I discovered that people began to look forward to my christmas goodie bags. Folks often commented they were special because 'people just don't take the time anymore'.
We usually get together on Christmas Eve, so everyone had goodies to nibble while assembling trikes with missing parts, trying to get the 4 yr old back in bed one more time, or something festive with the first cup of coffeeChristmas morning.
My food allergies now keep me from holiday baking, even for others. So, this year, my gift to you will be all the well loved and dog-eared recipes of Christmases past. You don't need to make all of these to create a well loved goodie bag, choose your favorites and rotate them year by year.
Merry Christmas to all!
Drinks: Fill canning jars with drink mix and tie with a ribbon.
Christmas Capuccino
Spicy Winter Tea
A bottle of non-alcoholic apple cider is a great addition too, especially for families/kids.
Breads: Using small loaf pans or muffin tins make perfect snack sized quick breads.
Pumpkin Bread
Other quick breads like Banana and Zucchini go over well too!
Candy: The holy trinity of Christmas in our family has long been fudge, caramel corn and brittle.
See's Fudge (really from See's!)
Microwave Caramel Corn
Microwave Peanut Brittle
Magic Wands
Cookies: Take the time to ice and decorate your cutouts. It doesn't have to be fancy!
Date Pinwheels (Date Nut Bars)
Gingerbread People
Natchez Cookies
Peanut Butter Cookies
Shortbread Cutouts
Spritz
Snacks: By the handful.
Snack Mix
Puppy Chow
Spreads: Can in smaller jars to spread the love as far as possible. Any deep stockpot will work fine for boiling water canning.
Apple Jelly
Pumpkin Butter
Bringing Christmas dessert? Try Jen's Pumpkin Pie.
Vegetables Even Kids Will Eat? It's just not Christmas without Trees 'n Cheese.
