Quick and Easy Gifts from your Kitchen

MICROWAVE PEANUT BRITTLE
My kids make this for gifts with my supervision. Quick and Easy
1 cup raw peanuts
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup white corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. baking soda

Stir together peanuts, sugar, syrup, and salt in a 1-1/2 quart casserole or batter bowl. Place in microwave oven and cook 7-9 minutes, stirring well, after 4 minutes. Color should turn a pale yellow-brown.Add butter and vanilla to syrup, blending well. Return to oven and cook 1 to 2 minutes more. Peanuts will be lightly browned and syrup very hot. Add baking soda and stir as quickly as possible until light and foamy. Pour mixture onto lightly greased cookie sheet, let cool 1/2 to 1 hour. When cool, break into small pieces and store in airtight container.

NOTE: If roasted salted peanuts are used, omit salt and add peanuts after first 4 minutes of cooking.

FUDGE

This is another quick and easy recipe kids can help with.

3 - 6 0z pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips (18 oz)
1 - 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
dash salt
1/2 - 1 Cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla

In a saucepan over low heat, melt chips with condensed milk and salt, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add nuts and vanilla. Spred evenly in 8 X 9" pan. Chil until firm. Cut to desired size.

SNOWMAN SOUP
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Directions: Fill sandwich-size zip lock bags with:

one packet hot cocoa mix - or 1/4 Cup Commercial Hot Chocolate Mix
some chocolate chips
some mini-marshmallows
a mini candy cane

Label: Snowman Soup (Poem)

I was told you've been real good this year.
I'm always glad to hear it!
With freezing weather drawing near,
you'll need to warm the spirit.
So here's a little Snowman Soup
complete with stirring stick.
Add hot water, sip it slow.
It's sure to do the trick!

The little poem could be printed on a computer label or nicely written or calligraphied with special pens, stickers, etc. Place the baggie in cute little mugs found in the dollar store for an extra special, and economical gift.

Try using our famous Country Cream Dutch Chocolate Cocoa Mix. It is perfect for camping and cold winter nights! Made from REAL Dutch cocoa. It is the finest, creamiest, smoothest hot chocolate o
r wonderfully refreshing chocolate milk or your money back! Each can makes nearly five gallons. Compare this mix with any other brand and I think you'll see this is tops!

ZIPPY SPICED NUTS
(This is another very easy to make snack/gift with children)

4 T oil
2 tsp. sesame seeds
1/2 - 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. cumin
dash cayenne ,optional, if you like something hot
1 1/4 tsp garlic powder
2 C. raw almonds
2 C. raw pecans
2 C. raw walnuts ( or any combination of nuts desired)
Raw sunflower seeds, optional

Pour oil into non-stick skillet. Add all ingredients EXCEPT the sunflower seeds. Cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, be careful that nuts don't burn. Add sunflower seeds, drain on brown paper sack and store in the refrigerator. Yummy, healthy, habit forming! Package in jars, cans or holiday decorated bags for gifts.