Homemade Foodie Gifts
December 15, 2011Homemade Foodie Gifts
Ugh, it’s gift giving season. I know that’s a Scrooge-y way of putting it, but it is not easy, this gift giving thing. I enjoy giving gifts; it’s the selection process that is so tough, at least for some of the people on my list.
The babies and young children are the easiest, it doesn’t take much to make them happy, a new toy and pretty candy and they are happy. Even the tweens and teenagers aren’t too bad, beauty products, music, video games and of course gift cards (that’s what they really like), not too painful to shop for. For the young adult, things start getting a little more challenging, they are usually starting out on their own so things for the house, and the car, etc. are nice, gift cards don’t hurt either.
Now things start to get more difficult, typically adults have an established job, home and kids, which means most of the time they buy what they want. What they haven’t bought yet is probably out of the gift giving money range, unless it’s a much needed spa day. What about the parents or grandparents? If they are like mine, they already have too much “stuff” so what to get them?
The up side to gift giving for adults is that they actually appreciate homemade and handcrafted gifts. Especially consumable gifts, this way they don’t have to figure out what to do with the ugly sweater they got or have to go back to the store to exchange a gift. Or worse yet hide it until you come to visit then bring it out and pretend they like it. The best consumable gifts are food gifts especially if they are packaged nicely.
Try taking a break from shopping and whip up some homemade foodie gifts; after all, the way to someone’s heart is through their tummy. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started.
Recipe
Homemade Soup Mix
You can dry your own vegetables or purchase them (the camping and hiking sections are a good place to find them). Don’t forget to include the cooking directions when you give this gift
1 to 1 ½ cups uncooked fine egg noodles or other small pasta
1 to 1 ½ cups mixed dried vegetables – optional
2 tablespoons flavored bouillon granules (chicken, beef or vegetable)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon celery seeds
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons dried minced onions
Plus any dried herb combination below:
¼ teaspoon thyme
¼ teaspoon oregano
¼ teaspoon basil
¼ teaspoon chervil
¼ teaspoon parsley
To assemble the soup mix: In a quart sized canning jar or another similar type container, layer the noodles on the bottom (use 1 cup noodles with veggies and 1 ½ cup noodles without veggies). Cut a piece of parchment or wax paper to create a divider, place it over the noodles and layer the veggies on top. In a small bowl mix the bouillon, black pepper, celery seeds, garlic powder, bay leaf, minced onions and dried herbs. Place seasoning mix in a small zipper lock bag and tuck into the top of the jar.
Cooking Directions for the Soup
(List type of Soup here i.e. Chicken) Soup Mix Directions
In a large pot bring 8 cups of water to a boil with the seasoning mix and dried vegetables (if using). Once it comes to a boil, turn the heat down and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Return to a boil and add noodles. Gently boil noodles until they are cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Note: if other noodles, like macaroni are used, increase cooking time whatever is recommended on the package.
Chili Seasoning Mix
Package this mix up simply with a wooden spoon or make a nice gift basket with some soup mugs and cornbread mix.
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules (optional)
In a small bowl, mix all ingredient, store in an air tight container or bag.
Chili Cooking Directions
2 tablespoons oil
2 pounds ground meat (hamburger, turkey, chicken, or sausage)
2 cans chili beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
1 cup water (or more if needed)
Another favorite is popcorn mixes. You can get the recipe here.
You can read more recipes and ramblings at The Kitchen Witch, or follow on Facebook and Twitter@TKWblog. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author and or owner of The Kitchen Witch. All rights reserved by Rhonda Adkins.
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Sounds great. I love the Popcorn mixes above they look delicious. It is such a great idea to have Homemade Foodie Gifts as a Christmas gift. Glad to know about the recipe and I really appreciate it.
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