Family Foodies

This is the second half of the chat that Sandra Jensen and Sue Davidson had about creating mouth watering holiday munchies perfect for entertaining or taking a dish to an event.

If you missed part one, you can catch it here!

It’s the Holiday Season! Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year celebrations present many opportunities for family gatherings and parties. From the neighborhood to church, school, and the work place, hor’deuvors are never more appropriate (and fun!) than this time of year! Unfortunately, the thought of preparing platters of scrumptious finger food intimidates many people, but it really doesn’t need to!

Sue and I discussed only the “tip of the iceberg” but the possibilities for these little delectables are endless! On the printable page below you’ll find a sampling of the recipes we talked about – from meatballs to fondues. And as I’ve said all along on Family Foodies, I personally like the end result without all the fuss, so my contributions are usually quite simple!

As mentioned on the show, many great web sites can also help your holiday appetizer planning, such as:

• Pillsbury.com
• NabiscoCrackers.com
• KraftFoods.com.

Grab the free printable Holiday Entertaining Recipe Sheet with all of the recipes mentioned on our show.

I hope this show inspires you to get creative in your gift giving this Christmas! My good friend Sue Davidson and I chatted about foodie (and other) gifts you can mix up in your kitchen to give to teachers, bus drivers, neighbors, etc.

The ideas we shared are simple and inexpensive, and can involve your kids too! Many can be made up in big batches so you have plenty to share (and some to keep at home too!) Homemade gifts are best, as far as we’re concerned, and with a little creativity and presentation you’ll be proud to give.

Homemade Hot Fudge
(Makes 4 Cups)

Melt 12 oz MILK chocolate chips (not semi sweet) with ½ lb butter (not margarine) in microwave or on stove.

Add 14 oz sweetened condensed milk and 14 oz light corn syrup (like Karo). Beat on medium speed with electric mixer 1-2 minutes.

Pour in glass jars. Decorate with pretty lid (cloth, ribbons, etc) and a label, which instructs to keep refrigerated, and to serve: heat in micro.

Hot Cocoa Mix

8 qts powdered milk
2 lbs chocolate drink powder
1 lb powdered sugar
16 oz non-dairy powdered creamer
You might add marshmallows and/or flavored chips (like chocolate, raspberry, cinnamon, mint) too, if desired
Mix all ingredients together, store in airtight container up to 6 months.
To share, pour into container with lid or baggies in mugs.
Label should read: Mix 1/3 C to one cup boiling water.

Friendship Tea
(Makes 5 Cups of powder)

1 jar (21.1 oz) Tang (I’ve used the generic, and it’s fine)
1 C sugar
½ C sweetened lemonade mix
½ C unsweetened instant tea
1 pkg Apricot Jell-O
2-½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground cloves
Mix all ingredients together. Store in airtight container.
To share: Label containers to read Mix 4 ½ tsp to one cup boiling water.

Homemade Foot Scrub

(These amounts are approximate)
4 C Epsom salt
2 TBSP chopped cloves (or try different scents)
½ C baby oil (try scented, like lavender)
Mix in big bowl until blended, and the consistency feels right!
Pour into little glass jars; give with rolled up washcloth or scrubby.