Monday, December 17, 2012

3 MADE AT HOME gifts: peppermint cream dip, mulling spice bundles, snack mix snow


I'm excited to share this year's collection of MADE AT HOME gifts from the heart!  I shared a collection with you last year and this year's is just as sweet. :)  

Today, I'm sharing THREE ideas:
1) Peppermint Cream Dip
2) Mulling Spice Bundles
3) Snack Mix Snow




My favorite is first!
1) Peppermint Cream Dip




I discovered the most adorable canning jar labels at Mud & Twig, a creative etsy shop of "homegrown stitchery".  Mud & Twig creates PERFECT labels.  This etsy shop has been featured in Country Living magazine!  Check back after Christmas because I will be sharing more of their labels with a DISCOUNT coupon code for you to use in their shop!



 These peppermint labels needed something else just as cute on the inside of the jar so I was on the hunt for peppermint goodness!  Originally I was going to make a peppermint ice cream sauce but then I stumbled upon this candy cane cream dip from 36th Ave beautiful blog and decided to fill our holiday jars with it!  36th Ave is one of my sweet favorites.



My mom and I have often made a super easy summertime fruit dip by blending 8oz softened cream cheese with a jar of marshmallow cream.  This peppermint cream dip is almost just as simple!  After blending the marshmallow cream and cream cheese, blend in about 5-6 crushed candy canes to the mixture. Instantly a classic summertime fruit dip is transformed into a winter fresh dip for fruit!  Keep refrigerated.

   

I filled a jar half with the peppermint cream dip and I finished topping off the jar with a handful of pretty peppermint marshmallows.


Ready to give! Serve with sliced apples, pretzels, graham crackers, or thin down with whipping cream to use as an ice cream topping.


Soft and adorable felt peppermint bags to finish it off!


 Peppermint Cream Dip GIFTS





2) Mulling Spice Packs

The next homemade gift idea is simple, classic, and all things Christmas!  The boys and I have been reading through the Christmas Almanac this year with our 2012 Advent Countdown.  


We found this tried and true idea in that book: Apple Cider Mulling Spice packets.  


These are so calming to sit down and create.  All the natural fragrant smells of Christmas made me HAPPY.  ;)  I gathered the boys around and encouraged them to smell each spice.  Isn't it incredible how many various natural beautiful smells that God gave us on this earth? 


I gathered a lot of cheesecloth, bakers twine, and fresh spices to begin this gift.  We took turns grinding the nutmeg and counting out the allspice berries. 


Each packet contains:
6 allspice berries
6 whole cloves
ground orange peel
2 cinnamon sticks
ground nutmeg


Then I bundled the cheesecloth around the spices and tied with a bit of bakers twine. 


Time for the fun stuff!  Decorating each spice bundle, preparing to GIVE!  




You could drop a bundle inside a new cider mug for a special gift.



 Or you can add some fresh fruit to give with your spice bundles...


These mulling spiced bundles can be used to make spiced cider, as potpourri in your home sweet home, or to make spiced maple syrup.

1) As potpourri: Drop spice bundle in a pot of simmering water to make your house smell amazing!

2) As spiced maple syrup: Add spice bundle to a pot of real maple syrup.  Simmer on stove.  Store in   
    fridge for up to 2 weeks.

3) As mulled cider: 

Recipe adapted from Pioneer Woman
6 cups apple cider
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1 lemon peel
Spice bundle (see above)

Pour cider and syrup into saucepan.  Add lemon peels.  Add spice bundle, keeping it in cheesecloth!  Heat 5-10 minutes but don't boil.  Remove spice bundle and peels.  Serve with a cute cinnamon stick in a fun mug! 




3) Snack Mix Snow

 The last homemade gift idea is so simple, it's ideal for the little people to mix together and give to teachers and their friends!


Earlier this season I spotted white cheddar cheese puff balls in the grocery store and I KNEW that I wanted to use them in SOME way this holiday season!  I decided to mix up an ALL-WHITE snack mix SNOW.  It's perfect to snack on at night watching It's a Wonderful Life, or to munch on while out sledding and tramping through the snow, and of course, perfect to GIVE.  


How to make SNACK MIX SNOW
Mix together the following and serve:
yogurt-covered raisins
yogurt or white chocolate covered pretzels
white cheddar cheese puff balls
white chocolate chips
marshmallows
parmesan cheese star crackers (sold at Safeway stores)



This mix also works well for school parties, tree decorating parties, or caroling parties.  We will be taking some on our annual traditional night of looking at outdoor Christmas lights this year. 


Decorate WHITE Solo cups with WHITE snowball ribbon to serve the SNACK MIX SNOW.


Little snow cups for everyone.  <3 p="p">

To see last year's collection of MADE AT HOME HOLIDAY GIFTS click on links below:



Driving home to find a festive bag hanging from your doorknob, 
answering the door to a plate of "made with love" cookies,  
this is only found at Christmastime!  
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This post is linked to: Under the Table & DreaminNifty ThriftySeasonal SundaysMade by You MondayMet Monday, Tuesday Tutorials and TipsHOMEWORK: Be InspiredTasty TuesdayTip JunkieGet Your Craft OnWorks for Me WednesdayOrganize and Decorate EverythingCelebrations at Home,Transformation Thursday,Tablescape ThursdayStrut Your Stuff36th AveFoodie Friday, Frugal FridayI'm Lovin ItTickled PinkFriday Flair, Design Dazzleeighteen25Be Different Act NormalFunky Junk Interiors, Weekend Wrap Up sew many ways Six Sisters Saturday Jennifer Rizzo Christmas Tour ,The Inspired Room

13 comments:

Holly Lefevre said...

I love these ideas and your packaging is so fabulous - those jar labels - to die for! I am kind of thinking the peppermint dip is a must try on Christmas to surprise the kiddos!! Merry Christmas!

Unknown said...

These ideas are fantastic!

Jami Leigh@Young Wifes Guide said...

Woah! The Peppermint cream is so cool! And would make a really cute gift :) Thanks for sharing!

Carolyn said...

Just to let you know I featured your wonderful project today. Stop by and grab a featured button.
Happy Holidays! http://carolynshomework.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-inspiration-board-link-party_21.html

Randi~Dukes and Duchesses said...

You and I have the same ideas this year! I just made a batch of candy cane dip {oh wow!} for teacher gifts and I also made some stitched mason jar labels for a friend! I love your other gift ideas!

Adorned From Above said...

I love all of these. I just pinned them.
Debi

Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.com said...

Love these ideas and will pin them for next Christmas. The peppermint sauce looks so pretty in the jars. and I love the snow mix too. Thanks.

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