Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Weekly Harvest Newsletter

Sustainable Agriculture News Briefs - December 22, 2010

Weekly sustainable agriculture news and resources gleaned from the Internet by NCAT staff for the ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service website. The Weekly Harvest Newsletter is also available online.
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html#wh

News & Resources
* USDA Announces Final Environmental Impact Statement for Genetically Engineered Alfalfa
* New York Governor Issues Executive Order to Promote Sustainable Local Farms
* EQIP Organic Initiative Applications Due by March 4
* Wind Turbines on Farmland May Benefit Crops
* Updated Cover Crop Chart Released
* Organic Farming Research Foundation Calls for Fairness, Strong Action to Limit GE Contamination Risks

Funding Opportunities
* Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative - Chesapeake Bay Watershed
* 2011 Woody Biomass Utilization Grants
* Missouri Value-Added Agriculture Project Grants

Coming Events
* Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Winter Conference
* North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association Annual Convention
* PlacerGROWN Food and Farm Conference

__________________________________________________

News & Resources

USDA Announces Final Environmental Impact Statement for Genetically Engineered Alfalfa
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced
the availability of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) that evaluates the potential environmental effects of deregulating alfalfa genetically engineered (GE) to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, which is known commercially as Roundup. USDA has thoroughly analyzed the potential environmental impacts of the proposed alternatives and has listed two preferred options: deregulation as one option and the other as deregulation accompanied by a combination of isolation distances and geographic restrictions on the production of GE alfalfa seed and, in some locations, hay. The final EIS will be available for public review for at least 30 days before USDA will publish a record of decision on how it will proceed. USDA anticipates that EPA will publish a notice that the final EIS on Roundup Ready alfalfa is available for public review in the Federal Register on December 23, 2010.
http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010/12/0667.xml

New York Governor Issues Executive Order to Promote Sustainable Local Farms
New York Governor David A. Paterson announced that he has signed Executive
Order No. 39, establishing State policies for the promotion of sustainable local farms and the protection of agricultural lands. “The protection of New York’s agricultural lands is a fundamental principle enshrined in our State Constitution and has been a priority of my Administration,” Governor Paterson said. “Agriculture is a bedrock of New York’s economy and this Executive Order will set forth provisions to aid in the protection of agricultural lands for our State’s long-term economic and environmental prosperity.” Maintaining agriculture helps ensure healthier soil and cleaner waterways, and aids in the absorption of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses. State agencies are directed to consider these issues when reviewing and revising policies relevant to the purchase of agricultural products. The Executive Order also designates the first week in October as “Agriculture Week.”
http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/121510-GovPaterson-ExecutiveOrder-LocalFarms.html

EQIP Organic Initiative Applications Due by March 4
All applications for the National NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative for fiscal year 2011 need to be made by March 4, 2011. Farmers or ranchers who are currently certified organic or who are considering transitioning to organic production should make sure their applications for conservation financial support are in by the deadline. $50 million dollars is available for this special initiative nationwide. Assistance is offered for conservation practices related to organic production, limited to $20,000 per year and $80,000 during a six year period. Producers are required to develop and carry out an Organic System Plan (OSP) or carry out practices consistent with an OSP.
Related ATTRA publication: Federal Conservation Resources for Sustainable Farming and Ranching (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=280 )
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/organic/

Wind Turbines on Farmland May Benefit Crops
Wind turbines in Midwestern farm fields may be doing more
than churning out electricity. The giant turbine blades that generate renewable energy might also help corn and soybean crops stay cooler and dryer, help them fend off fungal infestations and improve their ability to extract growth-enhancing carbon dioxide from the air and soil. Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in San Francisco, a researcher at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Ames Laboratory and his co-researcher from the University of Colorado announced the preliminary findings of a months-long research program aimed at studying how wind turbines on farmlands interact with surrounding crops. “Wind turbines do produce measurable effects on the microclimate near crops,” said Ames Laboratory associate and agricultural meteorology expert Gene Takle. Turbine blades channel air downwards, in effect bathing the crops below via the increased airflow they create.
http://www.external.ameslab.gov/news/news-releases/wind-turbines

Updated Cover Crop Chart Released
The USDA-ARS Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory in Mandan, North Dakota, has released version 1.2 of its Cover Crop Chart. The updated version includes seeding depth information, as well as C:N ratio for aboveground biomass for listed crops. The Cover Crop Chart is designed to assist producers with decisions on the use of cover crops in crop and forage production systems. The chart, patterned after the periodic table of elements, includes information on 46 crop species that may be planted individually or in cocktail mixtures. Information on growth cycle, relative water use, plant architecture, seeding depth, forage quality, pollination characteristics, and nutrient cycling are included for most crop species. The chart’s compilers are also accepting suggestions for future additions to the tool.
Related ATTRA publication: Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures (http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=288)
http://www.ars.usda.gov/Main/docs.htm?docid=20323

Organic Farming Research Foundation Calls for Fairness, Strong Action
The Organic Farming Research Foundation Board of Directors is calling for strong federal policies to prevent genetically engineered (GE) crops from contaminating organic foods. The foundation said the widespread planting of GE crops increases contamination risks, which threatens the livelihood of organic and other farmers who choose not to use GE technologies. Organic regulations prohibit the use of GE material in crops and processed foods certified as organic. The foundation issued a nine-point statement of principles urging the federal government to take firm, clear, and preventative steps to ensure the viability and continued growth of organic agriculture. The nine principles include Freedom of Enterprise, Corporate Responsibility, and Consumer Right to Know.
http://ofrf.org/pressroom/releases/101216_preventingge.html

>> More Breaking News (http://attra.ncat.org/news/)

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Funding Opportunities

Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative - Chesapeake Bay Watershed
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available up to $3.5 million in financial assistance in fiscal year 2011 for single-state
and multi-state partnership projects that address natural resource concerns within six Chesapeake Bay Watershed states—Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The financial assistance is available through NRCS’ Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative. State and local units of government, American Indian tribes, producer associations, farmer cooperatives, institutions of higher education and nongovernmental organizations with a history of working closely with landowners and operators may apply. Project proposals in the Susquehanna, Shenandoah, Potomac (North and South) and Patuxent watersheds will be given higher priority in the proposal ranking process. Higher priority will also be given to proposals that control erosion and reduce nutrients and sediments in designated 12-digit Hydrologic Unit Coordinate (12-digit HUC) priority watersheds.
Applications will be accepted until January 31, 2011.
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/releases/2010/ccpi_chesapeake__12.16.10.html

2011 Woody Biomass Utilization Grants
The USDA Forest Service Forest Products Laboratory has announced that $3.7 million is available for grants that address the nationwide challenge in dealing with low-valued material to create renewable energy. Submission of an application is required for a grant up to $250,000 for wood energy projects that require engineering services. These projects will use woody biomass material removed from forest restoration activities. This program is aimed at helping applicants complete the necessary design work needed to secure public and/or private investment for construction.
Applications must be postmarked by March 1, 2011.
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/research/units/tmu/tmugrants.shtml

Missouri Value-Added Agriculture Project Grants
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority grants are available to assist farmers with business planning expenses for projects that develop, process, or market agricultural goods. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and applications evaluated on their economic development potential for the agriculture industry, credibility and merit, probability of near-term commercialization and practical application of project results, source and level of matching funds and the geographic location of the project’s economic impact. The maximum individual grant is $200,000, with at least 10 percent of the available funding going to grant requests of $25,000 or less. Applicants are required to provide a 10 percent cash match toward eligible expenses.
Applications must be received by January 28, 2011.
http://mda.mo.gov/news/2010/Applications_Being_Accepted_Now_for_Value_Added_Agriculture_Project_Grants

>> More Funding Opportunities (http://attra.ncat.org/funding/)

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Coming Events

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society Winter Conference
February 4-5, 2011
Fargo, North Dakota
“Sustainability in a Changing World” is the theme for this conference that includes featured speakers, workshops and exhibitors. Workshop topics include cattle selection, organic community gardens, organic seed production, winter greenhouses, permaculture, and a youth workshop.
http://www.npsas.org/events.html

North American Farmers Direct Marketing Association Annual Convention
February 4-10, 2011
Baltimore, Maryland
This year’s convention will explore local foods, consumer awareness, social media and the next steps for farm direct marketing and agritourism. We will help you understand what your customers want, what they perceive as value; how they express their opinions, and the power they have to lead family farming trends into the future. The event includes two different 3-day bus tours: one on agritourism and one on farm-direct marketing. Following the bus tours there are days of presentations, workshops, and other special events.
http://www.nafdma.com/

PlacerGROWN Food and Farm Conference
February 5, 2011
Lincoln, California
PlacerGROWN and UC Davis Extension present a day of workshops on farming, agriculture, and local sustainability, with keynote speaker Holly George on “The Power of Personal Stories,” and many networking opportunities.
http://placergrown.eventbrite.com/

>> More Events (http://attra.ncat.org/calendar/)

__________________________________________________

New & Updated Publications

Persimmons, Asian and American
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=10

Local Foods No. 5 — Hot Peppers (Chili Peppers)
http://attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=348

Label Rouge: Pasture-Based Poultry Production in France
http://attra.org/attra-pub/summaries/summary.php?pub=224

Question of the Week
What information can you give me on growing rosemary commercially?
http://bit.ly/eBoYZT

Ask a Sustainable Agriculture Expert
Submit questions to our professional staff online
http://attra.ncat.org/ask.php

ATTRA Spanish Newsletter
Subscribe to Cosecha Mensual (Monthly Harvest), ATTRA’s Spanish-language e-newsletter
http://attra.ncat.org/espanol/boletin.php

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https://www.thedatabank.com/dpg/427/personal2.asp?formid=signup

Comments? Questions? Contact us
http://attra.ncat.org/management/contact.html

Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews Archives
Digital versions of recent and archived Weekly Harvest and ATTRAnews newsletters are available online. ATTRAnews is the newsletter of ATTRA - National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
http://attra.ncat.org/newsletter/archives.html

The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - ATTRA - was developed and is managed by the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT). The project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service.
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/index.html

Visit the NCAT Web site for more information on our other sustainable agriculture and energy projects.
http://www.ncat.org/sarc_current.php

copyaright 2010 NCAT

Hank Roth, on the InterNUT since 1982
Past (post) Commander Jewish War Veterans
* Cryptologist and Voice Security in the White House
and in the War Room for JCS at the Pentagon
BIO [with pics] http://inyourface.info/bio/

What Is Norovirus Infection? What Causes Norovirus Infection?
13 Feb 2010

Noroviruses, also known as Norwalk-like viruses, SRSV (small round
structured viruses, are part of a group of viruses from the family
Caliciviridae that are the most common cause of stomach upset
(gastroenteritis) in the USA, Great Britain and Western Europe; about 90%
of epidemic non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world.
Sometimes referred to as winter vomiting disease, norovirus infection
often affects people during the winter months. However, people may be
affected at any time of year.

After a person has a norovirus infection, immunity is only temporary -
about 14 weeks - and usually incomplete. Individuals with blood type O are
more susceptible to infection, while those with types B and AB are
partially protected. Given the genetic variability of noroviruses,
individuals are likely to be repeatedly infected throughout their
lifetimes. However, experts say that having recurring infections does
eventually provide some protection from future infection.

Norovirus infection outbreaks more commonly occur in closed or semi-closed
communities, such as prisons, dormitories, cruise ships, schools,
long-term care facilities and overnight camps - places where infection can
spread rapidly from human-to-human or through tainted food and surfaces.
Infection outbreaks may also occur from food that was handled by an
infected person.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is
estimated that at least 50% of all foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis
can be attributed to noroviruses. The National Health Service (NHS), UK,
estimates that approximately between 600,000 and 1,000,000 British people
every year are infected.

The norovirus can spread via human contact with an infected person,
through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, or by consuming
contaminated water or food.

According to the CDC, USA, the majority of foodborne norovirus infection
outbreaks most likely arise through direct contamination of food by an
infected handler immediately before its consumption. Outbreaks have often
been linked to cold food consumption, including salads, sandwiches and
bakery products. Such liquid items as salad dressing or cake icing have
also been implicated as outbreak causes. Sometimes oysters from
contaminated waters have been linked to widespread gastroenteritis
outbreaks.

Waterborne outbreaks of norovirus infection in community settings have
commonly been caused by sewage contamination of wells and recreational
water, says the CDC.

According to Medilexicon’s medical dictionary:

Caliciviridae is “A family of naked icosahedral single-stranded
positive sense RNA viruses 30-38 mm in diameter associated with epidemic
viral gastroenteritis and certain forms of hepatitis in humans.”

What are the signs and symptoms of a norovirus infection?
A symptom is something the patient feels and reports, while a sign is
something other people, such as the doctor detect. For example, pain may
be a symptom while a rash may be a sign.

Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis - inflammation of the stomach
and the small and large intestines.

Norovirus infection signs and symptoms include:

* Nausea - usually the first symptom
* Vomiting - sometimes violent and sudden
* Stomachache (abdominal pain)
* Abdominal cramps
* Watery or loose diarrhea
* Weight loss
* Generally feeling unwell and lethargic (malaise)
* Fever/chills, usually mild
* Aching limbs
* Headache
* In rare cases patients may lose their sense of taste

During the brief period when symptoms are present people can feel very ill
and vomit, often violently without warning, many times a day.

Signs and symptoms, which generally last from one to three days usually
appear about 24 to 48 hours after initial infection (incubation period of
24 to 48 hours) - in some cases the incubation period may only be 12
hours. Sometimes the diarrhea can last longer than three days.

An individual’s feces (stools) may still have noroviruses for some time
after they have recovered. According to the CDC, USA, the virus can be in
the stool and vomit of infected persons from the day they start to feel
ill to as long as 2 weeks after they feel better.

It is possible to be infected and have no signs or symptoms. In such
cases, the person is contagious (can pass it on to other people).
Diagnosing norovirus infection
In the vast majority of cases diagnosis is based on the patient’s signs
and symptoms alone. The norovirus can be identified by testing a stool
sample
Treatment for norovirus infection
Doctors tend to let the norovirus infection run its course. No specific
therapy exists for norovirus gastroenteritis.

Experts say that fasting will not speed up recovery. Therefore, patients
should eat a light diet with foods that are easy to digest, such as rice,
bread, soups or pasta. Babies should be given what they would normally
eat.

It is important to replace the fluids that are lost through vomiting
and/or diarrhea, especially with very young children and elderly people.
Young children and elderly patients are particularly susceptible to
dehydration. Patients who are not able to drink enough liquids may need to
receive fluids intravenously.
What are the risk factors for norovirus infection?
A risk factor is something which increases the likelihood of developing a
condition or disease. For example, obesity significantly raises the risk
of developing diabetes type 2. Therefore, obesity is a risk factor for
diabetes type 2. The following risk factors may increase a person’s risk
of becoming infected with the norovirus:

* Weakened immune system - people whose immune systems are impaired,
such as organ transplant recipients or individuals with AIDS have a higher
risk of becoming infected and developing symptoms.
* Living in a house where food hygiene procedures are not properly
observed
* Living with a child who goes to a child care center or attends
preschool
* Staying in hotels, cruise ships, vacation resorts where there are
lots of people together
* Living in in closed or semi-closed communities, such as nursing
homes, hospitals or retirement centers

What are the causes of norovirus infection?
Noroviruses are shed in the feces (stools) and vomit of infected people
and animals.

The infection can be transmitted by:

* Consuming contaminated foods
* Consuming contaminated water
* Touching an infected person with your hand and then touching your
mouth
* Touching a contaminated surface with your hand and then touching
your mouth

It is not easy to eliminate noroviruses because they can survive in both
hot and cold temperatures, and are resistant to many disinfectants. Food
and drinks can become contaminated with norovirus very easily because the
virus is very small, and also because it probably takes fewer than 100
norovirus particles to make a person ill.
What are the possible complications of norovirus infection?
In the vast majority of cases a norovirus infection resolves itself within
a few days and has no complications.

Less commonly, the following complications may occur:

* Dehydration
* Malnutrition

Some people are unable to drink enough liquids to replace those lost
through vomiting and/or diarrhea, and may become dehydrated and require
special medical attention. Young children, the elderly, and individuals of
any age who are unable to take care of themselves are especially
vulnerable. Examples of oral rehydration fluids (ORF) include: Infalyte,
Kao Lectrolyte, Naturalyte, Oralyte, and Pedialyte. A double-blind trial
of oral rehydration solutions for children with diarrhea and vomiting
related to acute viral gastroenteritis found that Gatorade is as effective
as Pedialyte in correcting dehydration and improving bowel symptoms.
Prevention of norovirus infection
Methods of prevention of the spread of foodborne noroviruses is based on
the provision of safe food and water. Noroviruses can survive freezing, as
well as temperatures as high as 60C (140F). Some people may even become
infected after eating steamed shellfish. Noroviruses can survive up to 10
ppm chlorine, levels much higher than that found in current public water
systems.

In spite of these features, experts say that fairly simple measures of
personal and food hygiene substantially reduce foodborne transmission of
noroviruses.

The following steps are known to considerably reduce the risk of norovirus
infection:

* Handwashing - wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap
and warm water, especially after going to the toilet, changing a diaper
(UK: nappy), and before preparing meals.
* Possibly contaminated surfaces - clean them with disinfectant,
preferably a bleach-based household cleaner. It is important to heed the
instructions that go with the product. When possible, let the bleach
remain on the surface for about ten minutes.

Infected people may often vomit violently, without warning (the
vomit is infectious). Any surfaces near the vomit should be thoroughly
cleaned promptly.
* Raw foods and food in general - if you are going to eat raw foods
make sure they are from a reliable source. Avoid shellfish that may have
come from contaminated waters. If you steam oysters your chances of
becoming infected are significantly reduced.

Any foods that may have been prepared by someone who was sick should
be thrown out. Carefully wash fruit and vegetables.
* Infected feces and vomit - make sure they are flushed away and clean
the surrounding toilet area immediately with a bleach-based household
cleaner.
* Clothing and bed clothes - if they could have become contaminated
wash with hot soapy water.
* If you are infected - stay at home, especially if your job involves
handling food.
* Disposable towels - if you are especially vulnerable to infection,
e.g. you are caring for an infected person, use disposable paper towels to
dry you hands rather than cloth ones; the virus may survive for some time
on objects.
* Healthcare facilities - for example, hospitals should focus on
methods to limit transmission by isolating patients.
* Travelling - if you are travelling abroad, and sanitation is
suspect, only drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Avoid
buffets and uncooked foods.
* Disinfecting drinking water - if you suspect your water may be
contaminated it is possible to disinfect it before consumption:

o Boiling - a full boil should last for at least one minute (one
minute bubbling). If you are over 2,000 meters altitude (6,500 feet) the
water should be boiled for an additional minute.
o Iodine - if possible, warm the water to 20C, add in the
iodine, mix it, and let it stand for at least 20 minutes. If the water is
colder let it stand for 40 minutes. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
regarding how much to use.

Pregnant women should not use iodine drops to purify water. Do
not use iodine to disinfect water for long periods as there is a risk of
thyroid gland problems.

Written by Christian Nordqvist
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today

Article URL: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179107.php

Main News Category: GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology

Also Appears In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses, Nutrition /
Diet,

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Healthier holiday recipes - Enjoy healthy Vegetarian Lasagna
Monday, December 20, 2010 by: Tony Isaacs, citizen journalist
See all articles by this author

(NaturalNews) Though the holidays are often associated with main courses of meats such as turkey, ham, chicken and sausage, vegetable lovers and people who want to have meatless dishes can also have a holiday feast that is delicious and healthier too.

Following is a healthy meatless main course that is easy and quick to make. It is sure to be a taste-pleaser for you and your guests.

Lacto-Vegetarian Lasagna

INGREDIENTS:

1 fresh large eggplant
1 cup of fresh baby spinach leaves, chopped
1 package whole wheat lasagna noodles
8 ounces organic low-fat small curd cottage cheese
1 medium (32 ounce) jar of meatless sauce
2 ounces of shredded organic mozzarella cheese
1 medium to large tomato, sliced
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste
small amount of fresh parsley finely chopped (or parsley flakes) for garnish
paprika for garnish

Note: wherever possible, choose certified organic ingredients for the very healthiest dish.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cut the eggplant into thin slices. Lay these slices on a cloth or paper towels (preferably unbleached paper towels). Add a sprinkling of sea salt. Place another cloth or layer of paper towels for the remaining slices and add a sprinkling of sea salt.

Prepare the lasagna noodles according to directions for the minimum cooking time or a bit less (the noodles will cook more during the baking of the lasagna). Once the noodles have been cooked, drain thoroughly and place on a cloth or paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

While the noodles are cooking, mix the cheese, spinach, pepper and salt in a bowl.

Add sauce into a glass or ceramic casserole dish (or a non-aluminum pan which does not have a no-stick surface) and spread it out evenly. Then add a layer of lasagna noodles, a layer of eggplant, sauce, a layer of cottage cheese, spinach mix, and then another layer of lasagna noodles. Repeat this process until you reach the top of the casserole dish (or pan) or however thick you want your dish to be.

Add a final layer consisting of mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and sliced tomatoes. Then sprinkle some paprika and parsley flakes for garnish and added taste.

Place in the oven and cook for one hour or until you are sure that the eggplant is suitably soft.

See also:

“Vegan Pumpkin Ravioli”

http://www.tbyil.com/Vegan_Pumpkin_...

To have a complete meat-free holiday spread, see the selection of healthy meatless side dishes, salads, soups and desserts at:

http://www.tbyil.com/Healthy_Holida...

About the author
Tony Isaacs, is a natural health author, advocate and researcher who hosts The Best Years in Life website for baby boomers and others wishing to avoid prescription drugs and mainstream managed illness and live longer, healthier and happier lives naturally. Mr. Isaacs is the author of books and articles about natural health, longevity and beating cancer including “Cancer’s Natural Enemy” and is working on a major book project due to be published later this year.
Mr. Isaacs is currently residing in scenic East Texas and frequently commutes to the even more scenic Texas hill country near San Antonio and Austin to give lectures in health seminars. He also hosts the CureZone “Ask Tony Isaacs - featuring Luella May” forum as well as the Yahoo Health Group “Oleander Soup” and he serves as a consultant to the “Utopia Silver Supplement Company”.

Articles Related to This Article:
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• The inside scoop: Natural Health Products Expo West industry event

• Review of Google Health - Technology Achievement or Privacy Disaster?

• The Politics of National Health Care Reform: Why no Popular Presidential Candidate can Solve Our Health Care Crisis (transcript)

• Shattering the false philosophy and junk science of conventional medicine

http://www.naturalnews.com/030780_holiday_recipes_lasagna.html

- TipNut.com - http://tipnut.com -

Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes, Tags & Tips

Posted By TipNut On November 30, 2010 @ 12:17 am In Popular Tips,Recipes | 5 Comments

[Updated For 2010 Holiday Season] Gifts in a jar typically include all the ingredients to make or bake something that are stored in jars (like mason jars or jam jars, etc.) and presented as gifts.

Gift Mixes In A Jar Can Be Quite Visually Appealing
They can be cookie mixes, cake mixes, bath & beauty ingredients (like bath salts [1] and foot soaks [2]), hearty soup mixes, bread, buns, pastry ingredients, seasoning mixes, hot beverage recipes (like Homemade Instant Cappuccino Mixes [3]), any recipe that will keep well in a jar pretty much works.

Sometimes the ingredients are all layered in the jar and this can look quite appealing if there’s some contrast between the colors, other times the recipe ingredients are fully mixed together before being placed in the jar.

After filling the jars, you can decorate the lids to look pretty and more festive. Make sure to include the list of ingredients and recipe directions for cooking or baking the mix or how to use the gift.

Here’s a collection of resources that share hundreds of free recipes for these lovely homemade gifts. I also added a few treats at the bottom for how to decorate the jar lids as well as some freebie printables (labels & tags for gifts in a jar).
Free Homemade Gifts In A Jar Recipes

Jar Gifts Aren’t Limited To Mixes Only: Gifts of Spice Blends, Homemade Preserves & Dried Fruits or Flowers Are Appreciated Too

* Gifts From The Kitchen: Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes [4] (many are suitable for jar gifts)
* Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make [5] (many are suitable for jar gifts)
* Nikibone.com – Gifts in a Jar [6]
* Gifts From Your Kitchen – Gifts in a Jar or Bag [7] (click categories to view all the recipes)
* Craftbits – Jar Gifts Category [8]
* Mary Mae’s Jars and Mixes [9]
* 354+ Edible Gift Mixes [10]
* Gifts You Can Make: Delicious Hot Drink Mixes [11]

Decorating Ideas For Gift Jar Lids

Simple Jar Topper Ideas: Cover lids with pretty scraps of fabric or heavy paper and tie with bits of ribbon, heavy string or rafia.

It Doesn’t Take Much To Create A Gift-Worthy Presentation

More Ideas:

* Martha Stewart: Decorative Jar Lids [12]
* Felt Jar Topper – LuckyKate Crafts [13]: This has a strawberry design but you can change it to whatever you like.
* Directions to Sew Fabric Canning Jar Covers [14]
* Jar Topper With Bias Tape Finished Edge [15]
* Oilcloth Gift Jar Toppers [16]
* Scrappy Jar Lids Tutorial [17]
* Embroidered Jam Jar Gift Toppers [18]

Tags & Labels For Gift Jars

* Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables [19]
* Lollychops [20]
* Domino Sugar: Baking Gift Tags [21] (pdf)
* Domino Sugar: Spa Gifts In A Jar Tags [22] (pdf)

And here are some tips if you’re new to making gifts in a jar: Giving Dessert Making Ingredients in Jars and Containers [23] (About.com).

Homemade gifts in a jar are easy to make and they’re great frugal gifts, they’re also nice additions to homemade gift baskets [24].

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [25] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes} [4]
* 26+ Canning Jar Labels: {Free Printables Collection} [19]
* Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas [26]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [27] ~ Facebook [28]
Tweet It [29] ~ Delicious [30]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

URLs in this post:

[1] bath salts: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[2] foot soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

[3] Homemade Instant Cappuccino Mixes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-cappuccino-recipe/

[4] Gifts From The Kitchen: Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[5] Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make: http://tipnut.com/beauty-spa-gifts/

[6] Nikibone.com – Gifts in a Jar: http://www.nikibone.com/recipe/gifts_in_a_jar.html

[7] Gifts From Your Kitchen – Gifts in a Jar or Bag: http://www.giftsfromyourkitchen.com/jar/jar.html

[8] Craftbits – Jar Gifts Category: http://www.craftbits.com/gifts-in-a-jar

[9] Mary Mae’s Jars and Mixes: http://www.members.tripod.com/~MaryMae/jarlinks.htm

[10] 354+ Edible Gift Mixes: http://everythingyourmamamade.com/2008/12/12/354-edible-gift-mixes/

[11] Gifts You Can Make: Delicious Hot Drink Mixes: http://momadvice.com/blog/2009/11/gifts-you-can-make-delicious-hot-drink-mixes

[12] Martha Stewart: Decorative Jar Lids: http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/decorative-jar-lids

[13] Felt Jar Topper – LuckyKate Crafts: http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/tis-season-for-strawberries.html

[14] Directions to Sew Fabric Canning Jar Covers: http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/ss/carjarlidsvisua.htm

[15] Jar Topper With Bias Tape Finished Edge: http://www.achristianhome.org/Homemaking/sew_a_jar_topper.htm

[16] Oilcloth Gift Jar Toppers: http://oilclothaddict.blogspot.com/2008/12/oca-tutorial-6-gift-jar-decorations-by.html

[17] Scrappy Jar Lids Tutorial: http://fowlsinglefile.blogspot.com/2009/10/scrappy-jar-lids-tutorial.html

[18] Embroidered Jam Jar Gift Toppers: http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-jam-jar-gift-toppers-from-a-rainbow-of-stitches-6310/

[19] Canning Jar Labels: Free Printables: http://tipnut.com/canning-jar-labels/

[20] Lollychops: http://www.lollychops.com/lollychops/2008/12/tagerific-tags.html

[21] Domino Sugar: Baking Gift Tags: http://www.dominosugar.com/mm/files/Baking-Gift-Tags.pdf

[22] Domino Sugar: Spa Gifts In A Jar Tags: http://www.dominosugar.com/mm/files/Sugar-Scrub-Gift-Tags.pdf

[23] Giving Dessert Making Ingredients in Jars and Containers: http://baking.about.com/library/weekly/aa081799.htm

[24] homemade gift baskets: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

[25] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[26] Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas: http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[27] Email: mailto:?subject=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas&body=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[28] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/&t=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas

[29] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[30] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/&title=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas : Tipnut.com

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Homemade Gift Baskets – The Ultimate How To Guide

Posted By TipNut On December 17, 2010 @ 2:08 am In Crafty Ideas,Popular Tips | 4 Comments

Have you always wanted to learn how to make beautiful homemade gift baskets or have a large running list of basket themes and gift ideas at your disposal? Then this is the ultimate How To guide for you!

There Are Plenty Of Fun Ways To Present A Gift Basket
This tip sheet is packed with videos for how to make gift baskets as well as lovely homemade gift fillers and theme ideas (make sure to catch all the details and ideas listed at the bottom).

On the videos you’ll find inspiration for gift basket themes, how to fill, wrap, make bows and decorate the baskets. Then you’ll find dozens more easy to make homemade gift ideas and gift basket theme ideas from Tipnut.

In less than 30 minutes, you’ll know exactly how to make gift baskets just like the pros!
How To Make Great Homemade Gift Baskets – Video Tips

The first video is how to make a cellophane plume for decorating a gift basket, it gives a nice professional touch yet it’s easier to make than you might think:

The next video is from Rachel Ray’s show with two guests (Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza) who discuss unique ideas for gift baskets (I totally dig the pet gift basket!), then ends with how to make The Cuddle Kit. Steve also points out three steps to remember if you want to make a great basket: Visibility, Stability and Presentation.

Another hot tip they give: Use a bookmark [1] for the gift tag.

This last video presents ideas for different themes and items to fill gift baskets with, but she also spends time toward the end on how to package the baskets in cellophane wrap. Also some thrifty ideas: choose one nice gift item that the recipient will like that may be a little pricey, put it in the middle of the basket to make it the central focus–then surround it with nice little things that don’t cost as much. She knows her prices too and gives hints for using more economical decorations.

Homemade Gift Basket Filler Ideas

If you need some ideas for homemade gifts to include in the baskets (that won’t break the bank), you have a crazy amount of ideas at your fingertips right here on Tipnut:

Homemade Food Gifts: Peppermint Bark [2], Homemade Fudge [3], Chocolate Covered Pretzels [4], Homemade Cookies [5], Gifts In A Jar [6], Pickled Peppers [7], Gourmet Popcorn Seasonings [8], Candy Pink Popcorn [9], Sponge Candy [10], Candied Ginger [11], Vanilla Sugar Recipes [12], Lemon Sugar Recipes [13], Lavender Sugar Recipes [14], Homemade Vanilla Extract [15], Homemade Lemon Extract [16], Homemade Orange Extract [17], Gourmet Cookie Bouquets [18]

Pampered Gifts: Eye Masks & Pillows [19], Scented Sachets [20], Homemade Soaps [21], Makeup Bags [22], Bath & Beauty Gift-Worthy Crafts [23], Homemade Sugar Scrubs [24], Rose Water [25], Rose Petal Vinegar [26], Foot Soak Recipes [27], Microwave Heating Bags [28]

Crafty Filler Ideas: Homemade Potpourri [29], Pretty Votive Candles [30], Lavender Vinegar [31], Loads of crafty fabric remnant gift ideas [32], DIY Bookmarks [1], Pretty Recipe Cards [33], BooBoo Bunny (for baby baskets) [34]

And for Pet Gifts: Homemade Dog Rope Toy [35], Homemade Dog Treats [36], Catnip [37]

Decoration Ideas: Paper Flowers [38]

Also see Gifts From The Kitchen: Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes [39] and 30+ Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make [40].
Gift Basket Theme Ideas

* Pampered Spa Basket (Twirly towel, bath mitts, cozy slippers, eye pillow, luffa sponge, body sugar scrubs, bath salts & bubble bath, shower gel, bath bombs, candles)
* Chocolate Lovers Basket (Chocolate of every kind and in every shape, nuts, gourmet coffee)
* Coffee Lovers Basket (Gourmet or flavored coffees, flavored sugars, cinnamon sticks, two coffee mugs, demi spoons & a coffee table book about coffee )
* Homemade Specialty Treats Basket (Flavored sugars, extracts, flavored vinegars)
* Gourmet Basket (Pickled peppers, gourmet cheese, deli crackers, fruit, wine, smoked oysters, olives, pickled asparagus, deli meat sticks)
* Tea Buddy Basket (Gourmet teas, flavored sugars, cinnamon sticks, tea cozy, two pretty tea cups and saucers, homemade cookies/baking, homemade jam, small potted houseplant)
* Pet Lovers Basket (Personalized pet dish, pet toys, pet treats, hair brush, pet shampoo–see the Rachel Ray video above)
* Gardeners Gift Basket (Gardening gloves, gardening book, garden journal, small hand tools, handmade seed packets, garden clogs)
* Bookworm Gift Basket (Books, bookmarks, gourmet coffee or tea, snacks, online bookstore gift card)
* Productivity Guru Gift Basket (Moleskin notebook, index cards, post it notes, post it flags, expensive pen, book on productivity tips)
* Welcome Baby Basket (Baby blanket, washcloths, socks, rattle, toys, sleepers, check out the diaper cake for more ideas [41])
* Crafty Gift Basket (Expensive scissors, rotary cutter blades, needle case, pin cushion, spools of good quality thread, glue sticks, needle threaders, box of pins, sewing machine needles, fat quarters, craft store gift card, craft magazine or book)
* Movie Lovers Basket (DVDs, popcorn, popcorn seasonings, bottles of water or pop, chocolate bars, licorice, movie rental coupons)
* Christmas Gift Basket (Poinsettia plant, homemade cookies, tarts, baking, Christmas tree ornaments, Christmas music CD, neatly handwritten Christmas poem or prayer–scroll or framed, pine, peppermint or cranberry scented candle, box of chocolates, candy canes, mix of nuts and nutcracker, Christmas crackers, angel figurine, paper snowflakes, mini-stockings filled with candy, fireplace firestarters, hot cocoa mix with mugs, small prayer or blessings book)

After watching the videos (less than 30 minutes total), all the thrifty homemade gift ideas and the collection of themes, you’ll have no trouble putting together fantastic gift baskets. You now know how to beautifully decorate and wrap them as well as work with several different theme ideas.

Please share your own favorite homemade gift basket details below if I’ve missed any–themes, gifts and decorating tips or how about favorite gift basket items you received. I’d love to hear them .

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [42] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes} [39]
* Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes [43]
* Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas [44]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [45] ~ Facebook [46]
Tweet It [47] ~ Delicious [48]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

URLs in this post:

[1] bookmark: http://tipnut.com/make-bookmarks/

[2] Peppermint Bark: http://tipnut.com/make-peppermint-bark/

[3] Homemade Fudge: http://tipnut.com/homemade-fudge/

[4] Chocolate Covered Pretzels: http://tipnut.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/

[5] Homemade Cookies: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-cookies/

[6] Gifts In A Jar: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

[7] Pickled Peppers: http://tipnut.com/pickled-peppers-recipe/

[8] Gourmet Popcorn Seasonings: http://tipnut.com/quick-tip-10-popcorn-seasoning-ideas/

[9] Candy Pink Popcorn: http://tipnut.com/pink-popcorn-recipe/

[10] Sponge Candy: http://tipnut.com/sponge-candy-recipe/

[11] Candied Ginger: http://tipnut.com/easy-candied-ginger-root-recipe-storage-tips/

[12] Vanilla Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-sugar-recipes/

[13] Lemon Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-sugar-recipes/

[14] Lavender Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/

[15] Homemade Vanilla Extract: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/

[16] Homemade Lemon Extract: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-extract-recipes/

[17] Homemade Orange Extract: http://tipnut.com/homemade-orange-extract-recipe/

[18] Gourmet Cookie Bouquets: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-a-gourmet-cookie-bouquet/

[19] Eye Masks & Pillows: http://tipnut.com/eye-masks-pillows/

[20] Scented Sachets: http://tipnut.com/lavender-sachet-gifts/

[21] Homemade Soaps: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-homemade-soap/

[22] Makeup Bags: http://tipnut.com/makeup-bags/

[23] Bath & Beauty Gift-Worthy Crafts: http://tipnut.com/beauty-craft-gifts/

[24] Homemade Sugar Scrubs: http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

[25] Rose Water: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-rose-water-4-recipes/

[26] Rose Petal Vinegar: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-petal-vinegar-recipe/

[27] Foot Soak Recipes: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

[28] Microwave Heating Bags: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/

[29] Homemade Potpourri: http://tipnut.com/homemade-potpourri-101/

[30] Pretty Votive Candles: http://tipnut.com/decorative-votives/

[31] Lavender Vinegar: http://tipnut.com/lavender-vinegar-recipes/

[32] Loads of crafty fabric remnant gift ideas: http://tipnut.com/scrap-happy-fabric-scrap-ideas-free-patterns/

[33] Pretty Recipe Cards: http://tipnut.com/free-printable-recipe-cards-a-nice-collection/

[34] BooBoo Bunny (for baby baskets): http://tipnut.com/free-boo-boo-bunny-pattern-instructions/

[35] Homemade Dog Rope Toy: http://tipnut.com/diy-homemade-dog-rope-toy/

[36] Homemade Dog Treats: http://tipnut.com/homemade-dog-treat-recipe/

[37] Catnip: http://tipnut.com/grow-your-own-catnip/

[38] Paper Flowers: http://tipnut.com/paper-flowers/

[39] Gifts From The Kitchen: Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[40] 30+ Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make: http://tipnut.com/beauty-spa-gifts/

[41] the diaper cake for more ideas: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-a-diaper-cake-free-directions/

[42] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[43] Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-cappuccino-recipe/

[44] Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas: http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[45] Email: mailto:?subject=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas&body=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[46] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/&t=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas

[47] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[48] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/&title=Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas : Tipnut.com

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Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes

Posted By TipNut On October 17, 2007 @ 6:10 am In Beauty & Home Spa,Crafty Ideas | 1 Comment

Herbal bath bags (also known as bath tea bags) make a lovely soaking bath that can be beneficial to your skin, ease stress and help soothe aches and pains.

They’re similar to the Shower Spa Bags [1] except these soak in the tub with you, making the bath a luxurious tea spa. If you just need some tender foot therapy to ease sore feet, these can be added to foot baths–or you can try the Foot Soak Recipes [2].
How To Make Herbal Bath Bags

Basic Instructions:

Make drawstring bags out of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of your favorite herbal bath recipe. Tie them tightly shut so the loose herbs won’t float out into the bath water. After use the contents can be emptied, the bags rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.

Bath Preparation Directions:

* Two ways you can enjoy these, either hang the bags on the tap while the hot water is running to fill the bath, making sure the water is running through the bags. Once the tub is filled, let the bag float in the tub with you.
* Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add herbal bath bag to water, cover, then steep (let it steep at least 20 minutes for best results). Add all of this piping hot infused water to your bath (be careful not to burn yourself) and plop the herbal bag in the bath to soak while you’re in it too. Note: Do not steep the herbs in an aluminum pot.

Herbal Bath Tea Recipes

These amounts will make a batch at a time to be stored in an airtight container until you use them. For convenience, fill up your drawstring bags then store.

Basic Milk Bath Starter Recipe

1 1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/8 cup baking soda
2 TBS cornstarch

* Use this as the base for herbal milk bath bags, add whatever dried flowers and herbs you like.

Lavender Bath Soak:

* 1/2 cup dried lavender
* 1 cup Epsom Salts

Lavender Oatmeal Bath:

* 1 cup oatmeal
* 1/2 cup dried lavender

Lavender Oatmeal Milk Bath:

* 1/2 cup powdered milk (or the milk bath starter recipe above)
* 1/2 cup oatmeal
* 1/4 cup dried lavender

Rosemary Oatmeal Bath Tea

* 1/2 cup Oatmeal
* 1/4 cup Rosemary (dried)
* 1/4 cup Chamomile (tea is fine)

Lavender Chamomile Soak:

* 1/2 cup each: Epsom salt, lavender, chamomile

Herbal Splendor:

* 1/2 cup each: thyme, sage, lavender, mint, bay leaves, rosemary

Herbal Soother Bath Soak:

* 1/2 cup each: Lavender, Rose Petals, Sage, Rosemary

Rosemary Basil Soak:

* 1/2 cup rosemary
* 1/2 cup basil
* 1 cup oatmeal

Homemade Bath Spa Bonus

Along with the herbal bath bags, you can add 1/2 cup of honey to your bath while the water is running. Or you could use the milk bath starter recipe with the honey for a homemade milk and honey bath.

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [3] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks [4]
* Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself [5]
* Herbal Steam Facial Recipes [6]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [7] ~ Facebook [8]
Tweet It [9] ~ Delicious [10]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/

URLs in this post:

[1] Shower Spa Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spa-bags/

[2] Foot Soak Recipes: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

[3] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[4] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[5] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/

[6] Herbal Steam Facial Recipes: http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/

[7] Email: mailto:?subject=Herbal Steam Facial Recipes&body=http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/

[8] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/&t=Herbal Steam Facial Recipes

[9] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/

[10] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/&title=Herbal Steam Facial Recipes : Tipnut.com

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25 Christmas Candy Recipes: {Homemade Gift Idea}

Posted By TipNut On December 20, 2010 @ 9:50 am In Recipes | No Comments

Any room on your holiday to-do list for whipping up a few batches of homemade candy? These recipes are sure to please and make great gifts, many are easy to make too! I’ve handpicked a nice assortment of gift-worthy goodies from around the ‘net for this week’s Recipe Hit List…try preparing one, two or a handful of assorted candies and wrap simply for a lovely gift this Christmas. I’ll update this list again next year so you may want to bookmark this page…Enjoy!

No Matter How You Wrap Them, Gifts Of Homemade Candy Are Always A Hit At Christmas

To keep things organized, you’ll find 101 fudge recipes on this page [1] and 5 variations of peppermint bark here [2]. You’ll also find a bunch of candy making tips here [3].
Homemade Candy Recipes For Holiday Gift Giving

*Note: Descriptions below are quotes from the recipe sites

1. Peppermint Popcorn [4]: This gift idea that doesn’t cost much and is so easy to make. From Make It Do.
2. Caramel Wrapped Marshmallows [5]: These candies require some patience, so be prepared to clear an afternoon to make and individually wrap them. From Not So Humble Pie.
3. Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes [6]: They’re fun to dip and give your hot chocolate an extra chocolatey pepperminty boost… Mmmmmmm! From Make And Takes.
4. Snowflake Butter Mints [7]: Simple to make, melt-in-your-mouth delicious, and utterly customizable for any event. From Bake It Pretty.
5. Peppermint Icicles [8]: Recipe from Martha Stewart.
6. Buckeyes [9]: Chocolate and peanut butter bonbons, famous especially in Ohio where they are dipped in a way to resemble the nut of the buckeye tree. From Smitten Kitchen.
7. Chocolate Pretzel Bites [10]: Sweet and salty, peanut butter and chocolate, smooth and crunchy, this one could not be easier to make or more addictive to have on your counter. From Design Crush. Also see these easy chocolate covered pretzels [11].
8. Peppermint Caramels [12]: For those who are also timid confectioners or recent candy-thermometer purchasers: do not fear! My experience almost mimicked what was written, and I have added, in bold, my additions. From Lindsay Cooks.
9. Last Minute Peanut Brittle [13]: The recipe is adapted from Serious Eats and it’s super quick to make (the whole shebang can be done in about 20 minutes!) so it’s perfect for last-minute gifting. From Everybody Likes Sandwiches.
10. Hot Chocolate On A Stick [14]: The recipe turned out to be so simple, and the results so delightful. Stir one of these sticks into a cup of steaming milk or cream and in two minutes you will have transformed it into a cup of rich hot chocolate, the blessed stuff. From Giver’s Log.
11. Homemade York Peppermint Patty Recipe [15]: So I set out to make a much more nourishing, high-fat, low-sugar version. And it is delicious. From Joyful Abode.
12. Mint Chocolate Marshmallows [16]: A homemade marshmallow is a rare treat, and worth the time and effort. From Sugar Plum.
13. Maine Potato Candy [17]: You would never ever know that this sweet coconut candy has potato in it. The recipe for the middle is perfect. From Sweet Cheeks.
14. Salted Caramels with Orange Scented Sugar [18]: If you would like a stronger orange flavor, adjust the extract accordingly. These aren’t meant to be orange caramels, but just have a small hint of flavor in the background. From Craftzine.
15. Mock Almond Crunch [19]: This batch makes plenty so whatever I don’t give right away I have stashed in an airtight bag in the freezer. That way I have a gift at the ready and out of sight out of mind – which means I won’t be eating candy all day long (in theory). From Not Without Salt.
16. Homemade Ferrero Rocher [20]: They turned out fabulously and are more then worthy of the title Ferrero Rocher Clone! From My Food Obsession.
17. Gingerbread Caramels [21]: Heady with ginger, clove, and nutmeg, these gingerbread caramels make sweet stocking stuffers and party favors. From Martha Stewart.
18. Saltine Toffee Candy aka Christmas Crack [22]: I love the sweetness of the brown sugar mixed with the saltiness of the saltine crackers and topped with melted chocolate. Um it really is the perfect combination. From Mommy’s Kitchen.
19. Peppermint Oreo Truffles [23]: They will disappear quickly, and it’s just as easy to make the larger amount. Go big or go home. From More Bread And Cheese Please.
20. Stained Glass Window Candies [24]: This recipe is a version of one that Sue Raye, SAVEUR Kitchen Director Liz Pearson’s mother, clipped from a neighborhood newsletter in the 1980s. From Saveur.
21. Chocolate Topped Sea-Salt Caramels [25]: Sweet and salty flavors are combined in these delicious chocolate coated caramels- perfect dessert to treat a crowd. From Betty Crocker.
22. Candy-Cane Marshmallows [26]: Give out homemade treats that are great in hot cocoa — or straight from the bag. Peppermint marshmallows are easy to make; they get their red swirl from a quick marbleizing technique. From Martha Stewart.
23. Sea Glass Candy [27]: This recipe calls for a candy thermometer. If you do not have one, you can still make this simple hard candy using the cold water test to monitor the temperatures. From Not So Humble Pie.
24. A Better Buttercrunch Recipe [28]: This crunchy candy, based on a top-secret family recipe from someone else’s family, is my answer for the cookie-averse recipients on my holiday baking list. From Jess Thomson.
25. Grandma’s English Toffee [29]: English Toffee. In it’s simplest and most refined form it is the perfect marriage of butter, sugar and chocolate. And my Grandma’s toffee is toffee at it’s best. I’m not bragging. I’m stating a fact. The toffee itself has only two ingredients: butter and sugar. She tops it with a layer of good chocolate and occasionally showers the top
with a coat of finely chopped, toasted nuts. It is sublime. From Foodie With Family.

Also see 50 Squares, Slices & Tarts [30] and 30 Christmas Cookie Recipes [31]. For gift packaging and label ideas, see Free Printables & Ideas here [32].

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [33] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes} [34]
* Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes [35]
* Homemade Candy Making: {Tip Sheet} [3]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [36] ~ Facebook [37]
Tweet It [38] ~ Delicious [39]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy/

URLs in this post:

[1] 101 fudge recipes on this page: http://tipnut.com/homemade-fudge/

[2] peppermint bark here: http://tipnut.com/make-peppermint-bark/

[3] candy making tips here: http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/

[4] Peppermint Popcorn: http://www.make-it-do.com/make-it/make-it-do-gift-peppermint-popcorn/

[5] Caramel Wrapped Marshmallows: http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2010/12/caramel-wrapped-marshmallows.html

[6] Chocolate Dipped Candy Canes: http://www.makeandtakes.com/chocolate-dipped-candy-canes

[7] Snowflake Butter Mints: http://www.bakeitpretty.com/blog/2010/12/holiday-how-to-snowflake-butter-mints/

[8] Peppermint Icicles: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/peppermint-icicles

[9] Buckeyes: http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/10/buckeyes/

[10] Chocolate Pretzel Bites: http://www.designcrushblog.com/2010/12/03/framed-friday-chocolate-pretzel-bites/

[11] easy chocolate covered pretzels: http://tipnut.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/

[12] Peppermint Caramels: http://lindsaycooks.com/2010/12/08/peppermint-caramels-polkagriskola/

[13] Last Minute Peanut Brittle: http://everybodylikessandwiches.com/2009/12/merry-merry-last-minute-peanut-brittle/

[14] Hot Chocolate On A Stick: http://www.giverslog.com/?p=3290

[15] Homemade York Peppermint Patty Recipe: http://www.joyfulabode.com/2010/06/10/homemade-york-peppermint-patty-recipe/

[16] Mint Chocolate Marshmallows: http://www.visionsofsugarplum.com/2009/12/mint-chocolate-marshmallows_15.html

[17] Maine Potato Candy: http://sweetcheeksinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2009/12/maine-potato-candy.html

[18] Salted Caramels with Orange Scented Sugar: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/12/salted_caramels_with_orange_sc.html

[19] Mock Almond Crunch: http://notwithoutsalt.com/2010/11/11/it-tastes-like-almond-roca-candy/

[20] Homemade Ferrero Rocher: http://www.myfoodobsession.com/?p=1312

[21] Gingerbread Caramels: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/gingerbread-caramels

[22] Saltine Toffee Candy aka Christmas Crack: http://www.mommyskitchen.net/2010/12/saltine-toffee-candy-aka-christmas.html

[23] Peppermint Oreo Truffles: http://breadandcheeseplease.blogspot.com/2010/12/peppermint-oreo-truffles.html

[24] Stained Glass Window Candies: http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Stained-Glass-Window-Candies

[25] Chocolate Topped Sea-Salt Caramels: http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/chocolate-topped-sea-salt-caramels/3a25615a-a8ad-47f9-bab9-5b013e7ebb69

[26] Candy-Cane Marshmallows: http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/candy-cane-marshmallows

[27] Sea Glass Candy: http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2010/02/sea-glass-candy.html

[28] A Better Buttercrunch Recipe: http://jessthomson.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/a-better-buttercrunch/

[29] Grandma’s English Toffee: http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/blog/2008/12/03/grandmas-english-toffee-foodie-christmas-gift-2/

[30] 50 Squares, Slices & Tarts: http://tipnut.com/squares-slices-tarts/

[31] 30 Christmas Cookie Recipes: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-cookies/

[32] Free Printables & Ideas here: http://christmas.tipnut.com/12/packaging/

[33] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[34] Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes}: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[35] Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-cappuccino-recipe/

[36] Email: mailto:?subject=Homemade Candy Making: {Tip Sheet}&body=http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/

[37] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/&t=Homemade Candy Making: {Tip Sheet}

[38] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/

[39] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/&title=Homemade Candy Making: {Tip Sheet} : Tipnut.com

- TipNut.com - http://tipnut.com -

Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes}

Posted By TipNut On December 17, 2010 @ 2:33 am In Popular Tips,Recipes | 1 Comment

Infused Vinegars

1. Cranberry Vinegar Recipes [1]
2. Raspberry Thyme Vinegar Recipe [2]
3. Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe [3]
4. Lavender Vinegar Recipes [4]
5. Multipurpose Herb Vinegar: Recipe [5]

Homemade Liqueurs & Alcohol

1. Lavender Liqueur Recipes [6]
2. Homemade Cranberry Liqueur [7]
3. Homemade Irish Cream Recipe [8]

Mixes & Blends

1. Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More [9]
2. Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes [10]
3. Jars of Homemade Spice & Herb Blends [11]

Homemade Extracts & Oils

1. Homemade Vanilla Extract: Recipes & Tips [12]
2. Homemade Orange Extract Recipe [13]
3. Homemade Lemon Extract Recipes [14]
4. Homemade Vanilla Oil [15]

Flavored Sugars

1. Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes [16]
2. Homemade Lemon Sugar Recipes [17]
3. Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipes [18]

Spa Gifts

1. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes [19]
2. 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks [20]
3. Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself [21]
4. Bath Cookies Recipe [22]
5. Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe [23]
6. Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes [24]

Baking & Food Gifts

1. Peppermint Bark [25] (includes 5 variations)
2. Homemade Fudge [26]
3. Chocolate Covered Pretzels [27]
4. Christmas Candy Recipes [28]
5. Jars of Homemade Apple Butter [29]
6. Jars of Homemade Pie Filling [30]
7. Jars of Homemade Pear Butter [31]
8. Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes [32]
9. How To Make Chocolate Dipped Spoons [33]
10. Squares, Slices & Tarts For Holiday Baking [34]
11. 30 Holiday Cookie Recipes [35] and The Cookie Batch [36]
12. 21 Tempting Coffee Cake Recipes [37]
13. 16 Homemade Salsa Recipes [38]
14. 101 Homemade Jam, Jelly & Marmalade Recipes [39]
15. Pickled Peppers Recipe [40]
16. Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes [41]

Tips

* Homemade Gift Baskets – The Ultimate How To Guide [42]
* Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas [43]
* Holiday Baking Tips: Cookie Assembly Line [44]
* Fruitcake Baking Tips [45]
* Homemade Candy Making Tips [46]
* Kitchen Q&A: Holiday Baking Edition [47]

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [48] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Kitchen Gift Idea: Cranberry Vinegar Recipes [1]
* Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes, Tags & Tips [9]
* Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: {Plus Tips} [16]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [49] ~ Facebook [50]
Tweet It [51] ~ Delicious [52]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

URLs in this post:

[1] Cranberry Vinegar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/cranberry-vinegar/

[2] Raspberry Thyme Vinegar Recipe: http://tipnut.com/raspberry-thyme-vinegar-recipe/

[3] Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-petal-vinegar-recipe/

[4] Lavender Vinegar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/lavender-vinegar-recipes/

[5] Multipurpose Herb Vinegar: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/multipurpose-herb-vinegar/

[6] Lavender Liqueur Recipes: http://tipnut.com/lavender-liqueur/

[7] Homemade Cranberry Liqueur: http://tipnut.com/homemade-cranberry-liqueur/

[8] Homemade Irish Cream Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-irish-cream-recipe/

[9] Free Gifts In A Jar Recipes + More: http://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/

[10] Homemade Instant Cappuccino & More Gift Mix Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-instant-cappuccino-recipe/

[11] Jars of Homemade Spice & Herb Blends: http://tipnut.com/spice-herb-blends/

[12] Homemade Vanilla Extract: Recipes & Tips: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/

[13] Homemade Orange Extract Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-orange-extract-recipe/

[14] Homemade Lemon Extract Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-extract-recipes/

[15] Homemade Vanilla Oil: http://tipnut.com/vanilla-oil/

[16] Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/

[17] Homemade Lemon Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lemon-sugar-recipes/

[18] Homemade Vanilla Sugar Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-sugar-recipes/

[19] Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

[20] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[21] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/

[22] Bath Cookies Recipe: http://tipnut.com/bath-cookies-recipe/

[23] Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/herbal-hand-scrub/

[24] Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/salt-scrub/

[25] Peppermint Bark: http://tipnut.com/make-peppermint-bark/

[26] Homemade Fudge: http://tipnut.com/homemade-fudge/

[27] Chocolate Covered Pretzels: http://tipnut.com/chocolate-covered-pretzels/

[28] Christmas Candy Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy/

[29] Jars of Homemade Apple Butter: http://tipnut.com/make-apple-butter/

[30] Jars of Homemade Pie Filling: http://tipnut.com/homemade-pie-filling/

[31] Jars of Homemade Pear Butter: http://tipnut.com/homemade-pear-butter/

[32] Parmesan Popcorn Seasoning Recipes: http://tipnut.com/parmesan-popcorn-seasoning-recipes/

[33] How To Make Chocolate Dipped Spoons: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-chocolate-dipped-spoons/

[34] Squares, Slices & Tarts For Holiday Baking: http://tipnut.com/squares-slices-tarts/

[35] 30 Holiday Cookie Recipes: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-cookies/

[36] The Cookie Batch: http://tipnut.com/cookie-batch/

[37] 21 Tempting Coffee Cake Recipes: http://tipnut.com/coffee-cake-recipes/

[38] 16 Homemade Salsa Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-salsa/

[39] 101 Homemade Jam, Jelly & Marmalade Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-recipes/

[40] Pickled Peppers Recipe: http://tipnut.com/pickled-peppers-recipe/

[41] Homemade Sun-Dried Tomatoes: http://tipnut.com/sun-dried-tomatoes/

[42] Homemade Gift Baskets – The Ultimate How To Guide: http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/

[43] Baking Gifts: Creative Container & Filler Ideas: http://tipnut.com/baking-gifts-container/

[44] Holiday Baking Tips: Cookie Assembly Line: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking/

[45] Fruitcake Baking Tips: http://tipnut.com/fruitcake-baking-tips/

[46] Homemade Candy Making Tips: http://tipnut.com/homemade-candy-making-tips/

[47] Kitchen Q&A: Holiday Baking Edition: http://tipnut.com/holiday-baking-answers/

[48] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[49] Email: mailto:?subject=Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: {Plus Tips}&body=http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/

[50] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/&t=Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: {Plus Tips}

[51] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/

[52] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/homemade-lavender-sugar-recipes/&title=Homemade Lavender Sugar Recipes: {Plus Tips} : Tipnut.com

- TipNut.com - http://tipnut.com -

30+ Pampering Beauty & Spa Gifts To Make

Posted By TipNut On December 17, 2010 @ 2:13 am In Beauty & Home Spa,Popular Tips | 1 Comment

Bath & Shower Treats

1. Homemade Bath Jelly Recipe [1]: Bath jellies can be made as luxurious home spa goodies or they can be packaged for the kids (set with toys inside). Great to give as gifts.
2. How To Make Bath Bomb Fizzies [2]: A great video showing step-by-step how to make fizzing bath bombs.
3. Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself [3]: Milk baths are luxurious and a nice treat to pamper yourself, makes skin silky soft. These can also be made in bulk and given as gifts in a jar–just omit the water and include directions with each jar.
4. How To Make Cupcake Bath Fizzies [4]: The instructions include two recipes, one for the “cupcake” part and the other is for the meringue-like frosting.
5. Homemade Rose Bath Oil [5]: Super easy to make.
6. Bath Cookies Recipe [6]: This is an interesting recipe, you first cook a batch of bath cookies then add them to your bath after they’ve cooled.
7. Homemade Honey Bath Recipes [7]: A few easy recipes.
8. 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks [8]: You can add as little or as much as you like to the bath, anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup should be plenty.
9. Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes [9]: Herbal bath bags (also known as bath tea bags) make a lovely soaking bath that can be beneficial to your skin, ease stress and help soothe aches and pains.
10. Homemade Shower Spa Bags [10]: Start the day with a pampered feeling by using shower spa bags.
11. Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes [11]: Sea salt is rich in natural minerals and regularly exfoliating your skin with salt scrubs is a pampering treat that can renew and condition your skin.
12. Homemade Bubble Bath: {Recipe} [12]: Here’s an easy recipe for making an all-natural, homemade bubble bath that you can customize to your own preference by mixing favorite scents–also ditches harsh perfumes and chemicals that some commercial bubble baths use.
13. Summer Floral Bath Splash: Recipe [13]: Use in baths and as a skin spritz refresher on hot summer days.

Gift Soaps

1. How To Felt Soap [14]: Learn how to felt a bar of soap, these make a really cool washcloth and soap in one.
2. Handmade Soaps [15]: A collection of recipes & tutorials.

Pampering Gifts

1. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes [16]: Six different recipes.
2. Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe [17]: You want to be sure to use organic or pesticide free roses since the dusting powder will be applied to skin.
3. Herbal Foot Spray Recipe [18]: Tuck this in with other spa gifts.
4. Herbal Steam Facial Recipes [19]: Mix all dry ingredients together, package and add a tag with instructions on how to use.
5. How To Make Perfume [20]: A great start if you want to delve into a perfume making hobby.
6. Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe [21]: Ideas for use are as a facial splash, skin freshener (dilute with water), headache soother (soak cloth with vinegar, squeeze out, then place on forehead), shampoo rinse, bath soak.
7. 5 Homemade Foot Soak Recipes [22]: Include a bag of marbles to place on the bottom of the foot bath to rub sore tootsies on.
8. How To Make Rose Water [23]: Use as a facial toner or astringent, in your bath water or as a facial splash (refresher).
9. Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe [24]: Good for hand care but can also be used on elbows, heels of feet and any place that suffers from dry skin
10. Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid [25]: Did you know olive oil is a lovely (and natural) skin moisturizer? Here’s a way to make it more special…infuse it with flowers picked fresh from your garden!
11. Homemade Skin Moisturizing Balms, Lotions & Creams [26]: A collection of recipes and tutorials.
12. Homemade Lip Balm [27]: A collection of recipes and tips.

Crafty Pleasers

1. Homemade Scented Sachets [28]: 40 ideas listed
2. 22 Beauty(ful) Craft Gifts For Her: {Free Tutorials} [29]
3. Homemade Herbal Sleep Pouches [30]: Here’s a nice & easy recipe for making a herbal sleep pouch that contains lavender, flax seed and lemon balm leaves, another herb that helps soothe and encourage sleep.
4. Home Remedy: Headache Soother Sachets [31]: Always choose organically grown lavender (chemical free) when using as a health aide, you should have no problem find this in a bulk health food store.
5. How To Make A Microwave Heating Bag [32]: These bags serve a dual purpose as you can also keep them in the freezer to use has a cooling pad or freezer pack when needed.
6. Hot Water Bottle Covers [33]: Free tutorials featuring assorted designs.
7. Homemade Reed Diffusers [34]: Reed diffusers are decorative air fresheners for the home that work with scented oils and reeds.

{Good to Know}
Remember to use the word “tipnut” when searching online to find the good stuff fast!
See Conquer The Net With Tipnut [35] for more options.
Don’t Miss These Tips:

* Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes [9]
* Herbal Steam Facial Recipes [19]
* Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes} [36]

Love This Tip? Share It!
Email [37] ~ Facebook [38]
Tweet It [39] ~ Delicious [40]

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/beauty-spa-gifts/

URLs in this post:

[1] Homemade Bath Jelly Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-bath-jelly-recipe/

[2] How To Make Bath Bomb Fizzies: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-bath-bomb-fizzys/

[3] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/

[4] How To Make Cupcake Bath Fizzies: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-cupcake-bath-fizzies/

[5] Homemade Rose Bath Oil: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-bath-oil/

[6] Bath Cookies Recipe: http://tipnut.com/bath-cookies-recipe/

[7] Homemade Honey Bath Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-honey-bath-recipes/

[8] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

[9] Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/

[10] Homemade Shower Spa Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spa-bags/

[11] Homemade Sea Salt Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/salt-scrub/

[12] Homemade Bubble Bath: {Recipe}: http://tipnut.com/bubble-bath/

[13] Summer Floral Bath Splash: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/floral-splash/

[14] How To Felt Soap: http://tipnut.com/how-to-felt-soap/

[15] Handmade Soaps: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-homemade-soap/

[16] Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-sugar-scrub-recipes/

[17] Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-dusting-powder-recipe/

[18] Herbal Foot Spray Recipe: http://tipnut.com/herbal-foot-spray-recipe/

[19] Herbal Steam Facial Recipes: http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/

[20] How To Make Perfume: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-perfume/

[21] Homemade Rose Petal Vinegar Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-petal-vinegar-recipe/

[22] 5 Homemade Foot Soak Recipes: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

[23] How To Make Rose Water: http://tipnut.com/how-to-make-rose-water-4-recipes/

[24] Rosemary Herbal Hand Scrub: Recipe: http://tipnut.com/herbal-hand-scrub/

[25] Floral Infused Olive Oil: Rich Beauty Aid: http://tipnut.com/floral-olive-oil/

[26] Homemade Skin Moisturizing Balms, Lotions & Creams: http://tipnut.com/homemade-moisturizing-lotion/

[27] Homemade Lip Balm: http://tipnut.com/homemade-lip-balm/

[28] Homemade Scented Sachets: http://tipnut.com/lavender-sachet-gifts/

[29] 22 Beauty(ful) Craft Gifts For Her: {Free Tutorials}: http://tipnut.com/beauty-craft-gifts/

[30] Homemade Herbal Sleep Pouches: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-sleep-pouches/

[31] Home Remedy: Headache Soother Sachets: http://tipnut.com/home-remedy-headache-soother-sachets/

[32] How To Make A Microwave Heating Bag: http://tipnut.com/make-your-own-microwave-heating-pad/

[33] Hot Water Bottle Covers: http://tipnut.com/hot-water-bottle-covers/

[34] Homemade Reed Diffusers: http://tipnut.com/reed-diffusers/

[35] Conquer The Net With Tipnut: http://tipnut.com/conquer-the-net/

[36] Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes}: http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[37] Email: mailto:?subject=Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes}&body=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[38] Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/&t=Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes}

[39] Tweet It: http://twitter.com/home?status=See http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/

[40] Delicious: http://del.icio.us/post?url=http://tipnut.com/kitchen-gifts/&title=Gifts From The Kitchen: {35+ Gift-Worthy Recipes & Mixes} : Tipnut.com

Christmas Dinner: Salads & Side Dishes

Posted: 22 Dec 2010 09:09 PM PST
Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time. ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Whether you have turkey, ham or beef, every dinner needs a good salad and side dishes. It’s easy to load up on the starches. Who doesn’t love potatoes and rolls? Try to add one or two dishes that are a little healthier. You don’t have to sacrifice taste, and you don’t have to use cream soups. I have a few dishes to pick from today.

Cranberry Waldorf Salad

Ingredients:
3 apples, cored and chopped
3/4 cup celery
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
1/3 cup mayonnaise, regular or light
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground ginger

Combine the apples, celery, cranberries and nuts in a large bowl. In a small bowl
combine the mayonnaise and spices. Fold into the apple mixture. Cover and chill
until serving time. Makes 6 servings.

Ginger Fruit Salad

Ingredients:
2 oranges, peeled and sectioned
2 apples, cored and chopped
2 peaches, sliced
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 tsp. ground ginger

In a large bowl toss the fruit. Combine the yogurt and ginger, then
fold into the fruit. Serves 8.

Mediterranean Style Corn

Ingredients:
5 tsp. olive oil
1 clove peeled, minced garlic
4 cups frozen corn, cooked in microwave and drained
1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried, crushed thyme
Ground black pepper
Salt to taste

Combine the oil and garlic in a large skillet and heat over low heat just enough
to heat the two together until they start to sizzle. Do not brown garlic. Add
the corn and stir to heat through, about 2-3 minutes. Add the thyme, pepper
and salt to taste. Serve warm.

Notes: You can use this same recipe but substitute in whole green beans, or peas— it’s really good with all three.

Spinach Salad

Ingredients:
1 (5 ounce) bag baby spinach
1/2 cup dried cranberries
4 ounces fresh goat cheese, crumbled
3/4 cup roughly slivered almonds
Dressing: Italian or other vinaigrette

In a large bowl combine the ingredients. Serve with a couple kinds of dressings.

Notes: this would also be good served with a bag of mixed greens instead of spinach.

Pear and Pecan Salad

Ingredients:
1 (10 ounce) bag mixed salad greens
1 ripe firm pear, peeled, cored and diced
1/2 cup pecan halves
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup Italian-style salad dressing

Toss the ingredients in a bowl, and serve with the dressing on the side.

Do you need more side dish recipes? Try these:
http://oldfashionedliving.com/cranberry.html

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