Let's make up some gift baskets

[Terrytx]

I'm trying to come up with gift basket ideas for the holidays for all age groups (preteens to seventy someting). Themes like Dinner and a Movie(a gift card to Blockbuster, pasta and sauce, sweets of some sort...what else?).Breakfast of Champions (pancake or waffle mix, syrups, jams, what else). Sunday Sundaes(various ice cream toppings, sprinkles, ice cream scoop, pretty bowls). A Day in the Kitchen(the shot glass measure, measuring spoons, apron, soup mix, brownie mix...what else).

You get the idea. What would you call it and what would you put in it?

[swquilts]

Sunday Picnic Or Sunday Brunch on a rainy day.

How about a bottle of wine, some crackers,cheese, pate (blech IMHO), chocolates?

[Claudia S]

How about some gourmet popcorn for the Movie basket.

Coffee/tea for the Breakfast basket, maybe nice napkins/placemats, a individual sized (small) china teapot that comes with the cup on top. You could also present the items on a breakfast tray.

Claudia

[Beth]

Bath/spa goodies are good too. Family games or puzzles with popcorn, treats or munchies.

[Svadhisthana]

Spa Day: Facial mask, foot soak, nail files, special lotions (I HIGHLY recommend Origin's Ginger soufle), eye mask, inflateable bath pillow, secnted candles/incense (Target has some that smells like cookies baking!), hair treatments, etc.


Tea Time:
Scones in a mix, Various teas, cute mugs/tea cups, a small tray, small book of poems, classical music sampler CD.


Blast from the past:
Candies, snacks, retro items from the 60's-pet rock, etc.


Romance:
Chocolate body paint, love songs CD, candles, romance games (http://www.redenvelope.com/re/gifts/product_display/gift_results.jsp?nc=111599&BV_SessionID=@@@@0956480936.1034877437@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccciadcghlhmjejcefecefedfgfdfmf.0&bct2=occasion&bcp2=1&bcm2=1$$-8031&bct4=sweetest%20day&bcp4=3&bcm4=1$$-9961&refPg=%2fproduct_display%2fsubcollection.jsp&category=%2foccasion%2fsweetest%20day%2fromance%20 games)



Here are a few websites to look at for inspiration:


www.plumparty.com

flaxart.com (http://www.flaxart.com/f/main.asp?uid=D4D9D3EE-F1EA-472C-8339-19F1B915C75D)

Archie Mcphee (http://www.mcphee.com/index.html)

www.redenvelope.com

www.eziba.com

I think these are some of the greatest sites to buy from :
www.thehungersite.com
www.therainforestsite.com
www.thechildhealthsite.com
www.thebreastcancersite.com
www.theanimalrescuesite.com

[RGreen]

I've made several Fiesta baskets for friends with two margarita glasses, all the things you'll need to make a basic margarita, some gourmet corn chips and salsas or bean dips, and a colorful, fun recipe book I found on how to make different kinds of margaritas and appetizers to go with them. If you want to get kind of silly, you can throw in some maracas. This could easily be made non-alcoholic, if that is a concern.

I love the picnic basket idea, too! You can line your basket with red & white checkered cloth napkins as part of the gift and put some wine glasses in if you're giving wine. I made one of these one time, and at World Market they sell cute little wrapped chocolates that look like lady bugs. I bought a bunch of those and taped them onto different items in the picnic gift basket to make them look like they were crawling around. It turned out really nice.

[chefbecky]

Great thread!

For teen girls, what about a "girls' night" basket:

-- Manicure supplies (fun nail polish, emery boards, toe separators, etc.)
-- Snacks (Twizzlers, M&Ms, etc.)
-- A video of a good chick flick (Clueless, Pretty in Pink, etc.)
-- Cute invitations to invite all the girls over
-- One of those Polaroid cameras that makes sticker pictures or a disposable camera
-- There's also a really cute line of books called "Crafty Girl" that are full of crafts and stuff for teens. There are a few different ones, including "Slumber Parties" and "Beauty" (make your own lip gloss, lotion, etc.)

For cooks, what about a baking basket? I'm thinking of making one for my mom for pre-Christmas baking.
-- Lots of chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, etc. (King Arthur's has a lot of fun things.)
-- Cookie cutters
-- Parchment paper
-- Oven mitts or kitchen towels
-- Decorating supplies like sprinkles, gels, etc.
-- Recipes or a cookie cookbook

[chefbecky]

Also, what about a pet-lover's basket? Homemade dog treats would be fun for dog owners.

[Terrytx]

You guys are doing great! This is so much fun. I am going to have to adopt some more people to give gifts to :D What great ideas ya'll are coming up with. Keep them coming.

RGreen- I have a son that would love the Fiesta idea and the "bugs" in the basket is just too cute.

Svadhisthana - spa day would be great for my Mom (sure hope she isn't reading this)and Romance would be great for the DH.Origin's Ginger soufle- never heard of this-where can I find it?

Beth-The preteens would like the puzzle and games with the munches.
Svadhisthana's idea of Blast from the past with 60's candy would go good with this.

Claudia S-The napkins and/or placemats are a great addition to the Breakfast idea. Where have you seen the teapots with the cup on top?

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by chefbecky
Also, what about a pet-lover's basket? Homemade dog treats would be fun for dog owners.

The same son who would like the Fiesta basket is the only one with pets, lots of dogs...hum. Maybe I could just give my dog and his dogs individula gifts.

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by chefbecky
Great thread!

For teen girls, what about a "girls' night" basket:

-- Manicure supplies (fun nail polish, emery boards, toe separators, etc.)
-- Snacks (Twizzlers, M&Ms, etc.)
-- A video of a good chick flick (Clueless, Pretty in Pink, etc.)
-- Cute invitations to invite all the girls over
-- One of those Polaroid cameras that makes sticker pictures or a disposable camera
-- There's also a really cute line of books called "Crafty Girl" that are full of crafts and stuff for teens. There are a few different ones, including "Slumber Parties" and "Beauty" (make your own lip gloss, lotion, etc.)



Would those videos be okay for a 12 year old? Where would I find the Polaroid camera that makes sticker pictures-Wal Mart? Off the Amazon to look up those books.

[greysangel]

terry;

www.origins.com

very yummy and addictive!

[erinl]

A lot of department stores also carry Origins. Alas, I'm allergic to the Ginger Souffle. I loved it until I broke out into an itchy red rash. Now my sister loves it. :(

[chefbecky]

Hi Terry ... Glad you liked the idea for teens. I'm not a parent, but I'm a journalist who writes for teens! I think those movies would be fine for a 12-year-old, or you could give my new favorite, "The Princess Diaries" (keep in mind, I'm 25!). It's rated G, and so, so cute.

I'm telling you, the Crafty Girl series is awesome. I've reviewed them for teens, and I kept the review copies because I love the ideas. If you give the slumber parties one, you could make it a slumber party gift basket. The book has ideas for theme sleepovers, with recipes and activities. You could pick a theme from the book and give the supplies and ingredients for the related activities and recipes. There's also a similar cute book called "Sleepover Journal" that even comes with a light pen for writing after "lights out"!

[lwright]

Here are some more ideas...

Movie Night: Place the following items in a big popcorn bowl: Blockbuster gift cards, microwave popcorn, candy, a movie review/trivia book or entertainment magazine, etc.
You can also wrap it all up in a cozy blanket to snuggle in, or line a box with the blanket and place the bowl inside.

Ethnic Themes (food baskets):
Chinese: Place the following items in a wok: chopsticks, sushi mat, Chinese sauces, Asian noodles, fortune cookies, etc.
Italian: a nice spread for bruschetta, pasta, sauce, garlic, a bottle of wine, etc.
Trader Joe's is great for ideas.

College: Domino's Pizza coupons, a mini photo album with pictures and/or messages from family and friends, long distance phone card, something from hometown they can't get in college town, etc.

Sunday Breakfast: package of special granola cereal or pancake mix, a jar of special jam, some cute juice glasses, slippers, a breakfast tray maybe?
Again, Trader Joe's has lots of stuff that would work here, too.

Child: Theme basket for their favorite character/tv show (stuffed toy, book, video, stickers, fruit snacks if applicable....all packed in a gift bag with the character on it.

-Linda

[Veronica]

I'd love to get a book lovers basket.

gift certificate to Amazon or barnesandnoble.com
"book weight" - not sure what they're called; they're weights that keep your book open when you're cooking or in the tub
lap desk
bookmark
note cards, pen
candles
wine
crackers
tea
coffee
pretty mug
etc.

[Paula H]

For my beloved beloved boss' farewell we bought (read: other staff put in and I went shopping) various items for an Italiano gift basket (she loves Italy and visits every couple of years AND is a foodie). Can't remember all of what went in, but it included:
- Olives
- Capers
- Pesto
- Voucher to take a night school course in breadmaking
- Various mustards
- Italian wine
- Red wine vinegar
- A video of an Italian movie (subtitled of course) but I've now forgotten which one
- Book on Italy (this was the major purchase, about US$40, but could be replaced with various much smaller and more economic books)

It was one of the gifts where you think "but I want it!" when you hand it over...

[Krystal]

CHILD Cooking basket

I want to make a basket for my neice and nephews. They are between the ages of 3 and 7 and all of them love cooking or working in the kitchen. So I was thinking of adding colorful spatulas, bowls, aprons, cookie cutters, book on cooking for kids.

Any other ideas?

Also, does anyone know where I can find aprons that would fit small children?

[Svadhisthana]

Originally posted by Krystal
CHILD Cooking basket

I want to make a basket for my neice and nephews. They are between the ages of 3 and 7 and all of them love cooking or working in the kitchen. So I was thinking of adding colorful spatulas, bowls, aprons, cookie cutters, book on cooking for kids.

Any other ideas?

Also, does anyone know where I can find aprons that would fit small children?


I found kid sized aprons at Hobby Lobby, most craft stores have them in the "decorate your own clothes" sections. I bought my DD Mollie Katzen's "Pretend Soup" and "Honest Pretzels". She loves them both.

[SusieO]

Originally posted by Terrytx

Svadhisthana - spa day would be great for my Mom (sure hope she isn't reading this)and Romance would be great for the DH.Origin's Ginger soufle- never heard of this-where can I find it?



Terry, there's an Origins store on W. Gray in River Oaks. I think there's also one in Rice Village. You might find a lot of stuff you suddenly can't live without. ;)

[Beth]

After having success with kettle corn, I can now suggest that homemade touch to the movie and game baskets instead of or in addition to plain or micro popcorn bags.

[helene]

Originally posted by Krystal
CHILD Cooking basket

I want to make a basket for my neice and nephews. They are between the ages of 3 and 7 and all of them love cooking or working in the kitchen. So I was thinking of adding colorful spatulas, bowls, aprons, cookie cutters, book on cooking for kids.

Any other ideas?

Also, does anyone know where I can find aprons that would fit small children?

I was thinking the same thing. I will add a cookie-mix-in-a-jar to their basket. Kids love to cook.

[Terri-Lynn]

I made an Italian Basket for a wedding gift for our niece this summer. I bought some gourmet dry pasta, flavored oils and sauces, and a pasta server. I lined a large metal sieve with cloth herb designed napkins and then added the pasta and sauces with the large metal pasta server at the back for height and then bought a set of pasta bowls (with pictures of herbs on them) and wrapped them all up together in celephane. It made a beautiful gift.

For their shower gift I gave them a night of romance basket, complete with a Diana Krall CD, nice bottle of wine, wine glasses, chocolates, bubble bath, towels, small candles for around the bath, a bar of scented soap and a loofa scrub.

I love the basket ideas for gift I think they are so personal.

Terri

[Terrytx]

This is truely awesome. Ya'll have come up with some great ideas. Ya'll are all so creative! I have written down all of you thoughts, and have will be able to do baskets for years to come. Any more?

[jphilg]

How about a salsa basket? Seed packets/ seedlings for tomatoes and hot peppers, terra cotta planters, terra cotta dip-sized bowl, Bags of gourmet chips for height, and a salsa cookbook (I always see little salsa cookbooks on bargain tables).

[Terrytx]

I know I saw a site for retro candy and snacks the other day (or did I dream it). I thought it was at epicurious, but now I can't find it again. Does anyone know where I should look?

[chefbecky]

I know there's a site called Old Time Candy (www.oldtimecandy.com) that has a lot of stuff like that.

[Terrytx]

Thanks, I will check it out.

[Claudia S]

I think I've seen these at speciality coffee/tea shops, but couldn't tell you specifically where to go. Here's a web link that shows some good examples: http://shopstashtea.com/accessories-teaforone.html

Another idea for a basket would be a pizza basket (line the basket with a red & white check tablecloth) add a cheese shaker, pizza pan, pizza cutter, etc...).

For kids:
Harry Potter themed basket (or Captain Underpants, American Girl, etc.)
Sports basket

Book baskets adults, like a mystery-themed basket.

Claudia

[Svadhisthana]

I just got my order from Penzey's today and it reminded me of this thread. I'm making a Pie themed basket for my Mom. It will contain: The Whole Foods Diabetic Cookbook, Double Strength Vanilla, Baking Spice, Vietnam Extra Fancy Cinnamon, Apple Pie and Baking Spice (all from Penzey's), a pie bird, pie beads, pie shields, and a hand painted ceramic pie pan.

[Grizzly]

What about a gardner's basket? Gloves, small gardening tools, seeds, or small plant (herbs maybe), hand lotion/salve.

[chelle]

My four year old girls have aprons that they love which I picked up at a twins convention. They are super easy to make, too. All you have to do is find the pot holder/tea towel sets that they sell in Target or Walmart, and usually they're a matching pattern. The pot holder becomes the top of the apron and you sew the tea towel to the bottom of it, so it hangs down over their legs. Mine then just have fabric strips at the top of the pot holder <to tie around the neck> and at the top sides of the towel <to tie around the waist>. You might make them more 'kid friendly' by putting velcro on the edges of the fabric ties. Anyhow...just an idea, easy to make and usually lots of fun patterns, holiday or otherwise on the tea towels :)

chelle

[honeygirl1971]

You guys have great ideas. I made a gift basket once (well, twice, two versions of the same thing) with Sarabeth's jams and homemade granola and gourmet coffee for one person, and the same thing but with gourmet hot cocoa instead of coffee for another person (she doesn't drink coffee). These were smaller than some of the ones you are describing, but the recipients loved them!

[honeygirl1971]

Maybe someone already said this, but what about a Cookie Monster basket, with a cookie cookbook, airbake cookie sheet, mitts, Penzey's spices, apron? Maybe include gourmet chocolate chips and/or nuts too?
Mmmmm, cookies....:D

[Terrytx]

Originally posted by Svadhisthana
I just got my order from Penzey's today and it reminded me of this thread. I'm making a Pie themed basket for my Mom. It will contain: The Whole Foods Diabetic Cookbook, Double Strength Vanilla, Baking Spice, Vietnam Extra Fancy Cinnamon, Apple Pie and Baking Spice (all from Penzey's), a pie bird, pie beads, pie shields, and a hand painted ceramic pie pan.

What's a pie bird? :o should I already know what this is?

[Terrytx]

We are making all these baskets, and they are going to be so pretty, and well received. Now how are we going to wrap them. Well the guys at the "post-it" stores sell boxes that these will fit in?

[Lrimerman]

When I did gift baskets I bought the shrink basket wrap. You can find it at pier 1, meijers, jo-ann's and michaels around here, you place the basket on top of it, gather it up around it and use a hair dryer to shrink it.

Lisa

[Shirley Panek]

Originally posted by Funnybone
I was curious as well, so I found this on the net:


Pie Birds or Pie Funnels as they are called in England are "steam vents" that have been placed in the center of fruit and meat pies (while cooking) since Victorian Times.

They were used in baking pies and prevent the pie from boiling over in the oven by allowing the steam created when the fruit filling or other contents are cooking to escape from inside the pie. They also supported the pastry crust in the center of the pie, so that it did not sag in the middle.

They are made from ceramic,.Aparently many celebrities including Princess Diana, Ronald & Nancy Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, George & Barbara Bush, have owned or collected Pie Birds! Now you too can build up a Enchanting Collection of authentic (made in England) Pie Birds and Vents, continuing a tradition that began in the English Countryside! Traditionally they were nearly always in the shape of a bird or an inverted funnel with arches on the bottom for the steam to enter, now in modern times they have been produced in a multitude of shapes. Displayed in your home, they will be a true "conversation piece", as gifts they will be treasured and will continually increase in value!

The perfect gift for that "someone that has everything - friend or relative". A sound investment.

HOW TO USE A PIE BIRD: Line the pie dish with pastry, place the "bird" in the centre, put in the filling around the "pie bird" then put a pastry top on but allowing the pie bird to stick out of a hole in the pastry . Pinch crust around the bird's shoulder, allowing the head to stick through the pastry. The bird will release steam through his mouth "vent" during baking and help to prevent fruit juices from bubbling over into the oven

Here's the original thread:

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30711&highlight=pie+bird

[Paula H]

Just remembered another gift basket I made for work - well, more of a box really. It was a care package when one of the staff was in another city with her husband desperately ill waiting to find out if he needed a liver transplant or not. We included:
- Gourmet coffee
- Chocolate covered coffee beans
- A small (yet hardy) plant
- Book of crossword puzzles
- Rubicks cube
- A stack of foodie magazines
- Various small packaged foods suitable for eating in hospital: muesli bars, scorched almonds, etc
- A couple of packaged pasta instant meals (since she was eating on the run)
- A slinky
- A bottle of massage oil I made with relaxing essential oils plus ones to help scarring and bruising(all the tests they were running involved lots of needles) for both of them to use
- Lots of other small things I can't remember now


Also gave a farewell present gift box to a co-worker today (people seem to leave my work a lot!) - I made up a journalling gift box. I included a really gorgeous journal, a couple of great pens, and some candles (the idea being that she can write in her journal by candlelight).

[brykate]

Wow!! You guys have no idea how many of these great ideas I've copied and pasted into my "Gift Folder" :) Thank you so much!
I can't wait to go shopping! :D

[brendat4]

Hi! I love this kind of stuff although I never seem to make as many things as I would like to. A few years ago, I had an online business (creative rubberstamps) and I also had a list of a bunch of gift basket ideas that I had collected from various sources. Here is the link to the newly uploaded page:

http://www.merkurxr4ti.com/bubblesnbows/gifts.html

Hopefully someone will be able to use some of these ideas. I'm trying to convice DH to make "theme gifts/baskets" for all of his side of the family that we have to buy gifts for (12 adults and 4 kids!) So far he hasn't gone for it but I'm gonna keep trying!

[TitlePending]

I've been following this thread because of an annual auction event and it has been really helpful. However, I noticed your url and the Merkur base and was excited to follow it through as I am a Merkur enthusiast! I love my XR4ti and look forward to going through the site. Thanks for both!

Linda

[Rae]

Thanks especially for the Italian basket ideas! I'm giving my parents the first series of "The Sopranos" for Christmas and wanted to put it in a basket surrounded by Italian food. Dried pasta, jarred sauces, etc. Thanks for all your great ideas!

[MKSquared]

Rae - HBO is offering Artie Bucco sauces and other food things from the Sopranos restaurant. Maybe this will help:
http://store.hbo.com/hbo_sopranos/s.uKa4xoje

[Leanne]

My 2 ideas have been said - but I wanted to add to them.

The cookie gift basket - give all of the igredients for say 1 or 2 types of cookies that need cookie cutters. Add in a variety of cookie cutters, a cookie cookbook, the recipe for the cookie mix you gave, etc.

The gardeners gift basket -
I did this once & found a cute indoor flower pot, filled it with gardening gloves, a little shovel & other gardening tools, seeds, one of those clay worms that tells you when the pot is dry, etc.

[finelauren]

Thanks for great ideas!!! I was thinking about making some gift baskets as X-mas gifts this year.

Lauren

[Elisabeth]

Now I'm thinking about giving all gift baskets for the holidays! So many wonderful ideas.

I'm hoping someone will give me a Buffy the Vampire Slayer gift basket! Seasons 1 & 2 on DVD; some Buffy chocolates, book marks, calendar, a mini lunch box, there's actually tons of Buffy merchandise out there.

Something like this could be put together for lots of favorite tv shows.

[Colleen]

Someone asked about wrapping?.....

I made a friend of mine a ladybug box (she loves ladybugs)

I got her some ladybug stationary and pen, a decorative slate that has a handpainted ladybug on it, ladybug chocolates (its a mold..not real ladybugs), a cute framed picture of a ladybug with a cute "friends" saying on it, a ladybug towel hook... and so on...

Well, I then took a choebox and wrapped it in red constuction paper, added little black dots, eyes, legs and antennaes, whala! Done. It was very Cute!

[Colleen]

I would like to get a Harry and David type basket myself. Fresh fruit, dried fruit, shortbread cookies, chocolate covered somethings, jam and little jam knives (butter knives?).

[aggie94]

As an engagement gift for friends, I made up a basket with a small French press, two Irish coffee mugs, a small bottle of Bailey's, two one-pound bags of locally roasted coffee beans (regular and decaf), and a few kinds of homemade biscotti. Oh, and the back of the gift tag had a recipe for Irish coffee.

[erinl]

Buffy chocolates?!
I'm hoping for season 2 under the Christmas tree.

[greysangel]

I have to say I'm a buffy fanatic and I have yet to see buffy chocolates :D

JeAnne

[brykate]

Ok - I did it! I've officially started my Christmas shopping because of this thread and all the great ideas, I couldn't stand to not get started!
I shopped at a store that can be considered pretty naughty the farther back in it you go -- I didn't go very far!! The store is called "Lover's Package"
For newly wed friends I've started a "Romance Basket" -although I don't know that a basket will be ideal. Maybe a pretty box that can slide under the bed or into a drawer.

It will include (possibly -- we'll see how daring I dare to be:eek: ) glow in the dark erotic dice (body part on one, action on other), body liqueurs, body warming lotion, massage oil, naughty chocolates, aphrodisiac mints, love coupons, glow in the dark massage oil, and a couple other little un-mentionable fun items. These are all LITTLE items so each was around a buck, except for a couple things. I've got plastic champagne glasses too, so maybe those and a bottle of bubbly.

I probably have enough to spread out into 2 gifts! :p
The love coupons and lottery tickets are actually good little gifts to include in anniversary or wedding cards too. Special, intimate, and differerent. Or at least I've gotten nice compliments when I've given them (few and far between!) :D

[MKSquared]

Okay, so this one is a little G-rated after the last racy sugestion! :eek: ;)

Vanilla baskets:
Homemade vanilla extract
--or, if you're starting late, an infusion kit!
Vanilla Candle
Homemade Vanilla sugar
Vanilla lotion, salt scrubs, etc.
Tahitian Vanilla Tea

... I picked up whatever I saw at places like Marshall's, TJ Maxx, Stein Mart, Odd Lots and made it into really nice presentations! They worked well for my aunts, grandmothers, boss ... females I wasn't quite sure what to get, but still wanted something nice.

[Rae]

Mary Kate -

Thanks for the suggestion of the HBO Artie Bucco products. Perfect!!

Rae

[MaryH]

I also had to chime in and say thanks for all the great ideas. My DD school is doing a Christmas fundraiser with gift baskets and now there are ALL sorts of ideas. Another one that occurred to me, is that you could put together some type of religious basket (if that suits your needs) by going to a religious store, and/or religious type books, foods, etc.

[brykate]

Ooh I love the Vanilla Basket idea!! I have a friend who's started doing her kitchen in a "cherry" theme.... I could start looking for a few cherry items as well as cherry flavor ideas too! Thanks for the tip :)

Oh, and sorry about my above post if it seems racy or too sexy. I guess I wasn't thinking. I sincerely hope I haven't offended anyone! I'm REALLY not a naughty sort of person - honest! :-)

:) Katie

[Molli526]

Originally posted by brykate


Oh, and sorry about my above post if it seems racy or too sexy. I guess I wasn't thinking. I sincerely hope I haven't offended anyone! I'm REALLY not a naughty sort of person - honest! :-)



Katie-

I thought your basket idea was cute. We are all adults here :) (I think) I am no longer a newlywed :) but I would have loved a gift basket like that - so would DH! :p ;) :o

[greysangel]

I think it's great brykate....DH gets homemade love coupons every solstice :o :cool:

JeAnne

[dcornelius]

A while back I mentioned that I was wanting to make gift baskets this year for my family for Christmas instead of baking my brains out like I did last year. Well, I have gotten started! I currently have two types of baskets in the works.

1) I am making four baskets of pancake mix I found a recipe for in the KA gift catalogue. I also got a box of 4 assorted real maple syrups from TJ's for $10.00 that I am including (one with each). I have ordered the cinnamon chips also to include seperatly instead of putting them in the mix so recipients can choose to use them or not. I will then print off the recipe for the whole project (including the instructions for preperation of each jar) and include a small bottle of Penzey's vietnamese cinnamon. This way if they like the pancakes they will beable to replicate the recipe on their own. I got a bunch of small baskets just the right size to hold these items for $2.00 each at a Michael's that just opened about a mile and a half from use! I am excited to get all the stuff in the mail to start putting the baskets together! That will cover four aout of ten gift baskets I need to make.

2) For my sister who loves asparagus I have bought a bottle of balsalmic vinegar (aged 10 years) for just under $4.00 and am including the recipe for the browned butter and balsalmic vinegar recipe for roasted asparagus. I have also printed off a thread that I found on here for uses of balsalmic vinegar and will incorperate that in some how. I have to find some other small stuff to put in this basket to fill it up.

Still have five baskets to go. I am using small baskets though so I am limited to smaller items.

So as to avoid the need to ask the question I will post the recipe to the pancakes here!:D


* Exported from MasterCook *

malted Oatmeal Cinnamon Pancakes

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 0 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories :

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
5 1/2 cups rolled oats -- ground in food processor
8 cups unbleached flour
3/4 cup non diastatic malt powder for best malt
flavor -- or use sugar
5 tablespoons baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2 1/2 cups malted milk powder
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups cinnamon chips -- optional

Whisk together all dry ingredients except cinnamon chips. Drizzle in the vegetable oil and mix until evenly distributed, the mixture will remain dry and crumbly. This is most easly done in a stand mixer. If you don't have a stand mixer you may want to work with half of the mix at a time. Stir in cinnamon chips( if you choose to use them) Spoon into jars or air tight containers and attach instructions. (see below)


Instructions for pancakes: To each cup of mix, whisk in 1 egg and 1/2 cup milk. Let stand for 10 to 15 min. to thicken. Cook pancakes as you usually do. Yields about a dozen 4 inch pancakes.

Instructions for waffles: Prepare batter as for pancakes or, for crispyy waffles, add 2 tablespoons oil when mixing the batter. One cup of dry mix will make three or four 6 inch waffles.

Description:
"This makes 16 cups, enough to fill four 1 Qt. jars"

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 9873 Calories; 303g Fat (27.3% calories from fat); 248g Protein; 1570g Carbohydrate; 55g Dietary Fiber; 144mg Cholesterol; 20476mg Sodium. Exchanges: 66 Grain(Starch); 60 1/2 Fat; 38 Other Carbohydrates.


Nutr. Assoc. : 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Just wanted to say I love the romance basket idea and I have two little sisters who have recently been married and this would be perfect for them!!! Now I gotta find a place to shop for the stuff and get up the nerve to go there! Maybe I'l take DH wiht me and get us a pair of those dice!!!!

[Terrytx]

dcornelius, thanks a million:D. You just came to my rescue! I am making a couple of the "breakfast baskets" and have already made strawberry syrup and planned on getting some pure maple also, but couln't decide if I should buy or make the pancake mix. Now I know what I'm doing!!

About the romance basket-go here-they have it all.http://www.atouchofromance.com/ (http://www.atouchofromance.com)

[chefbecky]

For those who like the idea of a "romance" basket, check out www.redenvelope.com -- they have a cute set of "get-lucky" dice. A little pricey, but so cute! And they have some other stuff that might work in a basket like that.

Also, brykate, for your cherry basket -- Mary Engelbreit does a ton of stuff with cherries on it. Check out http://www.maryengelbreit.com/MEProducts/MEP/Cherryware.htm for her new cherry serving ware. It's adorable.

[dcornelius]

Any one know where I can buy nondiastatic malt powder besides KA? They donn't have any in stock right now and I can't wait to long as I have to get these things made and in the mail!!!! If it is something that can be found at the grocery I appologize but I have never heard of it until now and I don't know where to find it!

Terrytx- I am glad I could help you with your delema on your baskets, I figured there would be one person out there that could use that recipe! As for the site you linked me too.... Well... if you could see my face right now you would be ROTFLOL! I guess I was not ready for that! The things on there are a bit more costly and leave a little to little to the imagination than what I was looking for. Thank you anyway though! :o Sorry, don't mean to be a prude or insinuate you are not....

[Terrytx]

I know how you feel-I was a little over whelmed myself-but I found the dice there and a couple of other "not so shocking things". After all-I am giving this to my son-so I have to be a little "prudish" in my selections.:o

[dcornelius]

I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. I truely didn't mean to! I did not see the dice, what section are they under?

[Terrytx]

No, you didn't hurt my feeling, cause I truely felt myself blushing the whole time I was at that site, but I'm a big girl (and old too) and I thought that it was a cute idea).

I don't know which section-I went to the search box (top right hand corner) and typed in "dice" and they popped right up there.

[dcornelius]

Thanks!

['lil cooker]

Love the pancake idea and will probably do these for neighbors. This thread has got me going on gift basket ideas, tho' I must admit they are not all cooking related. I'm doing an Asian basket for my 17 yr. old daughter - wonderful sushi pajamas, beautiful Satin slippers - black and orange Oriental design, Cherry blossom bath salts packaged in Asian paper, and a box of fortune cookies.

I need help with a cookie mix. I'm doing a "holiday baking" basket for my 8 yr. old niece's birthday (Dec. 7th). Found a holiday cookies cookbook and would like to add a jar of cookie mix - can anyone help? Will add sprinkles, icing, cookie cutters , etc. I know you all can help me please this little "cookie monster"! Thanks to all your wonderful resourceful people!

[muriel3002]

Another website for inspiration is www.soulpaks.com. Neat ideas for baskets. I've never bought from there, but have used their ideas for inspiration for other gifts.

[Lrimerman]

This is a layered jar cookie mix that I have done many times, I originally got the recipe from Family Fun magazine. They did holiday cookies and called it "holiday cookie" mix, with red and green M&M's, but I usually do it for other occasions and just use regular M&M's and call them "Festive cookies.


* Exported from MasterCook *

Layered Cookie Jars

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 48 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Baked Goods Cookies
Desserts Gift Ideas

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar -- packed
1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate covered candies (such as M&M's or Hershey's Candy Coated Bits)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup cocoa crisped-rice cereal
1/2 cup white chocolate chips

In a one quart wide mouth jar, add the ingredients in the order listed (I swiched the oats and the M&M's around). Pack them down firmly after each layer (use the blunt end of a table knife or a wooden spoon to level and tamp down each layer).

Screw on the cover and prepare a gift tag with the following instructions.


Instructions for label are: To make your cookies, cream together 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 egg in a large bowl. Add contents of jar and stir until well blended. Drop by rounded teaspoonsful onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Makes 4 dozen.

Source:
"Family Fun Magazine December/January 2001"
Yield:
"4 dozen"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 42 Calories; 1g Fat (16.7% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 29mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 0 Fat; 1/2 Other Carbohydrates.

NOTES : If you want to do these for a holiday theme use the holiday colored candies and call them Holiday cookies on the instructions and label.

Serving size I put made at one cookie.

[brykate]

Originally posted by chefbecky
Also, brykate, for your cherry basket -- Mary Engelbreit does a ton of stuff with cherries on it. Check out http://www.maryengelbreit.com/MEProducts/MEP/Cherryware.htm for her new cherry serving ware. It's adorable.
Oh yeah. I forgot about ME - Thanks!:)

I also am having so much fun because of this thread still. I think the pancake basket for a neighbor and a hucklberry basket for another neighbor will be perfect! Small-ish with only 3 or 4 items will be just right. Or possibly the layered cookie in a jar mix. I'm loving the shopping that I'm getting done already!
I love Christmas and am excited already! :D

-Katie

[Linda in MO]

Lrimerman, your holiday cookie mix looks great! Have you actually baked the cookies, too?

['lil cooker]

Lrimerman, the layered cookie mix is EXACTLY what I had in mind - my niece will love this!!! Thank you so very much! I may just have to make these little jewels for my own family.

[Terrytx]

Just got a new Penzeys catalogue and there is a recipe to include in all those Fiesta baskets. At least I am going to put them in the ones I do. Going to make a test bunch this evening. I may sub chipotle chili powder for the crushed red pepper.



* Exported from MasterCook *

Cheese Straws

Recipe By :
Serving Size : 24 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Appetizers & Snacks

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons kosher flake salt (or you favorite) for
sprinkling on the straws

We like to freshly grate our own medium to sharp cheddar for this recipe,
which is the least expensive and freshest way to go. A bag of shredded
cheese works fine, just buy it fresh for the recipe and choose the finer
grated pieces.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, combine cheese, flour, and
butter which has been cut into small chunks. Rub together with your
fingers until crumbly. Add the crushed red pepper-use the smaller amount
for starters, you can always make the next batch hotter if desired. Using
a wooden spoon, mix in as much milk as needed to get the dough to stick
together. Lightly flour a table or cutting board, and roll the dough out
as you would for cookies-between 1/8-1/4-inch thick. Slice into pretzel
rod shapes, about 1/4-inch wide and 4-6-inch long, and carefully place on
cookie trays coated with vegetable oil spray. Sprinkle with salt. Bake
for 10-14 minutes, until golden brown. Remove from pans right away.
Serve warm or room temperature.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 10-14 minutes
Yield: roughly 24 depending on how thin the dough was rolled and how long
the straws are.

Source:
"Penzeys"

PS-didn't wait til the evening. These are really good. I used extra-sharp cheddar and one teaspoon chipotle chili powder. They could be hotter, but we really like things hot. They are probably just right for most folks.

[Elisabeth]

Originally posted by greysangel
I have to say I'm a buffy fanatic and I have yet to see buffy chocolates :D

JeAnne

Here's a link to the Buffy chocolates! I've had the Buffy-flavored ones (dark chocolate and raspberry cream) and they're really good! They used to offer a tin filled with the chocolates--I was always hoping someone would buy one for me but alas, the only one who indulges my Buffy fanaticism is ME!
http://www.tvmerch.com/cgibin/shop/tvcart.cgi?ACTION=thispage&thispage=bubars.htm&ORDER_ID=177131725

[Lrimerman]

I haven't made the cookies, but family fun usually test their recipes, so I figured it would be ok. Should probably make some however, just usually made the jars to give away, never kept one.

Lisa

[valchemist]

Lisa,

I am going to be making the Layered Cookie Jars that you posted for my three year old niece. (I am also getting her a cookbook for children and and apron and a mini cupcake making set). I hope they turn out well. Maybe I will make two mixes and try one out for myself ahead of time. If you try them, let me know how they come out and I will do the same!

Val

[Laura B]

For those of you making cooking baskets for kids, www.surlatable.com has some adorable cooking and baking kits for little ones. They even have a child size chef's hat! You could get one of the kits and take the contents out of the packaging it comes in and arrange it in a basket with some other things, like the chf's hat, cookbooks, etc. I wish I had a kid to make one for!!

[pattyp.]

Last Christmas I got a box of Origins from my daughter. It was all Ginger Soufle, even the neck roll that you put in the microwave. It smells so good. I am afraid to use the oily scrub because of the drains. I don't need to see the Rooter Rooter man. Any one else have experience with that?

[Kismet]

I'm bringing up an old thread to see if anyone has any new ideas for this year! I'm kind of stuck on what to do for my MIL. We've done the tea theme in the past, and she's not really into cooking, so that's out. Looking forward to hearing your themes for this year! :D

[sfarler]

I just did a "Cookies in a Jar" basket for a bridal shower. It turned out great. Everyone at the shower was impressed. I included cookie sheets, cooling racks, hot pads and 5 different cookies in a jar.

[lonetree1353]

I found this site that had some good ideas and some that are not cookies:

http://www.cookieinajar.com/

[lollipop79]

Here is another link for gift basket ideas too, copy and paste:

http://64.4.46.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=9acfe37c1fb06caa85e504c1632ec0dc&lat=1068751130&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2femail%2eepicurious%2ecom% 2fcgi%2dbin5%2fDM%2fy%2fnZtx0GwvCj0Dqs0Bchd0Ax

[Rae]

This year, for friends with three young children, I'm going to put together an "On the Road with the Smith's" (fill in their last name) basket. I've purchased books about regional travel destinations for families with young children, books and games to entertain children traveling in the car, maps, and might include a gas coupon or hotel gift certificate, depending on what else I find to put in it. I thought about snacks, but I don't know if they'll use it until next summer, so I don't want to put food in it that might sit around for awhile.

I wanted to give them something that they could all enjoy together and I hope that this will give them some ideas.

Rae