Special Gifts from the Kitchen
Giving a gift from the kitchen in a fun and economical way to let someone know you are thinking of them during this time of year. The time and love that go into creating your special treat is really appreciated by the receiver. My daughters and I will have our official holiday baking day this weekend. Here are a couple of our favorite recipes for gift-giving.
Fancy Cashew Brittle
First prepare a cookie sheet by greasing it well with butter; set aside. In a 2-quart glass measuring cup with a handle, stir together 1 can (9.5 oz. or 2 cups) salted cashew halves with pieces, 1 cup sugar and ½ cup corn syrup. Microwave, uncovered, on high until the mixture is light brown, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring halfway through. Use oven mitts to remove the mixture from the microwave and stir in 1 teaspoon butter and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla. Return to microwave, at high, for 1-1/2 -2 minutes. The mixture should become caramel colored. Using oven mitts, remove the mixture from the microwave and stir in 1 teaspoon baking soda. Stir quickly and thoroughly until the mix is light and foamy. Spread the mixture out on the cookie sheet as quickly as possible. Cool completely and break into pieces.
Notes: Each batch makes about 3 gifts. I like to put the brittle in holiday tins or clear glass jars with a bow for gift giving. To make clean up easier, fill bowl with very hot water and let it sit to dissolve the sugar mixture.
Cherry Almond Clusters
Break up 8 oz. of semisweet or dark baking chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on High power for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through the heating time. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add 1 cup of toasted*, slivered almonds and 1 cup of dried tart cherries; mix until completely coated with chocolate. Drop by teaspoons onto waxed paper. Refrigerate until firm.
*To toast almonds: Spread almonds on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Put some of these delicious treats in a small zip lock bag and place in a gift bag.
You can also make a loaf of your favorite quick bread – banana, apple, pumpkin, etc. Wrap up a loaf in a pretty holiday kitchen towel and tie with a ribbon.
Enjoy!
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Francis
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marandatv
I always had an interest in food and nutrition and attended Central Michigan University to earn a Bachelors Degree in Dietetics. Several years later, I went back to college to obtain my Masters degree in Human Nutrition from Andrews University. I have been a Registered Dietitian for 27 years and have spent the last 20 years working with Supermarkets. I discovered years ago that grocery stores were a great place to reach consumers and help them obtain accurate nutrition information. I also realized that busy families are looking for quick, affordable, and healthy ideas for meals. In my position as Healthy Living Manager at Meijer I spend a lot of time working with food manufacturers and commodity groups to search out and create easy recipes that can become part of family-pleasing menus. Although my two daughters are now grown and married, my husband and I continue to enjoy cooking together and creating new recipes with nutritious ingredients. I hope my information provides you and your family with easy ideas to live a healthy life!