Last-Minute Edible Gifts

With Christmas only a few days away, you may still have a few people on your list left to buy for. Because the kids are home this weekend, though, this is a great time to spend some time in the kitchen with them, making edible gifts to give out early this week! The great thing about making edible gifts is that even people who have everything usually appreciate something to enjoy right away. These also make great last-minute gifts for those who stop by unexpectedly. Here are some edibles that you can make this weekend to give as gifts next week:

• Jar of peppermint hot chocolate. We’ve made this before and people tend to love it. Mix a cup of powdered milk, a cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, a cup of sugar, a dash or two of salt, half a cup of chocolate chips, half a cup of tiny marshmallows, and half a cup of crushed candy canes in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a jar. Write instructions on the tag: “Mix 1/3 cup hot chocolate with a cup of hot water for a sweet treat.” Tie on a pretty ribbon, and you’re done! Another option is to leave out the crushed candy canes and simply tie a few whole ones to the jar with the tag. Add a notation to stir the hot chocolate with the peppermint stick.
• Cookies. Chances are that you’re doing some baking anyway this weekend, so make a few dozen extra and pack them into seasonal tins. You can also toss in some candy, like Hershey kisses and candy canes, to make your treats more seasonable. Whatever you’re already baking is fine; we’ve had great results with packing thumbprint cookies, classic chocolate chip cookies and macaroons. If you don’t want to actually bake the cookies, you can layer all of the dry ingredients in a jar, tie on a note as to what wet ingredients to add and how long to bake, and add a seasonal cookie cutter for that little something extra.
• Homemade fruit bouquets. If you’re getting together with family or friends this weekend or you have time on Monday morning to make this for a Christmas Eve get-together, consider trying your hand at making fruit “bouquets” kind of like the ones made by Edible Arrangements. Use a melon baller to make the round inside part of the flowers, and use pineapple to make the petals. You can also dip strawberries in chocolate for chocolate “tulips.” Skewer your flowers and display in a pretty vase or terra cotta pot.

By using ingredients that you have around the house, you can put together an attractive, edible gift that your friends and family will enjoy. Let the kids help, too; you’ll enjoy seeing the pride in their eyes as they present their gifts!

What edible gifts are you planning to give this holiday season?