EASY homemade goodies for gifts

[marshallandcartersmo]

Hey all---I've been trying to think of some inexpensive but heartfelt gifts to give people that usually get overlooked (Sunday school teachers, nursery workers, co-workers) this holiday season and it seems like baked "treats" are a good way to go. Put them in a cute tin and you're set..............the problem is I am not a good baker and not very creative. Any suggestions on some easy cookie/candy recipies that I can make a large batch of? I've done the "cookie in a jar" thing before so I'm looking for other ideas. Thanks!!!

 

[kellyg403]

We do chocolate covered pretzels in tins. Its a tradition for our neighbors! So easy too. Put your pretzels on parchment paper, melt the chocolate and drizzle on your pretzels. We have used every kind of pretzel. Fairly cheap and makes ALOT. Can use different types of chocolates.

Kelly

 

[ChristyJ]

We've also made the chocolate-covered pretzels-we usually use pretzel rods (nice crispy ones!!) and coat about 3/4 in chocolate, then roll them (or sprinkle on) a variety of toppings-I like to make dk. chocolate with crushed heath bar or M&Ms-also love to make white vanilla ones with crushed candy canes!

Another things we've done the past two years is to make the "cookie mix/brownie mix" in a jar. There are various resources to get the recipes and you layer all of the dry ingredients in a Mason jar (or I've also bought the small batter bowls from Pampered Chef that come with a top). They look pretty!

 

[wide awake]

Easiest and best peanut butter cookies...
1 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup sugar
1 teas baking soda.
Mix, use a teas to drop on ungreased cookie sheets...the above makes 2 dozen...sprinkle w/ granulated sugar and do the fork thing...bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Yummy, easy, and everyone loves them. If you want to make them more festive you can always top w/ a choc kiss. When cool wrap. Probably best to make at least one batch for yourself.

Easy white chocolate/peanut butter fudge. Melt 1 part white chocolate and add 1 part peanut butter...chunky or creamy...spread in a pan, chill, and cut.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I just did some cookie mixes in a jar.

Here's a website with a bunch of recipes:
http://www.recipe-recipes.net/index.htm


When you do assembly line method--it's quick and easy and your kitchen doesn't get heated up and you exhausted from the baking .

Got the idea when someone gave me one as a gift in our homeschool group. .

 

[Beca]

This is my favorite!!! It is a "no bake" recipe. Every time I make these and give them as gifts, people RAVE about them. The first time someone made them for me, I could not stop eating them...they are SOOO yummy!! People actually ask for them from year to year. They are so easy...people would not believe it!!

Peanut Butter Balls

1 stick margarine

1 lb powdered sugar

3 cups Rice Crispies (crushed)

2 cups peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

Mix all ingredients & form into 1" balls (larger if you prefer). If too dry, add a little more peanut butter, or 1/2 stick margarine

Place on wax paper and set in freezer overnight (or, for a few hours)

Melt chocolate almond bark in a double boiler. Take a frozen ball and dip it into the melted chocolate. Place on wax paper to cool.

Store in the refrigerator.



Beca

 

[estherhead]

I'm a professional baker & one thing people LOVE is cookie bouquets. Buy the rolls of sugar cookie dough & cookie cutters & lollipop sticks (in craft section at Wal-Mart.) Roll out dough thicker than normal on wax paper, cut, place on cookie sheets & twisting stick a little bit stick it in so that it has cookie on both sides. Bake. Let cool, frost, sprinkle, & write messages with the gel frosting! Then you can give them a cookie bouquet. If you want to spend even a bit more, buy some flower pots & the green foam that silk flowers are stuck in. Cut the foam and jam it in the pots (nice and tight.) Stick the sticks in the flower pot & add the bright metallic threads (you know, the stuff you can buy at the dollar tree for packages.) Very classy & people adore them. They sell for $30- $45 a piece but you can make your own for $2-3 per bouquet!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

awesome ideas guys!! thanks so much!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

Any more ideas???

 

[Brier Rose]

I'm a professional baker also!

As a year end thank you gift to my regular customers I do sour cream coffee cakes in metal tins. Always a big hit. A lot of my customers tell me they use them for Christmas breakfast.

I also like to do magic cookie bars. Every time I eat them I think of WL. (they have them in Roaring Forks)

 

[kaytieeldr]

Bake a chocolate cake following package directions, or purchase a PLAIN cake from your local bakery or supermarket bakery - in either case, 2 - 8" or 9" round single layers or one 13" x 9" single layer (may require advance arrangement with bakery).
Crumble cake in large mixing bowl. Combine well with one can prepared frosting.
Spoon out several individual heaping tablespoons of mixture. Roll into balls between palms individually, then roll in assorted coatings - sprinkles, cocoa, powdered sugar, etc.
Repeat with remaining mixture, a few 'truffles' at a time to keep them from drying out before coating can stick.
Place on plate to set/dry.

 

[Dooda]

I like to make tins of Puppy Chow. Kids esp. seem to like it.

6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 oz. milk chocolate chips
1 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. butter
1 box Crispix cereal
1 box powdered sugar

Melt: 6 oz. milk chocolate chips 1 c. peanut butter 1/2 c. butter
Pour over 1 box Crispix cereal in large bowl. Shake in large paper sack with 1 box powdered sugar. Store in air-tight container when cool.

Another one is candied pecans:

1 egg white
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 to 3 cups pecan halves
PREPARATION:

Beat egg white until foamy; slowly beat in the brown sugar . Add vanilla flavoring, then fold in pecans. Transfer pecans to a greased baking pan and bake at 250° for about 45 minutes

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

great ideas..........I asked this same question on the budget board too---got lots of different responses. I wish I knew how to attach the link---sorry I don't. Go over there and check out some of their ideas too!!