Thursday, May 14, 2009

Easy Food Christmas Gifts







Delight your friends and family members with delicious food gifts for Christmas. Choose specialty items that they can use at holiday gatherings or as decadent desserts. Consider the gift recipients' food preferences and dietary restrictions when designing the gifts. Present the food items in festive packaging: Dress up basic baskets and boxes using simple craft items and decorations.


Cheese Basket


Delight a friend with an easy-to-assemble cheese basket. Buy a woven basket and decorate the handle with a red or green ribbon. Fill the basket with a selection of cheeses, ranging from brie to sharp cheddar. Round out the gift with a variety of crackers, a wire cheese cutter and a complementary snack, such as nuts or chocolate. You can also design or order a pre-made gourmet cheese and wine basket.


Peppermint Bark


Whip up a few batches of peppermint bark, a quintessential Christmas treat. Make several types, such as dark, milk and white chocolate bark. Decorate the top of the bark with crushed candy cane pieces. You can also purchase bark from a candy shop if you don't want to spend time in the kitchen. Wrap the bark in red or green cellophane and tie it with festive gold or silver ribbon.


Homemade Pancake Mix


Treat a friend to homemade pancake mix. Mix all of the dry ingredients together; all the gift recipient will have to do is add eggs and liquid ingredients. Pour the mix into a country-inspired mason jar; cover the metal lid with a piece of red and green fabric for a festive flair. Tie a little scoop around the top of the jar using twine. Complete the delicious gift with a jar of real maple syrup.


Mini Bread Loaves


Surprise a family with a selection of mini bread loaves. Using small bread pans, make a variety of breads, such as banana walnut, zucchini, orange cranberry, chocolate chip and lemon poppyseed. After they are cooled, wrap each loaf in separate pieces of clear cellophane and red and green ribbons. Place the loaves into a box or basket for a decorative presentation. Each family member will get to choose their favorite type of bread.


Hot Cocoa Mugs


Hot cocoa makes a warm and cozy Christmas gift. Buy individual packages of gourmet hot chocolate and place them into mugs that feature a holiday design, such as a Christmas tree or snowman. You can also customize a plain white mug using craft paints and stencils. Present the gift with peppermint stir sticks and miniature marshmallows.

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