| Many of us would love to give hand made holiday | | | | 1 pound shortening |
| gift baskets. Christmas gifts from the kitchen are | | | | 2 cups raisins |
| always welcome and Christmas gift baskets, | | | | 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut |
| especially home made food gift baskets, are a | | | | 1 cup chocolate chips |
| real treat. | | | | 1 cup chopped pecans |
| It's easy to become overwhelmed by the thought | | | | In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, sugar, |
| of making your own holiday gift baskets but with | | | | cinnamon, baking powder, salt and baking soda. |
| a few easy recipe ideas it is easy to create a | | | | With a pastry blender, cut in shortening until |
| personalized and thoughtful hand made Christmas | | | | crumbly. |
| food gift basket. | | | | Stir in raisins, coconut, chocolate and pecans. This |
| Any of these recipes make a wonderful gift | | | | mix can be refrigerated in an airtight container for |
| packaged in a plastic or cellophane bag with a | | | | up to 10 weeks. Makes about 5 batches of |
| colorful bow or in a pretty jelly jar with a fabric | | | | cookies. |
| covered lid. Add a hand made card with the | | | | Recipe to print on attached card: |
| recipe attached to it and your gift is complete. | | | | Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies |
| Herbed Beer Batter Bread Mix | | | | 4 cups Oatmeal Cookie Mix |
| To make the mix you will need: | | | | 1 egg, lightly beaten |
| 2 3/4 cups all purpose flour | | | | 2 tablespoons milk |
| 2 tablespoons sugar | | | | 2 teaspoons vanilla |
| 2 tablespoons baking powder | | | | In a bowl, combine the Oatmeal Cookie Mix with |
| 1 teaspoon salt | | | | egg, milk and vanilla until dough forms. Shape into |
| 1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano | | | | 1 1/2" balls and place on greased baking sheets. |
| Dash of dried dill | | | | Flatten balls with a fork. |
| In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking | | | | Bake in 375ºF oven for 15 to 18 minutes or |
| powder, salt oregano, thyme and dill. Pack this | | | | until golden. Remove to racks and let cool. Makes |
| mixture into an airtight container or bag. The mix | | | | 24 cookies. |
| can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 | | | | Spicy Mulled Cider Mix |
| month. It will make 1 loaf of bread. | | | | To make the mix you will need: |
| Recipe to print on attached card: | | | | 3/4 cup crushed cinnamon sticks |
| For Herbed Beer Bread | | | | 3/4 cup chopped dried orange rind |
| Herbed Beer Bread Mix | | | | 1/3 cup whole allspice |
| 1 can of beer at room temperature | | | | 1/4 cup whole cloves |
| 1 teaspoon butter, melted | | | | Combine all ingredients in a jar. Makes about 2 |
| Place the Beer Bread Mix in a large bowl. With a | | | | cups. |
| wooden spoon, stir in beer just until incorporated. | | | | Recipe to print on attached card: |
| Scrape into greased 8"x4" (1.5L) loaf pan. | | | | Spicy Mulled Cider |
| Bake in 375ºF oven for 45 to 50 minutes or | | | | 4 cups apple juice, apple cider, or half apple juice |
| until crusty and golden brown. Let stand in the pan | | | | and half cranberry juice |
| for 5 minutes then remove to rack and brush | | | | 2 tablespoons Spicy Mulled Cider Mix |
| with melted butter. Makes 1 loaf. | | | | In saucepan, combine juice and cider mix. Cover |
| Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookie Mix | | | | and bring to a simmer. Gently simmer for 20 |
| To make the mix you will need: | | | | minutes. Strain into mugs. Makes 4 servings. |
| 6 cups rolled oats | | | | Place a few of these gems in a wicker basket, |
| 4 cups all-purpose flour | | | | Christmas tin or other fun and seasonal container. |
| 3 cups packed brown sugar | | | | Fill in the spaces with wrapped chocolates, holiday |
| 2 teaspoons cinnamon | | | | napkins or a bottle of wine and you have beautiful |
| 2 teaspoons baking powder | | | | and sure to be appreciated holiday gift baskets |
| 1 1/2 teaspoons salt | | | | with that extra personal touch. |
| 1 teaspoon baking soda | | | | |