Use your imagination when selecting the recipes to use for your gifts. Think about the recipient, her likes and dislikes, what she loves to eat, and the gift that would really help make her life easier. Yes, it's possible to accomplish all that with a present!
I'm making quite a few gifts in a jar with homemade mixes. Look for jars at discount stores, especially stores that sell items in bulk, on eBay, at garage and estate sales, and dollar stores. While you're there, buy some pretty ribbon, preferably some with sparkle, to tie a nice fluffy bow around the container. Be sure that the container is food safe, and clean them thoroughly before filling with the mix.
If you're ambitious, package several mixes and other items into a gift basket, as detailed in Gifts From Your Kitchen. And I've expanded the Christmas Gifts Email Course to include a Spaghetti Dinner and a Teen Basket. Remember, you can receive all of the email courses at once if you'd like by using the 'Missing Lessons' link at the bottom of the newsletter.
So enjoy this weekend, decorate your tree, take some time to enjoy the lights in your neighborhood, and get ready for Christmas!
Friday Night Supper
- Crockpot Jambalaya
This festive dish is perfect for relaxing with company after a busy week. - Bread Machine Caramelized Onion Focaccia
The dough for this crunchy and chewy focaccia mixes and rises in your bread machine, so all you have to do is form it and bake it when you get home. Yum. - Strawberry Spinach Salad
This beautiful salad is full of the colors of Christmas! - Frozen Strawberry Margarita Dessert
This beautiful dessert is a perfect way to end this meal. Any leftovers? Freeze them to serve to unexpected guests over the holidays.
Saturday Breakfast
- Freezer French Toast
Make this easy recipe after work tonight and store it in your freezer. Then you're set for Christmas morning or New Year's Day: breakfast is in the freezer! - orange juice, coffee, milk
- smoky sausage links
- grapefruit halves
Make Some Gifts!
- White Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie Mix in a Jar
I've made changes in the proportions of ingredients in the recipe that goes with this mix - take note! - Chocolate Liqueur
Make a couple of liqueurs Coffee Liqueur too, and you can make a New Year's Eve Celebration Basket! Include some pretty champagne flutes, shot glasses, party hats and noisemakers along with an alarm clock. - Quick Breads
These breads freeze beautifully and are a welcome gift this time of the year.
Saturday Lunch
- Spinach Pesto Sandwich Spread
Make this spread along with other sandwich spreads of your choice and set them out along with breads, meats, and cheeses for a do-it-yourself sandwich bar. - baby carrots, carrot sticks, apple slices
- sparkling water, soda, milk
- Crispy Skillet Cookies
I love this old fashioned cookie; it has a complex flavor and a nice crunch.
Saturday Dinner
- Crockpot Salsa Swiss Steak
This comforting recipe cooks perfectly in your slow cooker. I usually add baby carrots (of course) for more color and nutrition. - refrigerated mashed potatoes, heated
- Super Easy Fruit Salad
This simple salad is delicious; use the best fruits you can find in the market. - Ribbon Angel Food Sherbet Cake
Once again, serve this tonight and store the rest to bring out during the holiday vacation.
Sunday Brunch
- Ham and Tater Crockpot Breakfast
Wake up to this hearty and delicious casserole that cooks in your slow cooker! - orange juice, coffee, tea
- Crescent Hearts
Make these little sweet rolls with your kids for a fun family project.
More Gifts!
- Savory Snack Mixes
Make these mixes along with some Sweet Snack Mixes and tuck into a decorated serving bowl along with a couple of movies, some cans of soda, and perhaps a TV Guide for a Movie Lover's Basket. - Candy Lover's Basket
Your kids will love this one! Make all kinds of candies and assemble a few baskets for those with a sweet tooth on your gift list.
Sunday Dinner
- Crockpot Pork and Beans
The aromas of this easy comforting dish will sustain you as you work on your gifts. - Caesar Asparagus
This well flavored recipe is a nice complement to the rich main dish. - Frosty Fresh Fruit
This simple recipe must be made in the morning for dinner tonight, but it's very easy and so delicious. - Apple Walnut Bundt Cake
I love bundt cakes because they are simple and don't need any work once you put the batter in the oven. This moist and tender cake is fabulous.
