Savor Homemade Delights with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's Seasonal Recipes
If you’re thinking about giving a homemade gift to friends and family this year, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has five easy seasonal recipes and delicious ideas to share from the Dinner Tonight program.
Homemade Gifts to Give
Whether you are a last-minute shopper who needs ideas or someone who has sworn off another trip to the mall but needs a hostess gift to take to a holiday party, Dinner Tonight is here to help.
“Homemade gifts are always a heartfelt way to share something meaningful and delicious,” said Odessa Keenan, AgriLife Extension Dinner Tonight specialist, El Paso. “Taking the time to make something for someone is special. And you don’t need to be a great cook or baker to make something wonderful.”
All you need is ingredients, many of which you may already have in your pantry, a few mason jars and a cute ribbon or bow. It’s a great way to wrap up your shopping list in your own kitchen, Keenan said.
The Recipes
Keenan shared the following five Dinner Tonight recipe ideas to make for the holidays. The complete recipes for these DIY gifts and other inspirations from Dinner Tonight can be found on the website.
1. Cranberry Apple Granola: Granola is a popular and easy-to-make snack or topping for Greek yogurt. This cranberry apple granola recipe can also be tailored to personal preferences by using other dried fruits.
2. Chai Tea Latte Instant Mix: Instead of paying big bucks for one cup at a coffee shop, a chai tea latte instant mix recipe allows the recipient to enjoy many cups of this delightful drink at home.
3. Everything Spiced Nut Mix: Cashews, pistachios and almonds are combined with three different types of seeds and a handful of other ingredients to make a unique and rich-flavored snack.
4. Protein Hot Chocolate: Extra protein makes this favorite holiday drink recipe even more filling and satisfying. A hit with kids and adults alike, gifted alongside a container of marshmallows, this is a sweet treat the whole family can enjoy.
5. Candied Pecans: A fantastic appetizer or snack, candied pecans are lightly sweet and pair well with beer or wines such as moscato, riesling and blanc du bois if you want to add them for an adult gift.
Keep Food Safety in Mind
When giving friends and family homemade food items, Keenan said to keep a few tips in mind:
- Food allergies: Make sure to list all ingredients on a label and attach it to the gift.
- “Best if used by” date: Mark when the item is best used by or if it can be frozen for later use.
- Instructions: Don't forget to include directions for spice mixes or drink mixes.
- Storage: Note how to store the food items, especially if they are perishable.
Note that these tips do not apply to food products for sale. Keenan said if you are interested in selling foods made at home, visit the Texas Cottage Food Law website for more information.
