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Instead of a plate of cookies for<br />
your neighbor or candy for your coworkers<br />
this year, why not mix things<br />
up with some creative and savory<br />
gifts that are sure to please? Many of<br />
these ideas can be pulled together in<br />
a snap, but there’s nothing wrong with<br />
a quick — and tasty — stop<br />
at the market if you are in a<br />
hurry.<br />
Make It a Meal<br />
These gifts do double time<br />
by easing the burden of cooking.<br />
Treat your friends to<br />
breakfast with a container of<br />
homemade granola or pancake<br />
mix, or spoil them with<br />
a gift card to a favorite restaurant<br />
or grocery store. A jar<br />
each of marinara and pesto<br />
and a pound of pasta come<br />
in handy for a quick dinner.<br />
A basket with chutney, salsa<br />
and simmering sauces solves<br />
the dinner dilemma when<br />
chicken is added. Consider<br />
a cookbook, coupon for delivery<br />
of a homemade meal,<br />
or a loaf of artisan bread and<br />
packet of soup mix.<br />
Spice Is Nice<br />
Savory herb blends, barbecue rubs<br />
and spiced nuts are just a few of the<br />
gifts that can be assembled with minimal<br />
effort. Start with fresh spices (when<br />
in doubt, throw it out), package your<br />
creations in decorative jars, and make<br />
sure to include a gift tag with ingredients<br />
and directions for use. Blend<br />
together some dried basil, oregano,<br />
tarragon, marjoram, rosemary and<br />
thyme for a heavenly smelling herb<br />
blend that can be used to season just<br />
about anything from steaks to salad<br />
dressings. Add some ground lavender<br />
or mint for a unique twist. If you would<br />
rather shop than prep, pick up a few<br />
small bottles of herb-infused olive oil or<br />
a small, potted basil or rosemary plant.<br />
Cheers to the Holidays!<br />
Mulling spices with a jug of fresh<br />
apple cider or a mason jar filled with<br />
homemade hot cocoa mix will please<br />
young and old alike. Dip plastic<br />
spoons in melted chocolate and then<br />
harden in the freezer for 30 seconds<br />
before wrapping in cellophane and<br />
add them to your gift basket. Tins of<br />
loose tea and a tea infuser or assorted<br />
tea bags in a fancy tea cup are just<br />
the thing for a tea-loving friend, or<br />
pick up a pound of coffee from a local<br />
roaster and a bag of biscotti for the<br />
coffee drinkers on your list. Beer-lovers<br />
will delight in a home-brewing kit, and<br />
they might even share some suds!<br />
Barbecue Spice Rub<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1/3 cup sea salt<br />
1/3 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup smoked paprika<br />
2 tablespoons ground black pepper<br />
2 tablespoons oregano<br />
1 tablespoon garlic powder<br />
2 teaspoons dried thyme<br />
1 teaspoon dried mustard<br />
Method:<br />
Mix ingredients together and portion<br />
into glass jars tied with a ribbon<br />
for an easy gift. Use on chicken, fish or<br />
vegetables.<br />
www.SouthwestOrlandoBulletin.com x December 20, 2018 — January 9, 2019 x 5<br />
FOODIE FOR<br />
Gourmet Gift-Giving<br />
Popular Presents for Food-Loving Friends<br />
M&M’s Cookie Mix in a Jar is a festive gift of homemade<br />
goodness.<br />
THOUGHT<br />
by Kirsten Harrington<br />
M&M’s<br />
Cookie Mix in a Jar<br />
Layer the ingredients carefully<br />
using a funnel or folded<br />
paper plate for a pretty, layered<br />
look. Decorate the top of<br />
the mason jar with fabric or tie<br />
with a pretty bow. There will<br />
be a little extra space at the<br />
top of the jar. Either add some<br />
extra M&M’s for color or allow<br />
the fabric from the lid to hang<br />
down to cover. Be sure to include<br />
baking ingredients with<br />
the cookie mix.<br />
Ingredients:<br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
1 cup of red and green M&M’s<br />
or chocolate chips<br />
1/3 cup light brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup granulated sugar<br />
1-quart mason jar<br />
Assembly:<br />
Mix flour, baking powder, baking<br />
soda and salt together in a small bowl.<br />
Pour into mason jar. Drop M&Ms in<br />
lightly so they don’t sink into the flour.<br />
Using a spoon, carefully scoop brown<br />
sugar then granulated sugar into the jar.<br />
Seal with lid and decorate with fabric<br />
or ribbon.<br />
Attach baking instructions to the jar:<br />
Pour the contents of jar into a large<br />
bowl and stir to combine. Add 1/2<br />
cup of barely melted (not hot) butter,<br />
one beaten egg and 2 teaspoons<br />
vanilla extract. Stir to combine, then<br />
chill 30 minutes. Make golf-ball-sized<br />
cookies and place onto baking sheet.<br />
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes<br />
or until centers of cookies are just<br />
set. ª<br />
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