Short on cash this holiday season? While some may take up knitting to avoid spending lots of money during the holidays, non-crafty types need another option. Why not try making edible holiday gifts this year? You don't have to be crafty to make a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Here are four recipes that are easy to prepare. Dress them up with a glass jar and a festive piece of fabric or ribbon, and your friends and family will be calling you "Martha." Best of all, these recipes include nutrient-dense ingredients like non-fat dry milk, cocoa, wheat germ, flaxseeds, and nuts. So, go to the grocery store instead of the mall this month to shop for all your holiday gifts.
HOT COCOA MIX 2 cups non-fat dry milkSugar substitute equivalent to 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa 1/2 cup non-dairy creamer1 dash of saltminiature marshmallows, optional
Combine ingredients and mix well. Divide into airtight gift containers and include an instruction card.
To include on instruction card:
Stir 3 to 4 tablespoons of mixture into a mug of hot water. Add marshmallows.
CHAI TEA MIX (modified from allrecipes.com)1 cup non-fat dry milk powder1 cup powdered non-dairy creamer1 cup French vanilla flavored powdered non-dairy creamerSugar substitute equivalent to 2 ? cups sugar1 ? cups unsweetened instant tea2 teaspoons ground ginger2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1 teaspoon ground cloves1 teaspoon nutmeg
Combine ingredients and mix well. In a blender or food processor, blend 1 cup at a time, until mixture is the consistency of fine powder. Divide into airtight gift containers and include an instruction card.
To include on instruction card:
Stir 2 heaping tablespoons of mixture into a mug of hot water.
GRANOLA (modified from allrecipes.com)8 cups rolled oats1 ? cups wheat germ1 ? cups oat bran? cup ground flaxseeds? cup sunflower seeds1 cup finely chopped almonds1 cup finely chopped walnuts1 ? teaspoons salt? cup brown sugar? cup maple syrup? cup honey1 cup canola oil1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1 tablespoon vanilla extract2 cups dried fruit
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment or aluminum foil.
Combine the oats, wheat germ, oat bran, sunflower seeds, almonds, flaxseeds and walnuts in a large bowl. In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together the salt, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Bring to a boil then pour over the dry ingredients and stir to coat. Spread the mixture out evenly on the baking sheets.
