Gifts from the Kitchen; creative holiday ideas

When it comes to holiday gift-giving, most of us need some creative ideas.

A gift from your heart that can be easily mixed up in your kitchen is both an affordable and easy way to show your family, friends or neighbors that you really care.

“Gifts from the Kitchen”, a fun and interesting session held at the Fleming County Extension office, was the perfect opportunity to try some new and simple recipes to create some heartfelt gifts of your own.

From a bourbon and bacon jam appetizer, to some sweet treats, each member of the class created some quick homemade goodies to either enjoy themselves or to give away.

While some worked in groups to peel the rind from an orange or lemon, others teamed up to chop onions and brown the beef for the hamburger helper dish for the entire class to sample.

Once they filled their jars with the the jam spread, extract and dry ingredients needed for the casserole, each student created some festive hot chocolate dipping spoons.

For the homemade extract thinly peel a large lemon or orange, place the peelings and 8 ounces of vodka into a clean sterilized canning jar. Tightly close the lid, shake a few times and store in a cool dry place. Every few days shake the jar and let sit for about four weeks before using.

The peels will eventually turn brown, but once the extract is ready to use you can remove them. When the extract is ready you can pour it into pretty bottles and tie with a festive ribbon for gift giving.

Here are some of the holiday gift ideas:

To make Hot Chocolate Dipping Spoons you will need, wooden or plastic spoons, miniature marshmallows, peanut butter, white and semi-sweet chocolate, shredded coconut, Christmas sprinkles, and some crushed candy canes.

Melt the Baker’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate and Baker’s White Chocolate according to package directions. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat a small amount of the Planters Peanut Butter on high for 30 seconds to melt it. Stir it quickly — it might appear to be a bit oily, but that’s ok. It will harden better.

Dip a spoon in one of the melted chocolates or peanut butter and lay it on wax paper. Before it hardens, top with the other ingredients.

Try a few different variations: Chocolate drizzled with peanut butter, white chocolate and chocolate with sprinkles, chocolate with marshmallow bits, etc.

Allow them to harden completely on wax paper. If you want to speed up the process, you could put them in the freezer for a bit.

Once they’re hardened, wrap the Hot Chocolate Spoons in cellophane treat bags and secure with a twist tie. Add to a festive mug with some packages of hot chocolate mix and a bow for the perfect Teacher and Neighbor Gift!

Homemade Chili Cheese Hamburger Helper:

1 pound ground beef

1 cup hot water

2 cups milk

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni

1 T. corn starch

1 T. chili powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp.sugar

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Brown ground beef in a large skillet; drain.

Add hot water, milk, pasta and your homemade sauce packet (corn starch, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, sugar, and paprika).

Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer on low about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

In the last few minutes of cook time, stir in the cheese; cover the pot again for the final few minutes of cook time.

When the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted, turn off heat and uncover. Let mixture stand, uncovered, about five minutes. It will continue to thicken as it stands.

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