Karen Ciancio is a fan of all things cooking related. Her website Cookingnook.com contains recipes, cooking tips, diet and nutrition information. Visit the site for a free copy of our Holiday Gift Guide, with great ideas for everyone on your list.
Many of us would love to give hand made holiday gift baskets. Christmas gifts from the kitchen are always welcome and Christmas gift baskets, especially home made food gift baskets, are a real treat.
It's easy to become overwhelmed by the thought of making your own holiday gift baskets but with a few easy recipe ideas it is easy to create a personalized and thoughtful hand made Christmas food gift basket.
Any of these recipes make a wonderful gift packaged in a plastic or cellophane bag with a colorful bow or in a pretty jelly jar with a fabric covered lid. Add a hand made card with the recipe attached to it and your gift is complete.
Herbed Beer Batter Bread Mix
To make the mix you will need:
2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano
Dash of dried dill
In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt oregano, thyme and dill. Pack this mixture into an airtight container or bag. The mix can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 month. It will make 1 loaf of bread.
Recipe to print on attached card:
For Herbed Beer Bread
Herbed Beer Bread Mix
1 can of beer at room temperature
1 teaspoon butter, melted
Place the Beer Bread Mix in a large bowl. With a wooden spoon, stir in beer just until incorporated. Scrape into greased 8"x4" loaf pan.
Bake in 375ºF oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until crusty and golden brown. Let stand in the pan for 5 minutes then remove to rack and brush with melted butter. Makes 1 loaf.
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookie Mix
To make the mix you will need:
6 cups rolled oats
4 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 pound shortening
2 cups raisins
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans
In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt and baking soda. With a pastry blender, cut in shortening until crumbly.
Stir in raisins, coconut, chocolate and pecans. This mix can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 weeks. Makes about 5 batches of cookies.
Recipe to print on attached card:
Old Fashioned Oatmeal Cookies
4 cups Oatmeal Cookie Mix
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
In a bowl, combine the Oatmeal Cookie Mix with egg, milk and vanilla until dough forms. Shape into 1 1/2" balls and place on greased baking sheets. Flatten balls with a fork.
Bake in 375ºF oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden. Remove to racks and let cool. Makes 24 cookies.
Spicy Mulled Cider Mix
To make the mix you will need:
3/4 cup crushed cinnamon sticks
3/4 cup chopped dried orange rind
1/3 cup whole allspice
1/4 cup whole cloves
Combine all ingredients in a jar. Makes about 2 cups.
Recipe to print on attached card:
Spicy Mulled Cider
4 cups apple juice, apple cider, or half apple juice and half cranberry juice
2 tablespoons Spicy Mulled Cider Mix
In saucepan, combine juice and cider mix. Cover and bring to a simmer. Gently simmer for 20 minutes. Strain into mugs. Makes 4 servings.
Place a few of these gems in a wicker basket, Christmas tin or other fun and seasonal container. Fill in the spaces with wrapped chocolates, holiday napkins or a bottle of wine and you have beautiful and sure to be appreciated holiday gift baskets with that extra personal touch.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
- Green Holiday Baby Gifts-6 Holiday Gifts for Baby That Will Make A Lasting Impression
- Holiday Gift Baskets
- Holiday Gift Baskets: The Holiday Gift For People With Different Cultural Tastes
- Holiday Gift Baskets Provide the Perfect Collection of Chocolates!
- Holiday Gift Basket Ideas for Every Holiday
- Holiday Gift Baskets: The Perfect Gift For Every Occasion
- Holiday Endowment Baskets: The Mastered Endowment For Each Occasion
- Why Holiday Fruit Baskets are Most Popular Among People




Kitchen appliance ideas for a contemporary kitchen
By: Andrew Hawnt | 26/12/2009There are some fantastic ideas for new and different additions to your kitchen, be they the staple appliances for everyday use or ideas for more whimsical gadgets.
How Can I Retrieve Police Records On The Internet To Access Peoples Criminal Past
By: James Nash | 26/12/2009Finding records isn’t hard as it used to be few years back. It used to take a lot of time to find certain record but not anymore, because you can search for any record that you need on the internet in a matter of seconds.
Homemade Solar Power: How to Build Solar Panels For Your Home
By: Annette Lode | 26/12/2009The central part of a solar power system is the solar panel, the main function of a solar panel is the transformation of solar power into electricity. This process is very expensive and often portion of the expense can be saved if one learns how to build homemade solar panels for people interested in building their own solar power system.
The Benefits of Childcare Vouchers
By: Louise G | 26/12/2009Childcare vouchers are issued by the government, to provide low-income individuals the opportunity for subsidized childcare. The vouchers depend on the amount of income a family has, and sometimes expenses that are extra-ordinary. The benefits are that a family is able to afford childcare, and work toward a better income. The purpose of a voucher is to provide a family a hand in finances, until their situation is better
Where Can I Retrieve Birth Records Free Of Charge To Lookup Peoples Birth Certificate
By: James Nash | 26/12/2009If you want to find specific record you don’t need to deal with regulations and such. Finding records is simple as it can be because you can find birth records along with all the other records on the internet, for free.
How Do You Determine The Cost Of Solar Panels?
By: John Greenspan | 26/12/2009Quality, age and technology affects the cost of solar panels. They are occasionally priced at an attractive rates, yet this does not mean you have found yourself a good deal. There is usually a reason behind the price you pay...or not. So you have to do a little homework by checking with the manufacturer or retailer about the 3 qualities listed above.
Pink Diamond Rings
By: Paul Easton | 26/12/2009All about the Pink Diamond Ring
5 Easy Steps To Design A Rolling Sphere Tabletop Fountain In Less Than 30 Minutes
By: Amy C. | 26/12/2009Learn how to design a rolling sphere tabletop fountain in less than 30 minutes and 5 easy steps!
Exploding Common Diet Myths with 10 Easy Weight Loss Tips
By: Karen Ciancio | 16/11/2009 | Weight LossOur 10 easy weight loss tips will help you address several mistakes people make when they embark on a weight loss plan.
Easy Holiday Buffets
By: Karen Ciancio | 16/11/2009 | RecipesIf you are planning to entertain this holiday season, consider preparing a buffet dinner. There are many holiday recipes that work well on a buffet table and if you plan ahead, it can be fairly easy on the cook.
Celebrating and Creating Your Christmas Traditions
By: Karen Ciancio | 16/11/2009 | HolidaysChristmas is celebrated around the world and each of us has our own Christmas traditions developed with family and friends over the years. Many of these traditions involve the kinds of food we eat.
Christmas Gift Ideas - Easy Christmas Gifts From Your Kitchen
By: Karen Ciancio | 16/11/2009 | HolidaysSome of the best Christmas gift ideas are heartfelt gifts from your own kitchen. There are many wonderful ideas for Christmas gifts to make that will delight friends and family alike and are not difficult at all.
Christmas Decorating Ideas for Your Home
By: Karen Ciancio | 16/11/2009 | HolidaysChristmas decorating is a must, to some degree at least, for most of us who celebrate the holiday season. For some there is no such thing as too much. The more lights and glitter the better. Others prefer a more limited display of Christmas holiday decor, but rich colors and a bit of shimmer usually still prevail.
How Low Carb Diets Work
By: Karen Ciancio | 06/04/2009 | NutritionMany people are confused about how low carb diets work. It doesn't make sense to them that you can eat more fat and protein than is traditionally called for and still lose weight.
It's Grilling Time!
By: Karen Ciancio | 06/04/2009 | Main CourseWarm weather signals one thing to me - it's grilling time! Time to fire up that grill and get cooking. Of course hamburgers and steaks taste great on the grill just as they are. But when you want to serve up something that is just a bit different we have some suggestions.