We continue our attempt to make Christmas less commercialized with our lists of our favorite food gifts. Hear all the stories and get the recipes and tips on good food to give for any occasion, especially at the holidays. As always, Mandee has great follows for Instagram and it is Katie’s turn to give her favorites.
2 c self rising flour, before sifting
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese (packed), I use a big block
Grate cheese (yep you have to). Add melted butter to sour cream and stir together. Sift
in flour and stir. Add cheese and mix well. Grease mini muffin tins. Bake at 400 for
15-20 minutes. **I find ovens are finicky with these, so I only bake 2 tins at a time. I
also have to start with 15 min and then figure out how each oven cooks them. My last
oven took 17. This one takes 19.
⅔ c evaporated milk, divided
1 box Butter Recipe Yellow
Combine caramels and ⅓ c evaporated milk in double boiler. Melt all caramels, stirring
constantly. Combine cake mix, remaining ⅓ c evaporated milk and butter, mixing with
electric mixer until dough holds together. Press ¼ cake mixture into a greased 9x13
Pyrex. Bake at 350 for 16 min or until lightly browned. Remove from oven and sprinkle
chocolate chips over crust. Pour melted caramel mixture over chocolate chips,
spreading evenly. Drop remaining cake mixture over caramel mixture. Return to oven
and bake about 20 min more. Do not let overbake. Cool. Chill before cutting into
.5 oz instant lemonade mix
(I have a hard time finding this and the tea, so I use the lipton lemon iced tea)
1 c. instant tea (I use the lemon tea)
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Place in airtight containers. Use at least 2 heaping
teaspoons in a cup of boiling water. (I use more) Also good with a splash of bourbon.
2 large boxes of Cheezits
Mix oil and spices. Pour over Cheezits and mix to coat. Put Cheezits on a cookie sheet
and bake at 350 for 10 min. Let cool. Enjoy.
Vanilla – put vanilla beans in an airtight container and cover with vodka or bourbon. Initially soak for 3 months. Add more alcohol when it gets low for a continuous bottle of vanilla.
Local gift boxes - https://pearsonfarm.com/collections/gifts
Dried oranges: https://www.goodlifeeats.com/how-to-make-dried-orange-slices/
Kits: https://tasty-yummies.com/how-to-make-a-mulled-wine-kit/
https://smittenkitchen.com/2016/12/homemade-irish-cream/
Something chocolate, something fruity, whatever else you want
NYT - “How to Make the Perfect Cookie Box” https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/dining/holiday-cookie-box.html?unlocked_article_code=1.CU0.a7lw.Opf45SomWv-X&smid=url-share
Grossy Pelosi on Instagram
Rugelach - NYT recipe Cherry Rugelach with cardamom sugar. Smitten kitchen also has a recipe
Salted Caramel and Peanut butter shortbread - https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1023717-salted-caramel-and-peanut-butter-shortbread?unlocked_article_code=1.CU0.lpFm.fj4oldUibvIk&smid=share-url
Mandee’s Cousin and southern maker, Lee!
Highland Gourmet Scones | "Best Scones This Side of the Atlantic" | Mail Order Scones Online
Batch by The Bitter Southerner
Bo the Dog – Kirk Herbstreit’s Dog
