"Gourmet" gifts

**pollypurebred39** · 10-11-2009, 03:39 PM

Loving the tumbler and milk tag! I have 2 men on my list that I had no clue what to get and this will definately fit our budget and be a welcome gift!

Thank You!!!

**mauimagic** · 10-11-2009, 04:09 PM

I love gifts in a jar - making and getting them!! A friend gifted me many bags of dried beans, so I am going to do a confetti bean soup gift in a jar!! - that will be for my coworkers in our special ed dept. Last year I made stockings and stuffed them, but unfortunately don't have the dollars to do something like that this year.

Need to think of what our preschoolers are going to make for the office staff and custodians - that I always fun too.

Shall check back here to see what other great ideas you all have!! Mahalo!!

Oh - for sugar free jelly - I am going to experiement with a SF jalapeno jelly!!

**Ceashels** · 10-11-2009, 04:12 PM

I make air popped corn and drizzle melted chocolates over it ... just enough to coat it all. I spread it on a sheet pan so I get a thin layer and sprinkle the colored sprinkles of your choice. Once cool I break it into bite sized pieces and wrap in cellophane bags or clear plastic containers. It is also good with "heath bar crunch", crisp rice, shredded coconut, etc.

I have also dipped apricots or candied ginger into dark chocolate for a really different decadent treat, the apricots really need to be well dried though.

I have also made bread, cinnamon rolls, scones and yeast breads to give to the hand bell choir members.

Really, I've never known anyone to turn down home made treats before and I hope no one else has either.

Oh, one of my clients last year hand dipped mint oreo cookies into dark chocolate.... ABSOLUTELY the BOMBE!!!! I'll be making these this year.

**mauimagic** · 10-11-2009, 05:21 PM

Mahalo Ceashells - it all sounds decadent!!

**geckoace** · 10-11-2009, 05:39 PM

I found this one i think im gonna try it

Potato Soup Mix
Adapted from All Recipes

Makes 1 quart sized jar

2 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups dry milk powder
1-1/2 Tablespoons bouillon granules
2 teaspoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground tumeric
1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until a homogenious mixture is acheived. Pour into a one quart jar.

Attach the following instructions: To serve, place 1/2 cup soup mix in bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until smooth.

**mauimagic** · 10-11-2009, 05:54 PM

Mahalo - sounds good to me - could top with fresh chives and cheddar cheese!!

**sunshine** · 10-11-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by geckoace

I found this one i think im gonna try it

Potato Soup Mix
Adapted from All Recipes

Makes 1 quart sized jar

2 cups instant mashed potatoes
1-1/2 cups dry milk powder
1-1/2 Tablespoons bouillon granules
2 teaspoons chopped onion
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon ground white pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon ground tumeric
1 teaspoon seasoning salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix until a homogenious mixture is acheived. Pour into a one quart jar.

Attach the following instructions: To serve, place 1/2 cup soup mix in bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until smooth.

I made this, along with some others (Alfredo, etc) for my MIL - put in a basket with some garage saled mugs for her gift last year. She loved it.

**sunshine** · 10-11-2009, 07:36 PM

I just keep thinking. . . .

For those diabetic or watching their weight -- how about an ornament?

**sunshine** · 10-11-2009, 07:40 PM

I'm also going to make tea bag wallets and fill with specialty tea bags, for a few special friends.

http://blog.christyscreations.com/tea-wallet-tutorial/

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf46002154.tip.html

http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutori...et/2009/10/04/

http://tipnut.com/tea-wallet/

**ravenmaniac** · 10-11-2009, 09:30 PM

I have enjoyed reading everyone's posts. Great ideas. My sister, niece, daughter, and get together and make fudge. It is easy and everyone loves it.

We also do chocolate dipped pretzels are a big hit. Dip them in white or dark chocolate then shake on some red and green sprinkles.

Homemade cookies and quick breads are nice too.

We always try to make sure our gifts are well presented. Who could resist a snowman gift tag made by a 4-year-old?

**mauimagic** · 10-11-2009, 09:47 PM

Mahalo Sunshine for those great links!!

**Moonface001** · 10-13-2009, 10:37 AM

One year we found some really discounted glass oil bottles, the ones with the pourer at the top. We waited until we found some olive oil on special and then made flavoured olive oil as gifts. Ideally you want 2 or so months to allow the oils to 'flavour'. Basically fill the bottle with oil and then add some dried peppers or dried rosemary. You leave the peppers or what ever in the oil and just make a nice tag or label. If you type flavoured oils in google I'm sure more ideas will come up. In ours we put some dried twigs of rosemary.

One year for Easter we made giant chocolate cookies with sprinkles on top. You could also do this for Christmas.