Great Gift Recipes

Today I will be giving the recipes for a few things that would be great to any homemade gift that you may be giving this holiday.

INSTANT OATMEAL PACKETS
2 1/2 C instant oats
5 tsp. light brown sugar
1 C raisins or other dried fruit
3 Tbsp. dry milk powder
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and portion into 5 servings in zip lock bags or other reusable containers.
Add card with instructions:  Add 3/4 C very hot water to 1 serving.  Let it stand until thickened - 3-4 minutes.  Add more water a tablespoon at a time if it is too thick.
Makes 5 servings.
This would be great to have on hand at home as well, for that quick breakfast or to take to work.


CRUNCHY GRANOLA
4 C old-fashioned rolled oats
1 C nuts, toasted and chopped
1/4 C packed light brown sugar
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C butter
1/4 C honey
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 C chopped dried fruit

Preheat oven 300*.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and grease generously with oil or spray.  Mix oats, nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl.  In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter and honey, stirring to combine.  Add vanilla and stir.
Pour the butter mixture over the oat mixture and stir to combine.  Turn out onto  prepared pan and spread evenly.  Bake 15 minutes, remove from oven, and stir.  Return to oven and bake an additional 10-25 minutes.  Check often so it doesn't burn.
Cool and stir in dried fruit.  Place in an airtight container or container for gift giving.
Makes about 6 cups

*If using dried apples - you might replace honey with maple syrup
*If using dried cherries add 1 tsp. almond extract with the vanilla
*If using dried mango - you might want to replace cinnamon with ground ginger
**You can use pecans, walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.


PEPPERMINT COFFEE
1/3 C sugar
1/4 C non-dairy powdered creamer
1/4 C instant coffee
2 Tbsp. cocoa
2 Tbsp. crushed peppermint candies
Mix all together and place in airtight jar.
Add instructions:  Mix 2 Tbsp. to 1/2 cup boiling water


NON-EDIBLE

BODY SCRUB
1 1/4 C packed brown sugar
6 Tbsp. coconut oil
10 drops vanilla essential oil
3 - 4 oz. jars

Melt coconut oil in microwave till soft.  Add sugar and mix well so that there are no lumps.  Add oil drop by drop (till it smells right to you).  Mix AFTER each drop.
Divide into 3 jars.  Add a pretty ribbon or jute tie to top of jar.
Makes a great gift.

Hope these recipes might help make your holiday gift making a little brighter!

Peace and love.