Food Gift Recipes
Cut Out Sugar Cookies
A holiday staple, these tried-and-true sugar cookies are soft, a little chewy, and hold their shape beautifully. Use your favorite cookie cutters and have fun decorating! As a child, there were few kitchen projects more enticing to me than making cut out cookies–except maybe decorating the cookies. As an adult, I still feel the same…
Chocolate Chip Meringue Cookies
Sweet, crisp, and light as a cloud, these classic meringue cookies are easy to make and look beautiful on a holiday cookie platter. In its simplest form, a meringue is a dessert that is made by baking a mixture of stiffly beaten egg whites and sugar until crisp but not brown. The result is…
Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Tender, chewy, and perfectly spiced, these easy-to-make cookies are just like the ones Grandma used to make and the aroma while baking is heavenly. A delicious way to get your oats! If you’re looking for the ultimate oatmeal raisin cookie, this is the recipe for you! These cookies are perfectly spiced with cinnamon, studded…
Magic Six Layer Bars (only 6 ingredients!)
This crowd-pleaser comes together in a snap and is perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and holiday cookie platters. Six simple ingredients never tasted so good. See recipe notes for excellent gluten-free adjustment. One of my all-time favorite cookies is my grandmother’s recipe for six layer bars–six simple ingredients, layered in a pan, and…
No-Bake Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
Capture the flavors of the season with these no-bake, satisfying bites that come together quickly and offer an option with no added sugars or syrups. Filling protein and fiber. Satiating fats. Warm spices. And pumpkin! These bite-size gems are packed with staying power and seasonal flavor, and a big batch comes together easily thanks…
Flourless Black Bean Brownies
Decadent, fudgy brownies score big points in flavor and texture while delivering a filling dose of fiber and protein. A total dessert win! “I love these brownies because you think they are going to be gross, but they are delicious and nutritious.” Those words, from “Chef E.” age 9, sum up these brownies perfectly. Let’s…
Homemade Lip Balm (Happy Chappy)
For its creamy texture and ability to effectively coat chapped lips, this homemade balm has long been my favorite chapstick. It makes a fun project and a great gift, too. Several years ago, the younger daughter of a good friend decided she wanted to start a business. Libby was 16 at the time and…
Baked Almond Cake Donuts or Muffins (grain-free)
No messy frying step needed for deliciously satisfying, grain-free donuts. No donut pan? No problem. The recipe can be made as muffins instead! I have a clear vision of the best donut I ever ate. It was from a cafe called Philz during a visit to Los Angeles several years ago. My family and…
Frisco’s Peruvian Green Sauce
Looking for a condiment that complements and elevates seemingly everything? This flavor-packed sauce is easy to make－and makes enough to share. We almost always have a jar in the refrigerator, and whenever I whip up a fresh batch, I give a jar away. How many times have you enjoyed a restaurant…
Christmas Potpourri
The aroma of warm spices and fresh citrus join festive cranberries in this colorful, easy-to-make mix that is perfect for gift giving. Printable gift tags included above recipe card. My very thoughtful friend, Anne Besterman, is to thank for this festive recipe, which although made of edible ingredients, is not intended for consumption. Christmas…
Overnight Sticky Buns
A clever shortcut and prep-ahead convenience make these tried-and-true sticky buns as easy as they are delicious. The recipe has long been a family and reader favorite on holidays and special occasions. As an added bonus, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will remind you of the corner bakery! The anticipation of waking up to…
Christmas Chex Mix
Sweet, salty, and delightfully crunchy, a big batch of this festive mix takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is perfect for holiday snacking and gift giving. Tailor the recipe to any occasion by simply varying the color of the M&Ms! I recently read that the first recipe for Chex Party Mix appeared on…
