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There here again...the holidays! The flavors, the sights, the lights, the lists, the parties, the gifts, the events, the shopping.... I'm already tired.
My family has been having lots of fun this year creating handmade food and drink gifts. Read below for ideas and recipes for many on your list. Remember the teachers, the neighbors, the party hostess and others, with thoughts and effort from your kitchen.
Peace, Health and Happiness for 2012!
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*Kids in a Pear Tree* |
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A few years ago I created my own 12 days of Christmas with regards to my children and their "gifts" to me throughout the year. Each year I update the "gifts" since my kids are getting older (soiled diapers turned to soiled tissues). Some of these are probably the same at your house... (sung of course to the tune of "A Partridge in a Pear Tree". You know the drill, sing one line then repeat each * previous)
On the first day of Christmas my children gave to me...
*A kiss and big warm hug
On the second day of Christmas my children gave to me..
*Two soiled tissues
On the third day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Three lost teeth
On the fourth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Four hand drawn cards
On the fifth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Five new gray hairs
On the sixth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Six shiny pennies
On the seventh day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Seven pre-chewed bagels
On the eighth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Eight hours of sleeping
On the ninth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Nine songs a singing
On the tenth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Ten jokes a- laughing
On the eleventh day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Eleven hours, no whining
On the twelfth day of Christmas my children gave to me
*Twelve loads of laundry
(#11 is on my wish list, again)
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*Easy and Tasty Gifts for Foodies* |
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The weather outside may be chilly, but mulled wine gift will certainly provide warmth. Or how about a cookie mix in a jar? These make great housewarming and holiday gifts, that can be enjoyed at the host's/recipient's leisure.
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*Crazy for Cookies* |
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Whether it's gifts for neighbors, a school celebration or family fun - the holidays at my house means baking cookies (lots of cookies). This year we made old favorites, but also tried some new. This winning cookie recipe from Dustin and Erin Beutin from Tustin , CA. in Sunset Magazine has become my family's favorite.
Unlike traditional meringues, which are crisp all the way through, these are still chewy on the inside, like mini pavlovas—but with white chocolate chips and plenty of peppermint.
2 large egg whites, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup white chocolate chips
1/3 cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp. coarsely crushed peppermint candies
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 250°. Beat egg whites and cream of tartar in a deep bowl with a mixer, using whisk attachment if you have one, just until soft peaks form. Add vanilla and salt. With motor running and mixer on high speed, pour in 1 tbsp. sugar and beat 10 to 15 seconds, then repeat until all sugar has been added. Scrape inside of bowl and beat another 15 seconds. At this point, meringue should form straight peaks when beaters are lifted. Fold in chocolate chips and 1/3 cup candies with a flexible spatula.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, using a bit of meringue at corners as glue. Using a soup spoon, drop meringue in rounded 1-tbsp. portions slightly apart onto sheets, scraping off with another spoon. Sprinkle with remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. candies.
3. Bake until meringues feel dry and set when touched but are still pale, 30 to 35 minutes, switching pan positions halfway through. Turn off oven, open door, and let cookies stand about 10 minutes. Let cool on pans.
Make ahead: Up to 2 days, stored airtight
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