Ask Permission Many folks on a restricted diet simply aren’t comfortable eating treats—no matter how lovingly and safely made—from a kitchen that isn’t 100% free of their allergens. Before spending time and money on a recipe that your friend won’t be able to enjoy, ask them if they’re comfortable accepting a home baked treat. Let…
Category: From Scratch Holidays
{edible gift} Spicy Chipotle Beef Jerky
Around the holidays I give and receive lots of sweets, which is fine, but sometimes you want a little something different. That’s why this year I’ve decided to make some spicy beef jerky for several of our friends. If you have a food dehydrator (I got mine a few years ago for $5 off Craigslist)…
{edible gift} Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
I have always enjoyed chocolate covered espresso beans, but I have never been able to understand why they tend to be so expensive. There have been times in my life I think where I have spent $8 for a small bag. It doesn’t make any sense. The materials themselves are not actually expensive. I think…
{from scratch holidays} Embroidered Jar Lids
This year I have every intention of making Christmas gifts from scratch, or at least putting significant thought and effort into each gift My Dad is a chef and food is one of the things we truly bond over. We value each other’s opinions equally and consult each other constantly, whether it be cooking techniques,…
{edible gift} D.I.Y. Cocktail Party In a Box
Can you believe it we are in the heat of the holiday season, the past year has gone so quickly for our family, as I’m sure it has for most of you. My kitchen is relaxing after an amazing Thanksgiving food bonanza and I am preparing for some major homemade gifting this year. Between family,…
{edible gifts} Two Gifts in Under 20 Minutes
‘Tis the season to give gifts, even small ones. I give a fair number of edible gifts to friends, but most of them take weeks or months to prepare. For example, we make around 3 gallons of maple syrup every spring and only use one gallon or so a year ourselves. We give the…
{edible gift} Spicy Chocolate-Dipped Almonds
Chocolate almonds are an easy project that children can participate in. My eleven year-old niece Isabelle and I spent a relaxing half hour making them. Most of the time is spent dipping the almonds in the chocolate mixture. We decided to experiment with a “Mexican” flavor by adding cinnamon and cayenne pepper and we loved…
{from scratch holidays} Ice Cream Cone Ornaments
Thanksgiving Day is behind us, and it seems we are in a mad dash towards the December holidays. My neighbors have begun putting up their holiday lights, cars are zipping through town with Christmas trees tied down on top, and Santa is stopping for pictures at every mall. It would appear that we should begin…
{recipe recap} Thanksgiving Inspiration Pt 3
…and here we are, one day before Thanksgiving 2012. Here is more inspiration for ya, including some leftover recipes! Alexis’ Kate & Sweet Potato Casserole. Maybe some pestos for the appetizer plate with some homemade crackers? Or maybe a roasted root vegetable tart for a side dish or a main dish? For holiday cocktails,…
{recipe recap} Thanksgiving Inspiration Pt 2
Hello again, we are one day closer to Thanksgiving AND Christine {FSC Managing Editor, Book Club Captain & Podcast Producer} is one day closer to her nuptials on Friday. YIPPEEE! You can go over to her personal blog, Unspeakable Visions or the Facebook Page to wish her well. While you’re at it, read her most…
{from scratch holidays} Brussels Sprouts w/ Home-Cured Bacon
Poor Brussels sprouts. Always the punchline to bad jokes about foods people were forced to eat as a child. These little green globes don’t get the love they should. In fact, I always thought they were a bit “blah” until I had them fresh from the stalk as opposed to boiled from a freezer bag….
{from scratch holidays} Turkey Tetrazzini
Thanksgiving in my home is usually just the two of us. Every year, the spouse says “Let’s just get a turkey breast this year.. no need to get a whole bird.” But every year I get a whole turkey anyway. I really enjoy roasting a whole bird and take a lot of pleasure in the…
{from scratch holidays} How to Make GF Stuffing
Family recipes for stuffing are as unique as families themselves. No matter what recipe you follow or what you add to your stuffing, here’s how to make delicious stuffing that just happens to be gluten-free: 1) Bake or buy a loaf of gluten-free bread. For stuffing, my preference is gluten-free white sandwich bread. Why? It…
{from scratch holidays} Cranberry Squares
Thanksgiving and its attendant leftovers are my favorite things about that holiday. I’m sure my family isn’t alone in that planning the Thanksgiving meal also means planning for maximum leftover efficiency. We all have our favorites – my son is the stuffing king, my daughter hoards the mashed potatoes and gravy, and my husband loves…
{edible gift} Apple Leather
I have been blessed to find new neighbors who own apple trees this year! Though I am somewhat sheepish to go up to a random person’s house, knock on their door, and ask if they use their apples, I do it anyhow. Both times I’ve done this, the people have responded kindly, and say…
