by Susan on 12/11/09 at 3:20 pm
A Homemade Cookie Mix Makes a THoughtful and Inexpensive Gift
`Tis the season to be jolly … and to give gifts. If you’ve written your list and checked it twice, now is the time to start thinking about what to give the lucky recipients. How about a gift from your kitchen?
Homemade goodies, mixes and flavored oil are gifts from the heart, and something you should consider for the special people on your list. Besides being an affordable option, they showcase your talents and skills as a culinary impresario.
Forget gift cards, ties and pre-made fruit cakes, here are a few ideas for this season of gift giving that will make a positive impression.
Flavored Olive Oils
Flavored olive oils, bottled in nice decanters, make excellent gifts for those who enjoy their time in the kitchen as much as you do. Although the combination of flavors is endless, here are two of my zesty favorites.
Mix up double or triple batches (depending on how many gifts you need) and you will have a homemade present that will last for several months.
Garlic Rosemary Oil
Ingredients
12 large plump garlic cloves
2 cups extra-virgin olive oil
4 (4-inch) sprigs fresh rosemary, finely crushed
2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
Peel and cut the garlic into very thin slices.
Pour the oil into a small heavy skillet and add the sliced garlic and the rosemary. Slowly warm over low heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the garlic just starts to take on color and the aroma rises. Add the salt (to taste). Strain the oil into small containers.
Chipotle Pepper Oil
Ingredients
16 dried chipotle peppers
4 cups olive oil
Remove seeds from peppers and reserve 2 teaspoons of the seeds.
Heat oil in a small saucepan. Crumble the peppers and add reserved seeds. Bring to the boiling point for 15 seconds, and then remove from heat. Cool for about 30 minutes, and strain oil into a jar, using several layers of cheesecloth. Pour into decorative bottles for giftgiving.
Pre-made Mixes
Pre-made mixes are always appreciated, especially by busy moms, single guys, senior citizens and college kids — practically everyone! So whip up several batches of these pre-made mixes to give to the favorites on your list.
Hush Puppies will Make Anyone on Your List Happy
Hush Puppy Mix
Ingredients
3 cups yellow cornmeal
1.5 cups all-purpose flour
6 tablespoons dried minced onion
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground red pepper
In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in a resealable plastic bag or jar. Makes 4.5 cups mix, enough for two gift jars. Attach these instructions on a gift tag:
Heat 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil to 350 degrees F in a heavy skillet. In a medium bowl, combine mix with 1 1/2 cups buttermilk and 1 beaten egg. Stir until well blended. Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil and fry until golden brown, about two minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels and serve.
Cinnamon-Brown Sugar Pancake Mix
Ingredients
6 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
6 tablespoons baking powder
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons salt
Mix all ingredients together until well blended. Makes enough for two jars. Attach the following instructions on a gift tag:
In a medium bowl, beat one egg and add 3/4 cup milk and 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. Add 1 1/4 cups of mix until moistened. The batter will still be lumpy. Cook on a hot, lightly greased pancake griddle over medium heat until brown on the edges. Enjoy with butter and syrup.
Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients
2 cups dried mushrooms
1 teaspoon dried onion
1 teaspoon dried grated lemon rind
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups powdered non-fat dry milk
Combine all ingredients and put in decorative pint jars. (Enough mix for two jars.) Add the following to your gift tags:
Boil 1 1/2 quarts of water and add contents of jar, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Cover and cook over very low heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped chives, shredded cheese or croutons, if desired.
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Related Posts
- Top Holiday Gifts for Foodies – Part I
- Top Holiday Gifts for Foodies – Part II
- Devour “Gourmet Rhapsody” this Holiday Season
- Top 10 Holiday Dinner Guest Tips
- Virginia Farm Bureau’s “Save Our Food Holiday Festival” is Overwhelming Success
