The countdown to Christmas has begun! It’s scary how quickly time flies during this time of year. There are tons of deadlines and not to mention the (sometimes awkward) end-of-year office parties that need to be dealt with before we can all take a break.
Now, I know we all are super busy but if you feel, like me – that the holidays and especially Christmas Day stresses you out a bit, then making gifts ahead of time is definitely a great solution.
Yes, you can buy beautiful gifts but making an edible one and giving it to your loved ones this season will be so much more meaningful. And the great thing is that you don’t have to be an expert at cooking to whip up something amazing!
Here are a few fun recipes that are great for gift-giving and that will surprise young and old. Some of these goodies are also perfect stocking fillers. It’s up to you!
1. Bacon Salt
Bacon is probably one of the most well-loved flavours in the world – so it is guaranteed that no one will complain about getting this yummy gift! It adds great flavour to fried eggs, roasted chicken or pasta dishes. You’ll be blown away by how easy and delicious this recipe is.
2. Dark chocolate, peanut butter and pretzel bark
This is a fun chocolate treat that doesn’t take a lot of effort but looks really special. The salty pretzels combined with the crunch of the peanuts and the sweetness of the chocolate makes for an interesting and very trendy flavour combination. Click here for the recipe.
3. Hot-Chocolate balls
These little chocolate balls are perfect for making hot chocolate. Simply pop one into half a cup of warm milk and stir!
Makes 6
150g dark chocolate
15ml (1tbsp) cream
60ml (¼ cup) desiccated coconut
Melt the chocolate and cream in a double boiler. Stir and allow it to set for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. Use a melon baller to scoop out 6 balls and use your hands to roll them neatly. Dip it in the coconut and leave it to set until hard. 1 ball should be melted into 125ml of warm milk.
4. Chocolate and pecan nut marshmallow nougat
Who knew making marshmallows was this easy! Kids will love helping you out with making this treat. Find the recipe here.
5. Candied cherries
These cute little bites remind me of the candy apples we had as children. This is the more grown up and gourmet version. To see the recipe, click here.
6. Liqueurs
These liqueurs pack a punch…so be warned… but the yummy sweet and creamy flavours will leave you wanting more.
Rooibos liqueur:
Makes 250ml
125ml (½ cup) cream
2 rooibos tea bags
30ml (2tbsp) brown sugar
125ml vodka
Heat the cream in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat just before it starts to boil. Add in the tea bags and sugar and allow it to steep until cold. Remove the tea bags and stir in the vodka. Store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Rolo Liqueur:
Makes 250ml
90g rolo chocolate
60ml (¼ cup) cream
125ml (½ cup) vodka
Melt the chocolate and cream over a double boiler. Stir in the vodka. Allow it to cool and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
Salted caramel liqueur:
Makes 250ml
60ml (¼ cup) caramel treat (tinned caramel)
60ml (¼ cup) cream
10ml (2tsp) sugar
2.5ml (½ tsp) Maldon salt
125ml (½ cup) vodka
Melt the caramel, cream and sugar in a saucepan. Remove it from the heat and stir in the salt and vodka. Allow it to cool and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
ALSO READ: 9 Ways to cheat your way through Christmas baking this year
WATCH: How to make your own festive cookies
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