What do you give to the person who has everything? How about a gift from the heart made in your kitchen. Handmade gifts are a very thoughtful way to spread cheer during the holiday season and these recipes are a simple, yet special way to show your appreciation.
Hearty Oatmeal Mix
- 6 cups old fashioned or steel cut oats
- 3/4 cup ground flaxseeds
- 3 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl to combine.
Store in airtight container in the refrigerator to preserve flax seed and walnuts best flavor. This mix makes 18 servings. Each serving is 1/2 cup.
To prepare: Use 1/2 cup of mix with 1/2 cup of water or milk. Cook on the stove or in microwave. Add more liquid as needed for desired consistency.
To gift: Add mix to mason jars, tie a ribbon around the top of the jar underneath the cap. Include cooking instructions on a small decorative card.
Italian Blend Seasoning Mix
- 1 Tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 Tablespoon dried basil
- 1 Teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Combine spices in a small bowl and mix well to combiner.
Makes approximately 1/4 cup. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
This aromatic blend of spices is a great addition to chicken, soups, stews or pasta sauce.
To gift: use small travel size containers, or mini spice jars
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
- 12 pretzel rods
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- Assorted toppings such as chopped nuts, flaked coconut, crushed peppermint candies, rainbow sprinkles.
Melt chocolate in a microwave safe bowl for 1 minute, stir, continue to cook until fully melted, 30-60 seconds more. Dip half of the pretzel rod in chocolate and place on waxed paper or parchment paper to allow to set. While chocolate is setting, sprinkle toppings of your choice over the chocolate.
TO GIFT: wrap in cellophane bags (found at craft stores) tie with a festive ribbon
Maple Granola
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup neutral cooking oil, i.e. canola, sunflower
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 2 ½ cup rolled oats
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts of your choice (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 350. In a medium sized bowl, combine maple syrup, cooking oil, and nut butter in a bowl. Mix well until blended. In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, cinnamon, shredded coconut and nuts together then add to maple syrup mixture. Stir until all ingredients are well coated. Place ingredients on a sheet pan lined with nonstick spray or parchment paper, granola should be spread evenly on the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the granola halfway through the cooking process.
Remove sheet pan from oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, add flax seeds, chia seed and dried fruit. Makes 15 1/4 cup servings.
This homemade granola is a great addition to yogurt or sprinkled on oatmeal for something crunchy and sweet!
TO GIFT: use a mason jar and tie a ribbon around the top of the jar, just underneath the cap
Content submitted by Janyce Gately – MS, RD, LDN, CHWC
Take the guesswork out of healthy eating by working with a registered dietitian. Set realistic goals, create an action plan, get started off on the right foot and receive guidance along the way. Reach out to Janyce to learn more at nutrition@waverleyoaks.com.