Gifts from the Kitchen: Treats for the Breakfast Fan
Gifts from the Kitchen
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 GranolaIngredients: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 SugarIngredients: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 MixIngredients: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 MixIngredients: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 PancakesPlace 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 TipsBreakfast 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
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