The holidays are upon us all and I love getting and giving gifts in mason jars. Holidays, birthdays, any days! There are so many fun and unusual things to do with them all year long. It’s not that common to see hard squash pickles, so they make an interesting gift for the hard to please…
{edible gift} Making D.I.Y. Treats for Your Food Allergic Friends
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…
{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…
{from scratch holidays} Happy Thanksgiving
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ― G.K. Chesterton, (1874-1936) +++ I asked a few FSC Contributors to share their food-related thanks: I’m thankful for finally having an apartment with a bigger kitchen! I’m thankful for all of the great food inspiration floating around…
{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…
{recipe recap} Thanksgiving Inspiration Pt 1
While we take a blogcation from any new posts this week, I will be manning the FSC Time Machine and giving you a 3-part series, Thanksgiving Inspiration, a recipe link love that will hopefully provide you some last-minute ideas for the big day! -Christina Maple Citrus & Ginger Cranberry Preserves Cornbread Stuffing Dianna’s 1st FSC…
{fsc book club} Assignment 3 & 4 Recap: Soups, Baking, Frozen Foods, Pasta & Sauce
We’re chugging right along with the FSC Book Club. We’ve tackled Soups & Baking Needs/Mixes and are now in the middle of the chapters on Frozen Food, Pasta and Sauce. We’re thrilled with how well it’s going! Folks are reading and cooking, adjusting recipes, asking questions and sharing what they’ve made. Our forum over on…
{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….
