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 Homemade gifts are not only thoughtful, they are
"tasteful" gifts that shows the recipient is someone
special simply because of the personal effort behind the making
of the gift.
Here are 5 gift recipes from
drink mixes to cookies. With a little imagination, fun containers,
some colorful ribbon or raffia and assorted garnishes such as
cinnamon sticks, wrapped candies and dried peppers you can wrap
these yummy gifts in a festive manner.
One last word of advice, before
using dried herbs and spices in any type of gift mix, be sure
to check for good color (no fading) and an aroma that's strong
and not musty.
MEXICAN SEASONING MIX
1/4 dried onion flakes
1/4 cup chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon granulated garlic
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
2 teaspoons beef-flavored bouillon granules
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons dried cilantro leaves
1. Combine all ingredients. Store
in an airtight container.
Makes 3/4 cup.
DIRECTIONS FOR GIFT RECIPE
CARD:
To make beef taco filing, brown 1 pound ground beef in a skillet
over medium heat, stirring to crumble; drain well. Stir in 1
cup water and 2 tablespoons Mexican Season Mix; bring to a boil,
stirring occasionally. Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 20
minutes. Serve in taco shells with desired accompaniments.
BEAN-PASTA SOUP MIX
3/4 cup dried onion flakes
2 (1/2-ounce) jars dried celery flakes
1/2 cup dried parsley flakes
3 tablespoons dried basil leaves
3 tablespoons dried oregano leaves
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 (2 1/4) ounce jars beef-flavored bouillon granules
1 (16-ounce) package dried black-eyed peas
1 (16-ounce) package dried black beans
1 (16-ounce) package dried kidney beans
1 (16-ounce) package dried navy beans
1 (16-ounce) package small shell pasta, uncooked
- 1. Combine first 7 ingredients;
divide evenly, and place in 6 airtight plastic bags. Add 2 tablespoons
plus 1/4 teaspoon bouillon granules to each bag. Label "Herb
Mix" and seal.
- 2. Combine black-eyed peas and
next 3 ingredients; divide evenly and place in 6 airtight plastic
bags. Label "Bean Mix" and seal.
- 3. Place 1/3 cup pasta into
6 airtight plastic bags. Label "Pasta" and seal.
- 4. Place 1 bag herb mix, 1 bag
bean mix, and 1 bag pasta in a gift container; repeat procedure
with remaining bags.
Makes 6 (3-bag) gifts.
DIRECTIONS FOR GIFT RECIPE
CARD:
Sort and wash bean mix; place in a Dutch oven. Cover with water
2-inches above beans; soak 8 hours or overnight. Drain. Combine
beans, 3 quarts water, herb mix, 1 carrot, chopped, and 2/3 cup
chopped cooked ham in Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; reduce heat,
and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add 1 (14 1/2-ounce)
can stewed tomatoes, undrained, and pasta; cook 15 to 20 minutes.
Note: To use the quick-soak method, place beans in a Dutch oven;
cover
with water 2-inches above beans. Bring to a boil. Remove from
heat; cover,and let stand 1 hour. Drain.
HOT COCOA MIX
1 cup powdered nondairy coffee
creamer
1 cup sifted powdered sugar
1/4 cup cocoa
1/4 cup mint chocolate chips
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows
1 Combine all ingredients; store
in an airtight container.
Makes 2 1/3 cups mix.
DIRECTIONS FOR GIFT RECIPE
CARD:
Add 2/3 cup boiling water to 1/3 cup Hot Cocoa Mix. Makes 1 cup
serving.
Note: Package mix in a plastic
bag and give in a holiday mug with gift
recipe card attached.
SPICE COOKIE MIX
1 (18.25-ounce) package spice
cake mix
1 cup regular oats, uncooked
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
1. Combine all ingredients; store
in an airtight container.
Makes 5 1/4 cups.
DIRECTIONS FOR GIFT RECIPE
CARD:
Place Spice Cookie Mix in a large bowl; stir in 1 large egg,
1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted, and 1 teaspoon
vanilla extract. Drop by round teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased
cookie sheets. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
Transfer to wire racks to cool. Makes 5 dozen.
For more great gift ideas from
your kitchen visit our Gift
Food Mixes For Any Occasion recipe category.
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