I love giving the gift of food at Christmas, and I know I”m not the only one. Dreaming and scheming about what to make for holiday parties, hostess gifts, stocking stuffers and to have on hand for last-minutes guests, is just so much fun. I thought I”d kick things off with some of my favourite holiday foods that are perfect for gift giving. Many of these will be making their way into the gift baskets and stockings that I”ll be giving away all throughout the month. Shhh. Don”t tell. ;)
Breakfast
Gingerbread Granola / Pear & Walnut Sour Cream Coffee Cake / Chai Spiced Banana Bread
Invited to a holiday brunch? Why not return the favour and bake up a breakfast treat for the host to enjoy at a later date? The coffee cake and banana bread are great additions to the brunch itself, and the granola makes a fabulous gift because it will stay good for a couple of weeks, so there”s no pressure to eat it all at once.
Snacks
Fig Newton Crumble Bars / Maple Walnut Apple Chips / Homemade Wheat Thins
Bringing snacks to a holiday party is a must. Wether it be crackers, dried fruit or bars, these make for some yummy holiday snacking – and on the healthy side to boot.
Jam
Apple Cranberry Jam / Grapefruit Cranberry Marmalade / Vanilla Tangerine Marmalade
Preserves make great hostess gifts, stocking stuffers or last-minute presents, incase you forgot someone! If you haven”t already put up some summer fruit, have no fear. You still have time for a fall canning session. These jams take advantage of in-season produce – apples, cranberries, grapefruit and tangerines.
Sweets
Caramel Cappuccino Walnut Bars / Peanut Butter Popcorn Crunch / Cinnamon-Honey Marshmallows / Mocha Chip Banana Bread / Mocha Almond Biscotti / Cappuccino Nanaimo Bars
Mocha and coffee flavoured things seem to be a theme with me at Christmas. And why not? Just hearing the words gives me a warm and cozy feeling. If coffee”s not your thing make sure to try the cinnamon-honey marshmallows or peanut butter popcorn crunch. They make for a great movie night with friends!
Cookies
Lattice “Pie Crust” Sugar Cookies / Ginger Crinkle Cookies / Christmas Cookie Puzzle / Eggnog Sugar Cookies
Cookies are a must at Christmas and can take all sorts of fun shapes, sizes and flavours. Sugar cookies are great for gift giving because they don”t go stale very quickly. But you can”t go wrong with ginger crinkle cookies either because they just look and taste so festive.
Chocolates
Dark Chocolate Rum Truffles / Hazelnut Truffles / Chocolate Dipped Coconut-Almond Candies / Cranberry Almond Bark (not pictured)
Truffles and bark are so fun to make, and so adaptable too. The only thing to keep in mind is that most recipes need to be stored in the fridge so you”ll need to take this into account in your packaging, and make sure to let the recipient know too!
I can”t wait to share more edible gifts with you over the next couple of weeks!
