Marilyn Moll, from the Urban Homemaker, has graciously given us some recipes for wonderful gifts that we can make in our kitchens. Even better, these are recipes that our children can make with us, as they learn how to give gifts and think of others. ~Anne
Entrom’s style toffee is a simple and gourmet gift that can be easily made with minimal investment in ingredients. http://articles.urbanhomemaker.com/index.php?article=882
Microwave Munching Peanutbrittle – very easy and fun:
My kids have made this recipe for holiday gifts for years, and the recipients always ask for more.
1 cup raw peanuts
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda
Stir together peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt in a 1-1/2 quart casserole or batter bowl. Place in microwave oven and cook 7-9 minutes, stirring well, after 4 minutes. Color should turn a pale yellow-brown.Add butter and vanilla to syrup, blending well. Return to oven and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Peanuts will be lightly browned and syrup very hot. Add baking soda and stir as quickly as possible until light and foamy. Pour mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet, let cool 1/2 to 1 hour. When cool, break into small pieces and store in airtight container.
NOTE: If roasted salted peanuts are used, omit salt and add peanuts after first 4 minutes of cooking.
FUDGE
This is another quick and easy recipe kids can help with.
3 – 6 0z pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips (18 oz)
1 – 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
dash salt
1/2 – 1 Cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
In a saucepan over low heat, melt chips with condensed milk and salt, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add nuts and vanilla. Spred evenly in 8 X 9″ pan. Chill until firm. Cut to desired size.
http://articles.urbanhomemaker.com/index.php?article=116:
SNOWMAN SOUP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Directions: Fill sandwich-size zip lock bags with:
one packet hot cocoa mix – or 1/4 Cup Commercial Hot Chocolate Mix
some chocolate chips
some mini-marshmallows
a mini candy cane
Label: Snowman Soup (Poem)
I was told you’ve been real good this year.
I’m always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
you’ll need to warm the spirit.
So here’s a little Snowman Soup
complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It’s sure to do the trick!
The little poem could be printed on a computer label or nicely written or calligraphied with special pens, stickers, etc. Place the baggie in cute little mugs found in the dollar store for an extra special, and economical gift.
Try using our famous Country Cream Dutch Chocolate Cocoa Mix. It is perfect for camping and cold winter nights! Made from REAL Dutch cocoa. It is the finest, creamiest, smoothest hot chocolate or wonderfully refreshing chocolate milk or your money back! Each can makes nearly five gallons. Compare this mix with any other brand, and I think you’ll see this is tops!
ZIPPY SPICED NUTS
(This is another very easy to make snack/gift with children)
4 T oil
2 tsp. sesame seeds
1/2 – 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cumin
dash cayenne ,optional, if you like something hot
1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 C. raw almonds
2 C. raw pecans
2 C. raw walnuts ( or any combination of nuts desired)
Raw sunflower seeds, optional
Pour oil into non-stick skillet. Add all ingredients EXCEPT the sunflower seeds. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, be careful that nuts don’t burn. Add sunflower seeds, drain on brown paper sack and store in the refrigerator. Yummy, healthy, habit forming! Package in jars, cans or holiday decorated bags for gifts.
For more information, please contact Marilyn at marilyn@urbanhomemaker.com or call toll free at 1-800-552-7323. Enjoy Marilyn’s blog at http://www.marilynmoll.com, and read more great articles at http://articles.urbanhomemaker.com.
Copyright 2009. The Urban Homemaker. Reprint rights granted only if proper credit is given.
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