Friday, September 10, 2010

A little homemade goodness

For the last couple of years our family has been making homemade gifts for each other.  Our family has grown so big with spouses and cousins that it is WAY too expensive to buy everyone a present.  So all year long we put on our thinking caps and try to think of  homemade ideas.  Yesterday I found some great ideas at Country Living.

First is a wonderful mix of homemade granola.  I love granola and it is very healthy specially when it is homemade.  I eat it almost every morning in a container of yogurt, it is like a dessert in the morning!

Homemade Granola

1 container(s) (18-ounce) old-fashioned oats (6 cups)
8 ounce(s) sliced almonds
1 cup(s) dried cranberries
1 cup(s) chopped dried apricots
1 cup(s) light-brown sugar
1 teaspoon(s) ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1 1/2 stick(s) unsalted butter
1/2 cup(s) honey 
 
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients except butter and honey.


2.In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Stir in honey. Pour over oat mixture and toss to distribute. Spread granola onto a parchment lined baking pan and bake, stirring occasionally, until oats are toasted and sugar begins to caramelize, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely on pan. Transfer to an airtight container.
 
Doesn't that sound so yummy?!  I like mine really crunchy so I might cook mine a little longer on a cooler temperature. 
 
Another great idea is pancakes!  I love pancakes and so do my children.  What a great idea!!
 I love the way it is packaged. 

Pancake and Waffle Mix

3 1/2 cup(s) flour
1/4 cup(s) sugar
4 teaspoon(s) baking powder
2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
1 teaspoon(s) salt
 
1.Place the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl and stir, using a whisk, to thoroughly combine. Transfer to a clean, dry canister fitted with an airtight lid. Store for up to 3 months.


2.For pancakes: Heat a griddle over high heat. Place 1 cup mix in a medium mixing bowl. Beat 1 egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla together and stir into the dry mix until just combined. Let the mixture rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Lightly brush the griddle with canola oil or butter. Pour 1/3 cup batter for each pancake, leaving 2 inches between each one. Cook until bubbles form on the pancake surface and the underside is golden, about 5 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook until golden, about 2 more minutes.

Makes six 4-inch pancakes.

For waffles: Heat a waffle iron according to manufacturer's instructions. Place 1 cup mix in a medium mixing bowl. Beat 1 egg, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 3/4 cup buttermilk, and 1/4 teaspoon vanilla together and stir into dry mix until just combined. Lightly oil the iron plates, add batter (waffle iron capacities vary), and cook until waffles are golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes.


Makes four 5-inch square waffles.

And finally is Breakfast in a basket.  I LOVE it!! 

Your recipient will get a cute basket, a cast iron skillet, homemade honey butter, homemade cornbread, homemade preserves, and some fresh oranges. 

It doesn't get any better then homemade with love! 
All of these recipes and pictures came from Country Living.

This post is linked up with Tinsel & Company Deck the Halls Friday



17 comments:

Tammy @ tinselshop.com said...

Mandie,

Great ideas. I have been thinking about homemade gifts this year. The last one I especially love.

Best wishes,
Tammy

Valarie said...

What fabulous ideas, with money being tight this year, I may be using some of them. Thanks for sharing.
xxoo Valarie

Valarie said...

What fabulous ideas, with money being tight this year, I may be using some of them. Thanks for sharing.
xxoo Valarie

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Oh, I love the recipes!
Thank you for sharing!
I have signed up to follow~
Have a wonderful weekend!
Leticia

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Such great gift ideas!! These are even great to do up and sell as gifts at Craft Fairs!! If only I had more time......

Debbie

Jill said...

I LOVE these ideas! Always looking for homemade inexpensive gifts, we have a large family as well! I just love visiting this site! So glad you have it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

Jill said...

I LOVE these ideas! Always looking for homemade inexpensive gifts, we have a large family as well! I just love visiting this site! So glad you have it!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

Megan said...

We love home made granola at our house. It is so yummy! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I am going to have to print this out and show it to my mom so we can make a big batch. :-)

I am new to your blog and following you. I would love if you stopped by my blog and followed me.

Blessings,
Maggie
www.foreverfindingmybliss.blogspot.com

Lily said...

oh wow Mandie, I love these ideas. So much more personal & also they are gifts that are used and don't take up much space. Thanks for sharing sweetie :)

Hugs

Lily

Jorgelina said...

Great ideas. Thanks
It is so yummy!
Happy weekend!

Jorgelina said...

Great ideas. Thanks
It is so yummy!
Happy weekend!

Paula said...

Fun ideas! Thank you for them. I am adding your button to my Christmas blog - love all your fun ideas! Paula in Idaho

Celestial Charms said...

Mandie,
I love the granola idea. Thanks for posting that recipe. I might just try that.
Maureen

Natasha in Oz said...

There is nothing better than receiving gifts that have been made with love and care. I would love to receive some of that yummy granola for Christmas!

Thanks for these great ideas.

Blessings and best wishes,
Natasha.

Lily said...

Hi Mandie

I'm glad you like the Christmas photos in England. Yes there are a lot of Christmas markets in different cities. I believe in Germany they are even better but here we get them too. I did not want to leave the Christmas market in York. I bought lots of things. They also have a massive Christmas shop but it is so busy that you can't walk around properly!

Do you get Christmas markets where you are?

Hugs

Lily

Lily said...

Hi Mandie

I'm so glad you liked my wreath :)
I didn't dry the pumpkins, I bought a bag of 100grams off of ebay. Loads were left so I have put them in a dish next to my autum display on the fire place. A lot of the cities get Christmas markets. We have a little Christmas Parade in our town on the day that lights are switched on. It always is a on a Saturday so a lot of people can go to it. Then we get a market once a months for a couple of days and there are lots of stalls that sell different things. Anything from knitting to food to jewellery. Amsterdam though has amazing flower only markets. Takes your breath away. If you ever come to England, try coming around end of November. I'll be more than happy to take you around or tell you what's on where. Meanwhile I'll upload photos. If you ever wanted anything from here, please let me know.

Hugs

Lily

♥ Lila ♥ said...

Hello Mandie! I loved the ideas and recipes.
A big hug and till the next visit.
Lila