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Gifts from your kitchen offer a personal touch
It seems that everyone is tightening their belts these days, but during the gift-giving season, that can encourage more thought and creativity.
Handmade gifts are a great way to get into the true spirit of the holidays by giving a part of yourself.
These five great ideas contain easy-to-find ingredients that are not only simple to make but are budget-friendly as well.
And by using your imagination and creativity, you can create pretty labels and packaging for each gift.
Pasta Fagioli Soup Mix
What better gift at the holidays than a dinner that practically makes itself? With just a few additional fresh ingredients, your friends can turn this gift into a bubbly, warm pot of soup that will satisfy the heartiest of appetites.
Give them the one thing everyone could use more of — free time!
Makes 1 quart jar of soup mix.
For the soup mix:
Pasta Fagioli Soup
Pasta Fagioli Soup Mix
Tip: For that extra-special person, you may want to include these ingredients to a gift basket along with the soup mix:
Every Little Thing Spice
Just like the name says, this spice really is good for and with every little thing. Sprinkle this spice over grilled meats and fish or combine it with vinegar and oil to create a tasty salad dressing and marinade.
Mix it up with some mayonnaise for a zesty sandwich spread or with sour cream for a cool dip.
This will be your go-to spice for all your kitchen creations.
This recipe makes 1⅓ cups, but you can multiply measurements to make as much as you like.
Peppermint Twist Chocolate Bark
I love homemade candies and confections but the idea of candy thermometers and fancy molds is enough to keep me from taking on that task at the busiest time of year. This candy recipe requires no special equipment and is so simple you may end up making it year round.
Makes 2 pounds.
Tip: You can make variations of this chocolate bark by using any number of combinations. Try candied ginger and orange peel or dried cherries and pistachios. You get the idea!
Sugar and Spice Nuts
These sweet and spicy nuts are the perfect tidbit with a glass of bubbly or a steaming mug of tea.
Not only are these nuts super easy to make, but you can use whatever combination of nuts you like. Mix some of these up for your friends and maybe they will have you over to share.
Note: You should use unsalted nuts for this recipe.
Makes about 7 cups.
Whitney Kemp prepares and taste tests recipes for Out Here.