After what seems like FOREVER (even though it was less than a week) I'm back to my little home in cyberspace! We've had our ginormous annual garage sale to kick off the holiday season, decorated the yard with hanging boy scouts and cooking witches, and I'm acclimating to working part-time. I can't wait to visit my foodie friends and see what's cooking out there! But first, let's kick off the holidays here!
Can you believe it's mid October?! For those of us creating holiday gifts from our hearts & sewing machines & kitchens, time is going by way too fast! Need some original ideas?
Below are some things I'm making myself and links to things that I think rock! If you're looking for some new ideas, these might just inspire you.
Are you already inspired? Want to share your ideas? Link up your post below. I'll have a link to this guide up and running through the holidays.
Herb Seasoning Salt – I can't wait to make this! It won't ship well so only my local pals will get any, but it's still a great gift idea. All the goodies you start with in a home cooked meal; Onions, green onions, garlic, bell peppers, parsley and bay leaves all in a salt base. This recipe makes plenty to share! Make sure you keep it refrigerated and it will last for months.
The link will take you to the full post with instructions. A lot of questions are covered in the comment section as well.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix – A spicy, fun recipe that is begging to be in some cool container you've found along the way. Originally found at the Food Renegade and tweaked slightly, it's my go-to mix for all things Mexican!
This recipe makes about 10 tablespoons. The basic rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons of mix per 1 lb. of meat. It replaces 1 packet of pre-packaged taco seasoning. I also use this as the base for chili and adjust chili powder and cumin as necessary.
1/4 C. plus 1 Tbsp. Chili Powder
2 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder
1 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
1 1/4 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1 1/4 tsp. Dried Oregano
2 1/2 tsp. Paprika
2 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cumin
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Sea Salt
1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. Black Pepper
Homemade Vanilla Extract – Although too late to give the finished product, try a “kit” approach. The original recipe is for a fifth of vodka, buy small bottles for kits. Include a small bottle of vodka (you need approximately 6 oz.), 2 vanilla beans, and a cool glass bottle from any thrift store. Print instructions that include information about keeping the bottle in a dark cabinet and shaking periodically. Vanilla will be ready in 3 – 6 months.
Chai Tea Mix – I love getting stuff in a basket that I can test as soon as I open it. This recipe for Chai tea is one of those things. Just add a teaspoon to about 6 ounces of boiling water and enjoy!
Toasted Walnuts With Rosemary and Sage – From Whole Foods Markets, a recipe that is easy and yummy!
Re-Usable Produce Bags – From a wonderful site called Wisdom Of The Moon, try your hand at this super easy pattern for re-usable produce bags made from recycled sheers. (I'm going to put my vanilla extract kits into these).
Re-Usable Grocery Bags – This pattern is based on the plastic bags from the grocery store. Let your imagination run wild with the fabric you have on hand to create some seriously cool bags that could double as totes for anything.
How about a couple of recipes for bath gifts? I found both of these recipes at TipNut.com on different pages. Follow the links below to see the other recipes on each page.
The first recipe will dissolve so there is no need to make a bag, just present it in a cool jar with some instructions and you're done.
Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup in the bath. You could also include the recipe on your label.
Cinnamon Soak
1 cup powdered milk
1 cup baking soda
3 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS cream of tartar
1 1/2 TBS cinnamon
This next recipe does need a bag because the contents are not ground prior to use. The oatmeal will soothe dry skin and the rosemary/chamomile mix will smell great!
Rosemary Oatmeal Bath Tea
1/2 cup Oatmeal
1/4 cup Rosemary (dried)
1/4 cup Chamomile (tea is fine)
Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup to each bag. If you don't want to buy bags, try cutting squares of cheesecloth and tying off the top with a ribbon.
It's your turn! If you're making something cool this season or you found a link that rocks, add it below. Don't forget to check back often for new additions.
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6 Comments - Click Here To Leave Yours:
Wow - what great ideas! I especially love the soaks! How much fun -- I need to get my act together and start planning.
I have vanilla doing its thing hopefully to be ready by Christmas, I also made a cinnamon extract with the same liquor just using cinnamon sticks. I love the idea of giving Mexican seasonings - thanks!
Oh, I like the idea of the seasoned salt - and I never thought about a taco/texmex seasoning before. Thanks for the links and ideas!
Followed over f/ Carfty Cierra's
This is so thoughtful, thanks and thanks again for sharing. I have to learn do some funky ideas for my christmas presents.
What great ideas! I gave out some chai tea mix a few years ago and it was a big hit. Always looking for new ideas. Thanks for putting this list together.
I've given homemade vanilla before, but your kit idea is great! I'm adding that to my list...
Jami
An Oregon Cottage
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