Showing posts with label Homemade Gifts for the Holidays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homemade Gifts for the Holidays. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 1

Homemade Gifts for the Holidays






















The holidays are the perfect time to pull out all the stops on your creativity. I personally love to make gifts and luscious treats for everyone. One of my favorite things to do is to make a Gumdrop Wreath or Candy Wreath. It's so simple that even the kids will enjoy helping.

To make the wreath, you'll need a plastic craft foam wreath form (which can be purchased at any craft store), masking tape, wire, wooden picks, jumbo gumdrops and ribbon. The quantities needed will depend on the size of your wreath.

Begin by wrapping masking tape around what will be the top of the wreath. The tape reinforces the wreath for hanging. Wrap wire around the wreath over the tape, bending the wire into a hanging loop at the back of the wreath. Break wooden picks in half, inserting the broken ends into the gumdrops. Cover the top and sides of the wreath with gumdrops. Tie a bow at the top of the wreath, hinding the wire.

There you have it! A fun and festive wreath to hang on your door or to give as a gift to a friend or teacher. Now how fun is that? It's amazing all the things we can do with food.

This is just one simple yet fun idea for the holidays. Check back often for more recipes, tips and creative ideas all food related for the upcoming holidays.

Sunday, January 25

Candied Pecans


Next Sunday is SuperBowl Sunday and I know many of you will be having lots of friends over to watch the game or going to a friends house. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or bringing a dish to your friends here's a great snack that everyone's sure to love.


So in addition to my "Quick and Savory Chili" for SuperBowl Sunday, here are my "Candied Pecans". Serve them as snack food; in your salads or as a topping for desserts. They are sure to please everyone that nibbles on them!


Candied Pecans


1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Dash of ground cloves
2 cups pecan halves ( I use roasted pecans that I purchase at The Wine & Cheese Place)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Combine first 4 ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly (about 8-10 minutes).


Add pecans and vanilla, cook until all syrup is absorbed and pecans are coated, stirring constantly (about 12 minutes - will look powdery).


Spread pecan mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment. (Pecans will have a sugar coating)


Cool completely and store in airtight container


Yields approx. 3 1/2 cups