty super duper gifts for all, in my kitchen. 
The following list is my official to-do list. This year I’m planning on a “bakers dozen” basket for my family and friends. I will add all of my recipes and how to’s in the next couple of weeks too. 
- 1.Walnut & Rhubarb Dessert Sauce (published here September 11/08)
- 2.Homemade Amaretto Almond Biscotti
- 3.Homemade Herbal Bread mixes – Portioned For Bread-machine (just add water)
- 4.Spiced nuts
- 5.Green Cherry Tomato Pickles
- 6.Homemade Infused Vinegar & Oil
- 7.Homemade Honey Mustard
- 8.Homemade Meat Rub
- 9.Dried Herbs Mixtures For Stews And Soups
- 10.Homemade Liqueurs
- 11.Homemade ‘House Blend’ Chai Tea
- 12.Homemade Dog Biscuits/Kitty Treats
- 13.Handmade Cook Book Of Family Heirloom Recipes
- Three or four months ago a local ‘Gift basket shop’ was advertising their going out of business sale. I’m a wicker addict and just couldn’t leave without buying. These fantastically gorgeous baskets that were regularly out of my price range were available for a couple of bucks each. That’s when the idea popped in my head that I would buy these little beauties and fill them with homemade gifts for everyone for Christmas. I’m still exited about the whole process. Since then I’ve been hunting for pretty little bottles (for my oil, vinegar and liquor), fancy jars (tea mix) and cookie tins too. All the other items will be perfect in canning jars.
Last week I made my first recipe Walnut & Rhubarb Dessert Sauce. Check out the recipe it really is a tasty treat. I already have a few of the herbs that I’ll be needing dried, just waiting to be mixed and packaged. This is going to be so much fun…
You have some really great home made gifting ideas there! I think I will give the walnut and rhubarb sauce a try. Its sounds more yummy than regular cranberry sauce!