Whip Up Some Holiday Joy

If you are putting off holiday shopping, we don’t blame you. Parking is a nightmare. Malls are packed to the brim with families seeking an audience with Santa Claus. No thanks. The best place to shop for the perfect holiday gift is in your home, specifically the kitchen. By creating something from your kitchen, you’re not just giving a gift—you’re giving a piece of yourself. And if that piece happens to be covered in chocolate or marinated in garlic, all the better.

Starting Out Sweet

Who doesn’t love sweet treats during the holidays? Peppermint bark is a tried-and-true classic. Everyone has a favorite nut so why not dip it in sugar and call it brittle? Impress people with your candy-making skills and give the gift of baklava truffles. Spice up some traditional chocolate fudge for a sweet surprise.

Box Up Some Cookies

Cookies are classic crowd pleasers. Skip the tin and give fresh from the oven shortbread cookies. Add homemade almond biscotti to a bag of coffee as a sweet way to say “I love you enough to caffeinate you.” Bring the taste of summer to a cool winter day with lime macaroons. Neighbors will love these oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Beautiful Breads

Wrap these sweet breads in colorful cellophane tied up with a big bow. Lemon and thyme in a quick bread? We’re sold. For the busy parent trying to get the kids out the door? Mini chocolate chip muffins. Holiday potluck? Show up with these gingerbread-spiced cinnamon rolls. Try your hand at this beautiful Christmas stollen.

Go Savory Instead

Not everyone has a sweet tooth. Giardiniera is easy to make and delicious to eat. Give the taste of New York with everything bagel crispbreads. You’d be surprised at how simple making crackers can be. No one can resist puff pastry straws.

If You Are in a Jam

Jams are great gifts because one recipe can fill up a lot of pretty jars. This peach raspberry jam is delicious and festive. This apple-walnut maple conserve makes a unique gift. Do your recipients’ tastes run to the savory? Try tomato lemon marmalade. Carrot cake jam is a sweet morning treat.

Vinegars, Dips and Sauces

Vinegars, dips and sauces are perfect for people that enjoy throwing parties. Find a pretty bottle to showcase rosemary infused vinegar.  Cranberry vinegar goes well with many things but we think it’s just pretty. Gift the chocoholic this delicious dip. Gift this mustard dip with a bag of German-style pretzels.

Festive Libations

Give the gift of a tipple or two. Your friends will be the life of the party once they sample apple pie moonshine. Give the taste of Ireland with homemade Irish Cream. Limoncello is easy to make but kumquat limoncello is on a whole other level. Got an amateur bartender? Give them a bottle of homemade pomegranate cocktail syrup.

Whip Up a New Kitchen

Not sure your kitchen can stand up to holiday demands? Why not look for a new one? Lago Mar builders are experts at creating kitchens that are as functional as they are beautiful. Visit us today.