When people are busy baking and cooking for Christmas, it's easy to do a little extra to pass on as gifts, especially if things can be made in advance. It's a great way to save money and create personal gifts that friends will truly appreciate. Here are some ideas for tasty holiday treats.
Sweet Treats on a Budget
Cookies are an obvious choice for gifts when you're following a holiday budget. Many recipes can be made ahead of time and frozen, or at least choose recipes in which the dough can be prepared and frozen. All that's left to do is slice and bake when Christmas is near.
Think the preserving days of summer are over? Buy frozen fruit to make jam reminiscent of those warm days, or choose a seasonal fruit such as cranberries to offer friends a festive touch to a holiday brunch table.
Create a hot chocolate or instant cappuccino mix. Use premium ingredients, such as Belgian chocolate or organic coffee beans, for a luxurious taste that everyone will appreciate.
Truffles are extravagant – not exactly a budget gift but well worth every penny. Again, top quality ingredients make them worth the effort to make. The good news: just give each friend a few in a pretty box. A small taste to savor is enough to satisfy.
No time to bake cookies? Offer friends a mix for baking oatmeal cookies; all they do is add the liquid ingredients, stir and bake. Layer each ingredient in reverse order in a clear jar for a pretty presentation. Be sure to attach the recipe on a card. For those who lack a sweet tooth, offer a mix for soup, seasonings for dips or rice, or a mulling spice mix.
Think no one wants Christmas cake? Think again. Try an updated version with dried tropical fruits and rum instead of brandy.
Turn Savory Snacks into Gifts
For friends who enjoy the occasional cocktail, buy plain alcohol and add flavorings for a special drink. Tia Maria is a popular option. These need to sit for a few weeks, so make them early.
Mix up several kinds of nuts, bake them with seasonings and package them for friends for quick afternoon snacks. They're healthier, and tastier, than store-bought varieties.
Trail mix is an ever-popular option, whether friends are hiking the local forests or not.
Making Christmas gifts is a great way to not only save money but also stick to a budget while creating special, meaningful presents. There are options for everyone from novice bakers to experienced candy makers, most of which can be done quickly at the last minute or ahead of time and frozen. Gifts from the kitchen are a tasty, and inexpensive, addition to any Christmas list.
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