When trying to come up with a special gift for the people
in your life it helps to think of their favorite foods.
If they are a huge restaurant fan, and you may opt for
gift certificates or if they have a sweet tooth and you can make
them a basket of baked goods and candy. I know that in
my Dad's case he has always been a breakfast person.
Good old fashioned hearty food! My husband's Grandma is
the same way. For these people in your life you can create
your own Breakfast Gift Basket that they will appreciate
as a gift from the heart.
Maple Granola
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup melted butter
2/3 cup raisins
Optional: a handful of sunflower seeds, chopped dates
or other dried fruit after baking.
Combine all ingredients, except raisins and optional ingredients,
in an ungreased 13x9 inch pan. Mix well. Bake in a preheated
300 degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in
raisins and any optional items. Cool and place in a tightly covered
container. Store in a cool, dry place. Serve with milk or as a snack.
Vanilla Sugar
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated sugar
one vanilla bean
Cut open the vanilla bean with a
sharp knife and place in a
tightly covered glass jar with the
sugar. This is wonderful when
sprinkled on fresh fruit, the tops
of muffins before baking or used
in tea or coffee. Include a card
that tells what it is, and how to
use.
Cappuccino Coffee Mix
Ingredients:
1/2 cup instant coffee granules
1/2 tsp. grated dried orange peel
1 cup nondairy powdered coffee creamer
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
Finely grind coffee and orange peel in a blender or food
processor. Add remaining ingredients and process
until well blended. Place in an airtight container.Give
with these instructions: To serve, stir about 2 heaping
teaspoons coffee mix into 6 ounces hot water. Makes
about 1 2/3 cup mix.
Country Pancake Mix
Ingredients:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 tablespoons sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
Sift these ingredients together and place
in an airtight container or bag. A sewn
bag out of a piece of muslin can be gathered
and tied with jute tie, or ribbon for a neat
look. Include this recipe:
Best Country Pancakes
Place your pancake mix in a large bowl. In
a separate bowl whisk together 1 cup buttermilk,
1 large egg and 2 tablespoons oil. Add to the
dry mix and blend until batter is smooth. Add
a little water if you like a thinner batter.
Heat your griddle or skillet over medium high
heat. Lightly grease. Pour 1/4 cup batter
on griddle for each pancake. Cook 3-5 minutes
until bubbles appear on the surface of the
pancake. Lower heat if they are browning too
quickly. Turn pancake over and cook 1-2 more
minutes until bottom is browned. Keep finished
pancakes warm, and serve with syrup or jam.
Gift Basket Tips
Breakfast Baskets are fun when you give them a rustic country
look. You can use gingham material, or muslin cut with pinking
shears and tied with strips of ripped material when using
fabric bags you have sewn. Make sure you place each food
gift in plastic so it is sealed well before putting in the cloth.
You can add other items with the above gifts to make the
basket more elaborate. For the tea lover, add English Breakfast
or Earl Grey tea to the basket and a nice mug. Pure maple
syrup is also a nice addition or fancy jams. If you are giving to
someone on a special diet then perhaps you could include
the pancake mix, the granola, and assorted fresh fruit. These
type of gift baskets are easy to make and so much more
personal and inexpensive than premade ones.
About the author
Brenda Hyde is a wife and Mom of three, a freelance writer and editor of OldFashionedLiving.com.
