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Gifts from the Kitchen
by Susie Tilton
Here we go into gift giving season. For many folks, money is tight, so gift giving needs to be thoughtful. With a little planning, gifts from the kitchen can be cost effective, personal and delicious!
My favorite on-hand gift is Brownies in a Mason Jar. These aren't just any brownies, they are layered in the jar topped off with white chocolate peppermint chips, very festive. I buy up the ingredients when all the baking supplies go on sale, and make up a dozen jars. If you buy the box of Mason jars you will have the case they came in which is handy for storing. Buy the big quart jars. The recipe is a very easy project for any child and teaches all about measuring. Have your child use a spoon to layer the ingredients, and when you get to the brown sugar, pack it in, it will keep the jar neat.
They are perfect to drop off to the teller at the bank, the receptionist at the orthodontist or the long list of teachers at school. You can tie a festive piece of fabric to the top, print the directions on a cute card, and even tie a little rubber spatula to the jar. If you are in a pinch for a holiday treat, you can bake up a batch yourself!
In a quart jar, layer in order
1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup brown sugar
Pack down
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2-3/4 cup white chocolate peppermint chips to fill
Directions: Mix all ingredients with 3 eggs that have been slightly beaten, 3/4 cup oil and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Put batter in a greased and floured 9X9 baking pan and bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes or until edges are pulling away and center looks set. Cool on rack and ENJOY!
Roasting and Grilling Salt is another great kitchen gift, especially for a dad, grandpa or uncle who likes to grill. There are many recipes on the web, but my favorite spicy salt is my gift of choice. I save the little jars from pimientos and fill it with the spicy salt I buy in bulk from a small business. Cover up the lid and you have a gift! This time of year, most grilling supplies and books are on big clearance, so look for a grilling mitt, some tongs or even a man apron to add to the gift.
I save all kinds of jars, tins and bottles. You never know what you can reuse it for. Make sure you always wash them in the hottest water, and dry thoroughly before putting the lid on. I found some tins with margarita salt that had gotten a little clumpy, so I cleaned it out good and put small bags of spices in it with an old family recipe for my kids favorite spice cookies. Their aunt who recently got married will love the thoughtful gift. She may even get a cookie sheet to go with it.
Another idea is to dress up a bought food item. I love a good olive oil, most cooks do. So I'll give the olive oil with a sachet of my favorite salad dressing herbs. A large spice store in my area sells large bags of salad dressing herbs that our family loves. Anyone who loves to cook will think of you every time they use the oil. Kitchen gifts are also great wrapped in a kitchen mitt instead of a gift bag. You could put oil, utensils, the brownies, just about anything into the mitt with a little tissue for a festive gift bag. No matter what you decide to do, your kids can help tie the sachets, bag and tissue the gifts, and hand them out to very happy recipients!
More You Might Like:
A Tasty Holiday Tradition
Chocolate Chip Espresso Cookies
Holiday Gifts to Make Now & Give Later
Packaging Homemade Goodies as Holiday Gifts
About the Author:
Susie Tilton is a blogger from Tennessee. You can check out her blog at Sweetie Petitti.
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