Now that we have consumed all our leftover Thanksgiving goodies, it is time to think about Christmas giving. DIY gifts are something the whole family can get involved with and become part of gift giving. Here are some ideas for gifts from the kitchen, for family and friends who do not need any material gifts:
Place this information on the labels to give the receiver a “use by date”:
Baker’s Clay: Keep in cool place, good for 6 months to 1 year.
Quick Breads: Refrigerate, wrap in plastic wrap, good for 2 weeks.
Yeast Breads: Refrigerate, good for 2 to 3 days.
Butters: Refrigerate, good for 2 to 5 days.
Cakes, cupcakes: Cover, store in cool place; with cream filling, place in refrigerator, good for 2 days.
Candy, Divinity, Brittles, Pralines: Covered, put in cool place, good for 2 weeks.
Lollipops: Clear plastic, place in cool place, good for 1 month.
Cookies: Sealed bags, good for 2 to 4 weeks.
Fruitcakes: Wrapped in cheesecloth, good for 6 weeks.
Jams and Jellies: Sterilized jars, good for 1 year.
Granola: Sterilized jars, good for 3 months.
Pickles, relishes: Sterilized jars, refrigerate up to 1 year.
Mixes in Jars: Sterilized jars, good for 6 months.
Orange liqueur: Sterilized jars, good for 2 years.
Flavored Vinegars: Sterilized containers, store in cool place, good for up to 6 months.
Cheesecakes: Refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Casseroles: Refrigerate, covered, good for 10 to 12 hours.
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Layered in a pretty sterilized jar, this gift is always a welcome gift for the upcoming cold nights:
Curried Lentil Soup in a Jar
3/4 Liter glass jar
Serves 8
Mix is good for 6 months
From the bottom, first add:
1/2 cup yellow lentils
1/2 cup red lentils
1/2 cup yellow lentils
1/2 cup red lentils
5 sun-dried tomatoes (not oil-packed)
1-1/2 teaspoons (sealed in a plastic bag or sachet)
2 teaspoons turmeric (sealed in a plastic bag or sachet)
1 dried chile pepper
2 bay leaves
Add a note with instructions:
Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 4 smashed garlic cloves and 1 diced red onion; saute for 6 minutes. Add the contents of the spice bags, the bay leaves and chile pepper from the Curried Lentil Soup Mix and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the rest of the soup mix and 8 cups of water or chicken broth; simmer until the lentils are soft, about one hour. Season with salt.
Please enjoy before June.
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There are various types of popping dried corn and the best for making caramel popcorn can be found online. I ordered the Amish Country Popcorn, Extra Large Caramel Type. This variety is called mushroom.
Caramel
Popcorn
Yields 18 servings
Let the popcorn cool completely before dividing it into holiday tins for giving.
Cooking spray
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 cup light-colored corn syrup
1/3 cup butter
1 tablespoons light molasses
1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
12 cups mushroom (caramel type) popcorn – popped without salt or fat
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
Coat a large jelly roll pan with cooking spray.
Combine sugar, corn syrup, butter and molasses in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring once. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla, baking soda, and salt. Place popcorn in a large bowl, pour sugar mixture over popcorn in a steady stream, stirring to coat.
Spread popcorn mixture into prepared pan. Bake at 250 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven, stir to break up any large clumps. Cool 15 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature. Cool to pack for gifts.
Store in airtight containers.
On your note: Should be eaten in a week.
• • •
You could even pack unpopped popcorn and make this popcorn seasoning:
Truffle-Herb Popcorn
Seasoning
Combine:
1/2 cup grated truffle pecorino cheese
2 teaspoons chopped rosemary
2 teaspoons chopped thyme
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
Toss with 10 cups hot salted popcorn and 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• • •
Here’s a herb-salt rub that can be used when roasting a chicken:
Roast
Chicken Rub
Makes 1/2 cup
Combine:
1/4 cup paprika
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper
Place in a sterilized jar.
On your note: Rub all over the outside and inside cavity of a clean, dry whole chicken before roasting.
• • •
Cider sachets to add into apple cider are a welcome gift for a cold night.
Cider Sachets
Makes 4 cachets
Microwave on a paper towel for 3 minutes:
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Mix with:
1 tablespoon crushed cardamom pods
1 tablespoon cinnamon sticks
2 teaspoons whole allspice
2 teaspoons black peppercorns
1 teaspoon whole cloves
Divide among 4 cheesecloth squares; tie with twine to make bundles.
On note: Heat each sachet in 1 quart apple cider.
Happy holiday giving!
Email Audrey Wilson at audreywilson808@gmail.com.
