This year I find it more satisfying to give home made gifts. It's kinder to our wallets and also much more thoughtful. I enjoy getting hand made goodies and treats. I've already received one-of-a-kind earrings (or should I say two of a kind) and some baked goodies.
I've decided that all my foodie friends will receive delicious tapenade (recipe to follow), my party crew will get infused vodka, and those in my inner circle will get personalized photo books.
It sounds like serious time consuming work, but when you compare this to: the amount of time it takes to find a parking spot at a shopping mall, wait in line, and then fight traffic home made gifts really are worth your while. For those that aren't into food, vodka, or pictures, I purchase their gifts online (another great time saver).
The main things to keep in mind when making edible gifts are: cleanliness, appropriate food handling techniques, packaging, and last but not least, the recipient.
Last Christmas I received a delicious batch of Chex mix coated with powdered sugar and mixed with chocolate chips. I am pretty sure there was some butter mixed into the formula, because it was also a little savory. After I had consumed most of the yummy treat, I looked down and saw a crinkly strand of hair...it was really crinkly. My friend who gave me the mix has a dog, so I made myself believe that it was dog hair instead of the other option (dry heaving now as I recall the memory). To my knowledge I had not wronged her so the "extra ingredient" shouldn't have been intentional. To this day, we are friends but I don't consume the edible gifts she gives me. I just didn't have the heart to tell her and embarrass her.
So, happy gift making and please be clean!
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