Instead of buying all your gifts, why not bake them?
Not everyone is a baker so at this time of year, a homemade baked gift is a treat to many. Christmas cookies are the traditional homemade gift but no one is going to say no to a homemade pie, cake or other baked item.
Giving a homemade, baked gift to a neighbor, your child’s teacher or other person that you want to recognize this time of year is an easy gift to give. There are several ways to package your gift and here are some tips for homemade gift giving.
Christmas cookies can be packaged in a variety of ways. Many stores sell Christmas tins, plastic containers and even boxes specifically for cookies. Another idea is to use holiday-themed Ziploc bags and finish it off with a festive bow. You may also decorate the cookies. Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies are traditional favorites.
While you are baking for your family, bake a few extra cakes to use as gifts. Round and Square shaped-cakes never go out of fashion, but if you have kids in mind, invest in some Christmas shaped cake pans.
For cakes, pies and other baked goods there are several options. You can purchase inexpensive Christmas or holiday-themed tins but another idea is to check out glassware, plastic plates and other containers at a dollar store.
CHOOSE the right gift.
Put your best foot forward. Bake your speciality, not what's new on the cover of a magazine. (So what if your speciality is Fudge... yours will taste better than a supermarket version.)
What are the likes and dislikes of your recipient? Any food allergies?
Quick breads, easy to make, are also widely popular as Christmas gifts. Bread Machine makes the task of baking several loaves all the more easier. Wrap loaves individually in cellophane and tie with a bow to make perfect gifts. Pumpkin Bread, Cranberry Bread, Gingerbread, Chocolate Shortbread, Banana Bread etc. are great favorites at this time of the year.
Muffins and Cupcakes look very attractive in their paper cases lined up in a decorative gift box. Decorate cupcakes by spreading smooth jam all over the surface and then sprinkling desiccated coconut over them for a lovely red-white effect. You can further enhance the look by placing 3 holly leaves, cut out from green marzipan and 3 little red marzipan balls to represent the berries
PRESENTATION is everything.
Why not try putting a few pieces of Espresso Chocolate Chip Shortbread in a large coffee mug and wrap it in cellophane?
Just some Ginger Crackles on a holiday party plate makes a good gift.
Always include a copy of the recipe with every gift.
MAILING those gifts?
Choose the right desserts to mail that won't break, melt, spill, or spoil, if delayed in the mail. (Pound Cake is always a safe bet. It's heavy, but it doesn't fall apart.)
Use a sturdy mailing container like a heavy box or a cookie tin.
Don't be afraid to wrap your baked good like you would a piece of fine china. Use plastic wrap to encase the food and then use tissue paper or bubble wrap for extra protection.
You can't go wrong with baked gifts from the kitchen!
Always remember, A present made by you is much better that a store bought one.
Give this holiday favorite a try!
Cranberry Orange Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups chopped cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg until well blended. Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest and 2 tablespoons orange juice. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the orange mixture. Mix in cranberries and if using, walnuts, until evenly distributed. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Cookies should be spaced at least 2 inches apart.
3. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes in the preheated oven, until the edges are golden. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, 3 tablespoons orange juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Spread over the tops of cooled cookies. Let stand until set
Happy Holidays! Enjoy!
