I started putting together this years Christmas baskets. First I gathered up my supplies. I used my Chocolate Strawberry Jam and my Vanilla Spiced Peach jam that I made last summer. I also had some plum syrup that I had put up. They were all decorated and ready to go.
Then I bottled up some of my vanilla extract that I’ve had brewing since last May. I put it in some pretty bottles and added a vanilla bean for decoration.Turned out pretty nice if I do say so myself!
I found these really cute labels at the Dollartree. There was 4 different designs. I used these two on a couple bottles of sparkling cider.How festive you say?
I agree!
Here is basket #1.This basket included the book The Christmas Candle by Max Lucado. Then of course you need to add a Christmas candle. Two jars of jam and a bottle of vanilla extract rounds out this gift.
Sooo… what do you think of basket #1?
Here is basket #2.It has some Elf Nog dressed up as a snowman, two jars of jam, vanilla extract and a tea towel tied up with a Christmas decoration that looks like a sugar cookie.
Basket #3:Mistletoe tonic decked out as Santa’s boot sticking out of the chimney. A Christmas candle, egg nog tea bread, jam and a bottle of vanilla extract.
I like all the baskets because they are all just a little bit different.
Tell me, which is your favorite? 1, 2, or #3?
I like all the baskets because they are all just a little bit different.
Tell me, which is your favorite? 1, 2, or #3?
Now look at these balls!Zinfandel Port balls! These are so good with a glass of red wine, or of course a glass of port! I saw these over at Cathy’s blog, Noble Pig and knew I had to try these. They were so simple to make, just a few pulses in the food processor. I used a scooper to form the balls saving my hands from the messy work. A little roll in the sweet stuff (powdered sugar) and that’s it. Ready for giving.
Want a closer look?
Packaged up and looking pretty, these were given to coworkers as a little token of
friendship and Christmas cheer.
friendship and Christmas cheer.
Zinfandel Port Balls
courtesy of Noble Pig
Adapted from Sunset
1 package (12 oz.) vanilla sandwich cookies
1/2 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
1 cup pecans, whole
3/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/2 cup Zinfandel Port or other Port
1/2 cup powdered sugar
In a food processor, whirl vanilla wafers, cocoa powder and 1 cup whole pecans until fine crumbs form.
Add Port and corn syrup to the crumb mixture and whirl again until blended. Scoop out the sticky mixture into a bowl and add 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans. Mix in pecans with a spoon until fully incorporated.
Roll into 1-inch balls and place on parchment paper.
Roll each ball in powdered sugar
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Such beautiful, clever gifts. You have very lucky friends!
Love the vanilla. Nice bottles. Alot of nice gifts.
They are all gorgeous! Merry Christmas!!
So glad you enjoyed them…aren’t they so good! I ate so many I think they went to my head.
I love basket #1…your vanilla looks awesome!
I love all the baskets but I think #3 is my favorite. Such lovely homemade gifts made with love! The Hershey basket is awesome, I’m so glad you won one!
Megan, great gifts! Everything looks amazing. Where did you get the bottles for the vanilla? I am planning to do that as gifts next year. My vanilla is in a canning jar, but your bottles make for a much better presentation!