{"id":240147,"date":"2020-12-01T00:00:30","date_gmt":"2020-12-01T00:00:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justapinch.com\/blog\/?post_type=notebook&p=240147"},"modified":"2020-11-18T18:54:56","modified_gmt":"2020-11-18T18:54:56","slug":"easy-homemade-gifts-for-the-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"notebook","link":"https:\/\/www.justapinch.com\/blog\/notebook\/read\/240147\/easy-homemade-gifts-for-the-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Easy Homemade Gifts for the Holiday Season"},"content":{"rendered":"

How is the holiday season here? Typically I’m heading to a few parties, but this year I’m staying close to home. Just because I won’t be seeing all my friends, I want to show them I care. So, I plan to make treats for my friends. If you like this idea too, here are a few homemade gifts that are easy to make.<\/p>\n

“My husband is half Hungarian and I was the lucky recipient of a lot of his family recipes because I liked to bake,” shares Donna Bardocz<\/a> (Howell, MI<\/a>). This was one that I’ve changed up a bit to make it my own. It is so simple with only 6 ingredients.”<\/p>\n

This Hungarian Cookie Treasure<\/a> is an old-fashioned cookie, but it’s more like a mini-pie in cookie form. The dough itself is slightly sweet but and most of the sweetness comes from the jam and powdered sugar. The jam’s a little surprise inside the soft, chewy, and buttery cookie. Use your favorite jam but I’m partial to raspberry. Donna also mentions a nut filling can be added which would be fantastic too.<\/p>\n

My friends always love to receive homemade candy. Sharry Murawski’s<\/a> (Oak Forest, IL<\/a>) Peppermint Bark<\/a> and Barbara Scott’s<\/a> (Winchester, VA<\/a>) Chocolate Amaretto Almond Truffles<\/a> are always popular.<\/p>\n

“This is special enough to give as a gift at Christmastime,” thinks Sharry. “One of the best I’ve tasted!”<\/p>\n

There’s a store that sells peppermint bark each holiday season that I’ve bought in the past. This recipe is just as tasty and costs a fraction to make. Sharry’s homemade version is smooth, sweet, and filled with chocolate and peppermint flavor.<\/p>\n

Barbara’s chocolate truffles are decadent and delicious.<\/p>\n

“I love making candy at Christmastime and giving it as gifts,” reveals Barbara. “I start getting calls the first of December asking if I’m going to be making all of it again that year.”<\/p>\n

Truffles are another candy that can be a fortune when bought at the store. These homemade ones are a fabulous little treat. The amaretto and chocolate go together so good and the crunch of the almonds on the outside is a nice touch. Package in a clear baggie and they’ll make an impressive Christmas gift for friends.<\/p>\n

Lori Borgmann’s<\/a> (Grand Island, NE<\/a>) Santa’s Hot Cocoa Mix<\/a> is creamy and not overly sweet. It has just the right amount of chocolate.<\/p>\n

“This is the best instant hot cocoa mix I have ever tasted,” says Lori. “I think the malted milk powder is what takes it over the top!”<\/p>\n

The flavor is a little different and you just can’t put your finger on it… I think it’s from the malted milk and makes this different than your average hot cocoa. To make individual gifts, place the mix in a small piping bag, top with mini-marshmallows, tie it closed and attach the directions. Adorable!<\/p>\n

If your friends aren’t into sweets, Jeanne Benavidez’s<\/a> (Odessa, TX<\/a>) Spicy Peanuts<\/a> are a great gift.<\/p>\n

“These are an easy, tasty snack,” shares Jeanne. “We love these to snack on when watching TV or movies.”<\/p>\n

Once these spicy peanuts are cooled, they’re addictive. The peanuts are toasted and spicy with a nice flavor of garlic and onion from the Cajun spices. Simple ingredients create a fantastic savory snack.<\/p>\n

Just because we have to keep our distance from our loved ones this year, it doesn’t mean we can’t share gifts with them. All of these homemade treats can be easily packaged and left on a doorstep. If you want more edible gift ideas, check out our Gifts to Give recipe collection<\/a>. Happy Pinching!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

How is the holiday season here? Typically I’m heading to a few parties, but this year I’m staying close to home. Just because I won’t be seeing all my friends, I want to show them I care. So, I plan to make treats for my friends. If you like this idea too, here are a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":240148,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":[],"tags":[366],"yoast_head":"\nEasy Homemade Gifts for the Holiday Season - Just A Pinch<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Just because you won't be seeing your friends, doesn't mean you can't surprise them with homemade gifts for the holidays. 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