Isn't it Gr8 when the doorbell rings and a friend has delivered a homemade goody? Last Christmas we received a loaf of Chocolate Rum Cake from a friend, and boy was it heavenly! I remember the flavor to this day, chocolate-y, moist and just a hint of rum.
And we all know that it's better to give than receive, right? So how about spending a day making DIY holiday gifts, some delightful and delectable goodies to surprise your friends! Sure you can pick up the pre-made gifts from Costco, Williams-Sonoma, Target, etc. but if you make it yourself, it tastes better because of that one secret ingredient....Love! (And your Christmas budget will not suffer as much!)
With just weeks until Christmas and Hanukkah, choose a day on your calendar, make your shopping list and get cooking! And, Gr8 Friends, we have several recipes that are easy to make and yummy to taste. These recipes can all be made ahead of time and either refrigerated or frozen; so when the time comes just wrap them in a pretty ribbon and you have the perfect gift!
Cookies
Most cookies freeze really well. If you don't want to dedicate a whole day to baking you can pick a couple of evenings and make a batch a night. After they are cool, wrap them up using wax paper to separate the layer, seal them well in foil, mark the package and put in the freezer, easy!
The cookie of choice for Kyle's son is her No-Bake Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies. I guarantee you will make friends with this recipe. It is divine...and the best part is...no baking required!
In my family, Snickerdoodles are the favorite cookie. So I always make sure to bake a couple of batches and have them in the freezer. Believe me, you can never have too many of these cinnamon-y gems!
If you love Almond Cookies as much as I do, then these will be part of your treat gifts. Jurga shared this delicious cookie recipe...Gr8 for any time of year!
Candy
This Creamy Caramel recipe can be doubled, tripled or quadrupled to make a giant batch. Simply wrap them up and delight your friends and family.
Kyle makes a white and dark chocolate Peppermint Bark...I dare you to stop at just one piece! Wrap them up quick, or you won't have any left to give away!
And our all time favorite here at Great Eight Friends is Jurga's English Toffee...crunchy, chocolatey amazingness. Your family and friends will request it year after year. Have a toffee making party so everyone can get in on the fun!
No Bake Gifts!
Here are some gift basket ideas you can put together with no baking or cooking at all!
One of the most affordable gifts is popcorn! Debbie's DIY Microwave Popcorn method is so easy! Print out the recipe on pretty paper, pack up some popcorn kernels, paper bags, and some flavored popcorn salt in one of these cute plastic popcorn boxes. Wrap it all up in cellophane and keep a few under the tree for those unexpected reciprocation moments. You'll be glad you did!
If you want to spring for a little more and really give a showstopper gift, make a martini basket. Print out a recipe or two of your favorite martini (we suggest a Thyme Martini or Peppadew Martini), gather the necessary "ingredients," and package them pretty. This is an elegant gift to give to the host and hostess of that fabulous holiday party or for the person who has everything.
So grab your calendar (or open the app on your phone!) and get planning so you have some wonderful goodies to give away!
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Post edited and re-published from original publish date of November 12, 2016.
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