Homemade Holiday Gifts from Your Kitchen
Busy as you are, it may be tempting to reach for gift cards and other easy options when remembering friends, neighbors and business associates this holiday season. But wouldn’t it be great to give yourself the relaxing gift of an afternoon in the kitchen, making delicious treats they’ll enjoy much more?
Here are 3 simple recipes to get you started.
PRETZEL HUGS
This incredibly easy recipe takes just 3 ingredients and only minutes to make.
- 1 bag pretzel squares, such as Snyder’s Snaps
- 2 bags chocolate kisses, any flavor
- M&Ms candies, red and green (or any color you prefer)
While your oven is preheating to 200 degrees, add parchment paper to a large cookie sheet. Spread a single layer of pretzel squares to cover the parchment.
Unwrap the chocolate kisses and place one on top of each pretzel.
Place in the preheated oven for about 3 minutes. Pull out the cookie sheet and test by adding a single M&M to the top of one kiss, pressing down to see if it’s melted. Bake 1-2 minutes more if needed to soften the kisses.
Add one M&M to the top of each square, gently pressing into the melted chocolate kiss.
Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator 10-15 minutes or until chocolate becomes firm. Package them in small gift bags or tins with waxed paper. A holiday favorite!
HOMEMADE GUMDROPS
These colorful gems are a tasty homemade delight that everyone will love. Make 2 or 3 batches in different flavors for a delicious mix.
- 2 cups sugar, plus a little extra for rolling the finished gumdrops
- 1 1/3 cups applesauce, unsweetened
- 2 3-oz packages of fruit-flavored gelatin dessert
- 2 envelopes (4 tbsp.) unflavored gelatin
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Line a 13 x 9-inch pan with parchment paper. In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and allow it to stand for a minute.
Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow boiling for 1 full minute.
Immediately pour into prepared pan. Place into refrigerator for 3 hours until firm.
Loosen the cooled layer of candy from the sides of the pan with a rubber spatula. Turn the layer onto a cutting board.
Cut into ½-inch squares using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, or a cookie cutter (simple shapes work best).
Roll the gumdrops in extra sugar. Place them on a fresh layer of waxed paper to dry.
Package in gift bags or containers lined with waxed paper or foil.
HOLIDAY CANDY CRUNCH
This one takes just 5 ingredients and 15 minutes to make!
- 4 cups Chex cereal (rice or corn are best)
- 2 cups mini twist pretzels
- 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups
- 1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies, any color
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Line a cookie sheet with foil or waxed paper.
Combine all ingredients except white chips in a large bowl and toss to combine.
Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 30 to 40 seconds in a microwave, stirring until smooth. Continue heating in 10-second intervals until fully melted and creamy.
Pour melted chips over mixture and stir well until coated. Spread the mixture onto the prepared cookie sheet and allow it to set for about 10 minutes.
Break the cooled mixture into bite-sized pieces. Package in small gift bags, boxes or tins lined with waxed paper. Delicious!
TOO MANY HOLIDAY GUESTS, TOO LITTLE TIME? CALL THE CATERING SERVICES PROS AT JERRY’S KITCHEN
Don’t drive yourself crazy wondering how you’re going serve at this season’s parties and casual get-togethers. Give YOURSELF a holiday gift by calling the catering services experts at Jerry’s Kitchen!
We’ll bring the feast to you – whether you’re looking for traditional holiday favorites or our food truck catering specialties, which are ideal for a casual gathering of friends, family or business associates. We have delicious menu options for all your guests, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free choices.
Whether you’re hosting a private party or a big business bash near Doylestown or Philadelphia, we’re ready to help. Call us now to reserve your holiday date!
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