Well, I went w/ my sis to Crate & Barrel today and bought several pairs of beautiful over-sized holiday enamelware coffee mugs. (Normally $18.00/pair marked down to just $3.00/pr.!) So my plan is to mix-up a big ole batch of simple instant hot-cocoa mix, bag it up with fancy bows & ribbons and include a pair of the bright & cheery colorful mugs w/ ea. bag of coco mix- and maybe even join these w/ a pair of fun chocolate-dipt, peppermint-sprinkled plastic spoons to make the hot cocoa extra-cheery! Something like these will be neat to have on hand for those folks who unexpectedly gift us w/ l'il things at the last minute...
Instant Hot-Cocoa Mix
2 1/2 - 3 c. sugar
3 c. nonfat dry milk
1 lg. jar coffee mate
1 1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. powdered vanilla
1 1/4 c. cocoa
Mix by tablespoonful with hot water. Store in airtight container. Makes approximately 4 pounds.
Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy
Nov 20 # 2 of 13
Terrific Idea!!!
How about the recipe for those spoons? :o Please!!!
Posted By: chubbyalaskagriz
Nov 20 # 3 of 13
Sure Cath... I just nuke some semi-sweet or milk choc morsels until thick and sludgy, then dip the spoons into it. At this point, lay onto wax paper to dry- or sprinkle with crushed peppermint disc candies, or toffee dust, while still wet if you like, then cool until choc is solid. When ready to give as gifts, either wrap in clear paper or place in a clear bag and tie w/ ribbon. Use to stir your mug of hot cocoa- the choc melts off your spoon and makes your beverage extra-yummy! Of course, you can also do this w/ stainless or silver spoons at home for fancy teas or fun brunches or some such.
Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy
Nov 20 # 4 of 13
Thanks Kev!
Posted By: Cook Chatty Cathy
Dec 9 # 5 of 13
A member of my family receives Food Stamps and has no money for gift buying, I told her to buy cans of nuts, jars of olives, summer sausage, and cheese and boxes of crackers and fix them in some nice baskets that I will help her purchase from the $$$ Store and give for gifts. This suggestion made her very happy.
Heck she could make any kind of basket for that matter....fruit, cookies, candy etc.
I hope she will get one for me too:D I love food gifts!!!! Geesh I might as well admit it I just love food:o;)
