Looking for the perfect holiday gift to share? Why not delight your family and friends with some homemade tasty treats! For not much money and very little time, whip up something extra special for the holidays. Check these edible ideas out!
Gingerbread cookies
Heat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, whisk together ¾ cup flour, 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1/ teaspoon ground cloves, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using an electric mixer, beat ½ cup butter and 2/3 cups sugar until smooth. Add one egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add the flour mixture. Shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes. On a floured surface, roll the dough to ¼ inch thick. Using cookie cutters, cut into shapes; place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake until firm, 10 to 12 minutes.
Chocolate fudge
Melt ½ stick butter, 4 cups marshmallows, 1 cup cream, 2 cups sugar and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Simmer and stir for 5 mins. Off the heat and stir in 3 cups of choc chips until smooth. Spread in a foil lined pan and let cool. Cut into squares.
Peanut butter fudge – melt 2 sticks of butter in a pan with 1 cup peanut butter. Off the heat, stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 pound sugar. Spread in a foil lined square pan. Press ½ cup chopped peanuts on top. Chill until firm and cut into squares.
Chocolate truffles
Bring 1 cup cream and ½ stick butter to a boil in a saucepan. Pour over 1 pound, finely chopped chocolate in a bowl. When melted, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and stir until smooth. Chill until firm. Scoop with a spoon and roll into balls. Then roll onto chopped nuts or cocoa.
Cocoa almonds
Melt 8 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate with 2 teaspoons shortening in microwave. Dip toasted almonds in melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off. Transfer to a foil lined pan. When firm, roll in cocoa powder.
Peanut butter banana chocolate chip bread.
Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour a standard loaf pan and set aside. In a bowl whisk 2 cups flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt together. Separately beat ¼ cup butter and ¾ cup brown sugar until combined. Mix in ¾ cup peanut butter and 1 cup mashed ripe banana. Mix in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Add flour mixture and beat on low until combined. Pour in 1 cup milk and beat on low until batter is smooth. Mix in 1 cup chocolate chips. Add batter to loaf pan and evenly spread out. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center springs back when pressed with a fingertip.
Tip : home-made spice mixes/blends are also a great gift idea. Check out our article on how to make them on:
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