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