Holiday Gifts from the Kitchen

hot chocolate sticks

How is it Christmas again already? Didn’t we just have Christmas like, last week? Every year I spend the first couple of months promising myself I’m not going to let it sneak up on me again – this is going to be the year I have all my shopping done by Thanksgiving and then I’ll spend December creating Pinterest fodder/inspiringly domestic culinary gifts, FOR REAL THIS TIME. And every year around December 20th I’m frantically clicking the Checkout button on Amazon and thanking whatever benevolent forces reminded me to renew my Prime membership before the holidays. Someday I’ll get it right. Maybe.

If you’re like me, don’t freak out yet, okay? There’s still time. If there’s one thing I do have down pat, it’s whipping together some pretty decent food and drink gifts in short order. I’ve collected some of my favorites here for you, and I’ve got one more up my sleeve to post tomorrow. These are staple gifts for me – they’re great for coworkers, family, friends, neighbors, your newspaper delivery guy, your Starbucks barista, and anyone else you know who happens to enjoy eating. And drinking. So take a deep breath, put on some tunes, and hit the kitchen to start your holiday season. Better late than never, right?

Vanilla Tangerine Vodka

vanilla tangerine vodka | baked in

Love this stuff. This is a great last-minute infusion because the flavor takes hold VERY quickly. It’s also a lovely color and tastes like a creamsicle.

Cranberry Mustard

cranberry mustard | baked in

Easy and fun, totally seasonal, and makes SEVEN four-ounce jarfuls – that’s seven gifts to check off your list, if you’re counting.

Hot Chocolate on a Stick

hot chocolate sticks | baked in

Also pictured above – these are super creative and fun. Who doesn’t love hot chocolate? Great for kids and kids-at-heart.

Wine Jelly

wine jelly | baked in

 Probably my absolute favorite homemade gift – and everyone else’s, too. I get asked all the time when I’m making this again.

Basil Vodka

Basil Vodka | Baked In

Earthy and unique. Fantastic with Bloody Mary’s (which are a Christmas staple in my family).

Happy concocting – I always suggest the liquor infusions as a first resort because you “have” to taste test – but I hope you give any combination of these a try!

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