‘Tis the season for giving, but let’s be honest none of us have any money and what we do have goes on food. Heather Wood has the perfect solution – easy, homemade, affordable and scrummy edible gifts are perfect for Christmas 2016.
Vodka infused gifts
Infuse vodka with your own flavours for a boozy gift this festive period.
How to:
Buy a cheap bottle of Vodka. The infusion will change the taste immensely. However, it is the Christmas season, so premium brands are on offer.
Secure a bottle you want to store the vodka in. You can use the original bottle, but there are some lovely and fun shaped bottles out there that can give it a special touch.
Get creative about decorating the bottle, wrap the top in twine, add some ribbon and a label about the infusion.
Prep what you’re using as an infusion ingredient and add it to the container you’re using for the Vodka. Add the Vodka and cover tightly.
Store on the countertop for up to a week. However, during that week, shake at least once or twice and keep tasting it.
Once its flavoured to your liking, strain the vodka and remove the infusion ingredients.
Heather’s flavour suggestions:
Fudge Vodka
Add 135g of Werthers Original
Candy Cane Vodka
Add 40 2inch Candy Canes
Chilli Vodka
Two red chillies – only leave in 4-5 hours before straining.
Mason jar bakes
Layer these ingredients into mason jars and attach a label with the cooking instructions for an alternative and delicious gift.
Brownies
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Layer ingredients bottom to top
2/3 tsp. salt
5/8 cup. flour
1/3 cup. cocoa powder
1/2 cup. flour
2/3 cup. brown sugar
2/3 cup. sugar
1/2 cup. chocolate chips
1/2 cup. white chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease one 9×9 inch baking pan.
Pour the contents of the jar into a large bowl and mix well.
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2/3 cup vegetable oil and 3 eggs. Beat until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake at 180°C for 20 to 25 minutes.
Gingerbread cookies
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Layer ingredients bottom to top
3 1/2 cups. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 cup. packed brown sugar
Optional: Attach a biscuit cutter
Instructions
Empty jar of cookie mix into large mixing bowl.
Mix thoroughly. Mix in 1/2 cup softened butter, ¾ cup molasses and 1 or 2 eggs.
Mix until completely blended.
Cover and refrigerate 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 180°C.
Roll dough to 1/4 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
Cut into shapes. Place cookies on lightly greased cookie sheet about 2” apart.
Bake 10 to 15 minutes. Decorate with icing.
Once you’ve layered the dry ingredients, don’t forget to:
Close jars with lids and rings
Top each jar with fabric circle, and tie with ribbon, and attach a few bells onto said ribbon.
Label your Jar using the labels.
Remember to include the instructions above with the jar!
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