Hostess Gift Dilemma--Please Help

[Jessica]

We visit relatives and friends often and I always bring something homebaked as a gift. Next week, we are leaving for a nine-day trip to New England. We are renting a car and driving around to visit five different families in four states, and I cannot think of any baked good that would survive the flight and car trip. I want to bring something that is easy to pack, durable enough to survive all the car trips (possibly in summer heat) and appropriate for a mix of people. We are visiting: two sets of cousins (couples in their 30s), DH's sister and her husband and baby, a single uncle and an engaged friend.

Possibilities:

Jars of spiced nuts (I would make them)
Spices from Penzeys
Tea
Other???

Most of these people do not drink alcohol.

Thanks.

Jessica

[cab321]

Homemade jam? Although, if you haven't made it before, this is probably not the time to start.

Have fun on your trip.

[Beth H]

Jessica, I've done spiced nuts as gifts before and they have been really appreciated. This was at the holidays, but I went over to Target or Walmart and bought some little tins and then put the nuts in the tin along with the recipe.

They certainly would keep well during your trip.

[schuh]

I had this dilemma at Christmas time.

I made a selection of snack/party mixes and gave each person a selection. Two were CL's Asian Party mix as well as a curried party mix from Gourmet. I also did some that had chocolate but I'm afraid it would melt in the car.

I had some friends visit from out-of-town and she brought me a nice selection of products from her neck of the woods -- candies, beverages, etc. I thought that was a great idea!

[RebeccaT]

I agree that spiced nuts or party mix would be great. Or how about tins/bags of homemade granola? I think any of these would keep and travel very well. Nice thing about the granola is that it wouldn't matter if it got a little squished on the trip! I would maybe pack it in large heavy-duty ziplock bags, and then pack it in smaller jars/bags/tins when you get to your destination. That might help with presentation.

[Jessica]

Rebecca--That is a brilliant idea. I can probably find decent little jars or tins there and pack them at my SIL's; then I don't have to cart heavy jars on the plane.

Thanks for the tips, everyone.

[gertdog]

I was going to suggest granola too. It's easy to make in one big batch, and it will keep for the time you're traveling. Spiced nuts are also nice

The other idea I had is to bring a mix of some kind- something that you've mixed all the dry ingredients for, and package with instructions for adding liquid and baking. I know it's not quite the same as homemade, but I think your relatives would understand!

[Jessica]

Does anyone have a good granola recipe? I have the Union Square recipe for spiced nuts and I love that one--I think I got it from you, Rebecca.

[RebeccaT]

I love that one too! Yummy.

There was a thread about homemade granola, I think Val had a bunch of recipes she liked. Here it is: http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42529&highlight=granola

[RebeccaT]

Also, if you are interested in a sweet nut recipe, have you tried the Gourmet Pecans from Stop and Smell the Rosemary? I have posted them a couple of times. They travel very well, I take them home to Atlanta during the holidays.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33982&highlight=gourmet+pecans

[Beth]

You could also pack some gift bags and tissue to put the plastic bags in them when you arrive if you don't want to have to hunt down tins when you get there.

[laurelhiker]

Shortbread cookies are one of the few foods that improves with age and that are almost universally enjoyed. Like the spiced nuts, granola and jam ideas above (all great ideas), shortbread can be packaged in a number of creative ways to suit the recipient.

Good luck! :)

-- GG

[aggie94]

Originally posted by RebeccaT
Also, if you are interested in a sweet nut recipe, have you tried the Gourmet Pecans from Stop and Smell the Rosemary? I have posted them a couple of times. They travel very well, I take them home to Atlanta during the holidays.

http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33982&highlight=gourmet+pecans

Jessica, my DH loves these.