Thursday, December 19, 2013

Quick and Easy Last Minute Gifts from the Kitchen

Well here we are folks, the last few days before Christmas, you ready? No?... Let me just say, I understand:@) Thought I'd share a few ideas for homemade goodies that don't take a lot of time or money and are always well received! Simply click the title to be taken to the post...

Easy 5 Minute Fudge-with or without Maraschino Cherries
This fudge has been around forever, you can add walnuts or pecans, 
or push well-dried maraschino cherries into it as I did HERE

This toffee is Bloggy Buddy Joni's Grandma's recipe and it is amazing! It's made in a skillet and you just cook it until it reaches a golden/amber color-no thermometer necessary. From start to finish it takes maybe 30 minutes! And if you like that expensive toffee that has the almond dust all over the top of the chocolate, just send some toasted almonds through your food processor and dust the top with them while the chocolate is still wet-easy peasy!

Colored popcorn can be quite pricey in specialty shops and even at the Marshall's of the world... 
You can whip up some red and green popcorn in minutes, the only thing that takes time is allowing it to sit out until dry (8 hours to overnight). Simply package it in a cute jar or mason jar, add a bow-done!

Pigs are traditionally a symbol of good luck and breaking these little Peppermint Pigs is a fun way to end Christmas dinner.
There's a little gift tag suggestion that explains the tradition with my post.

This quick bread is beautiful and has great flavor folks!

My pic is from Halloween but these little candy mice are traditionally made at Christmas, cute and yummy! 

If you're in the cookie baking mood there are several pizzelle and spritz recipes in my recipe index under cookies.
And there are many quick jams (pineapple is good this time of year) on my blog that make great gifts too. 

So there you have it folks, a few last minute ideas that are fun and taste great but don't take a lot of time!
Happy Holiday Planning Everyone-enjoy:@)

29 comments:

  1. Great last minute suggestions Lynn. It's amazing that toffee can come together so fast in a skillet - how cool, and love the Christmas colored popcorn.
    Sam

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  2. Lynn, You're speaking my language this time of year, 'quick & easy'! Love the peppermint pig & colored kernels of popcorn, thanks for the reminder to try!

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  3. I think the popcorn is my favorite. I would love looking at it I'm the jar any time of year. Putting together this post was truly the spirit of giving. Thanks!

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  4. Now I'm wanting some goodies for myself!! I think I'm going to do some baking this weekend and I think I'll make the popcorn to give to Tiger, he would love colored popcorn!

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  5. I love peppermint pigs! We got one as a gift years ago, but I never see them here. And that pig cookie is too cute. Earl did a good job posing!

    xo

    Sheila

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  6. They're all great foodie ideas, Lynn! Anyone would be happy to receive those yummy treats. I know, I sure was!!

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  7. the toffee - be still my tastebuds...

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  8. What interesting Christmas goodies! The peppermint pig is really neat, and so is the Hershey Kiss's mouse!
    Merry Christmas! The count down is here!
    Mona

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  9. The mice are adorable! Today I will be making Joni and Lynn's toffee, and Sandi's peanut brittle, and Jacqueline's sugar cookies. Love getting recipes from my blogging friends!

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  10. I would love you to send me the whole thing! Everything looks quite delicious! lol MERRY CHRISTMAS. sandie

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  11. OMG, so many great holiday goodies! I haven't made a thing. Every time I get out a recipe, something else takes me away. This has been an odd Christmas for me (too many distractions)!! 6 days left to get in the spirit here, Yikes! and Merry Christmas!!

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  12. Well, hubby was just reading this over my shoulder and the comment was "that looks good, can we make some when we get down to 'City House'?"...Looks like we will be making the Skillet English Toffee, for the neighbors down there! Thanks for the last minute help. xo

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  13. Lynn, every one of these ideas are terrific!! My mom made that fudge last Christmas, and it really is wonderful! I love the peppermint pigs and the Hershey's Kisses mice. Thanks for sharing these wonderful ideas with us -- much appreciated. BTW, love the last image. :-D

    Hugs to you,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  14. I'll have one of each - just pop them all in a gift basket and leave them on the doorstep if I am not home, but I would rather you stop by and we will sample them together!
    Yes, I love Joni's toffee. We make it without the nuts and then dip it and roll it in nuts! This year we added some almond flavoring to it like almond roca. That was a huge hit!

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  15. Hi Lynnie! Can I just come over and eat some of that candy? :) Yummy! It all looks so good! I'm wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  16. Well now I'm loaded with more good ideas - love the recipes!!!!! Thanks.

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  17. What fabulous ideas! I especially love the peppermint pig and the popcorn, and of course I love the toffee. I have made several batches already! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Joni

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  18. I just can't help but smile whenever I see that VERY appropriate tablecloth, Lynn! Too funny!
    Your ideas & recipes all look great. You just reminded me, too, that I always make my DH his favorite Christmas bread with the maraschino cherries. I totally forgot about doing it...Yikes! I see ANOTHER trip to the grocery store today.

    Have a Merry Christmas, Hon & thanks for making mine brighter.

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  19. Oh yum yum yum!!! My husband wold love that skillet toffee. And my son loves fudge. And you know I love that little pig! :-) Merry Christmas!!

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  20. Happy Holidays, Lynn. These all look delicious! ~ Sarah

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  21. It all sounds wonderful and I'll make that toffee....we love it.
    Merriest Christmas...

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  22. I would be THRILLED with any of these yummy gifts! What a variety of delicious treats :)

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  23. I didn't remember the peppermint pig but I love it! Great gifting ideas, Lynn.

    Merry Christmas to you!

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  24. I love them all and the little piggies are just the cutest!!

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  25. Loving the peppermint pig! I had never heard of that until now, what a great tradition! Merry holidays!
    Jenna

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  26. Oh, I love that peppermint pig! Adorable!

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  27. I love these ideas! What a cute peppermint pink! Hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!!

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  28. Hi, Lynn... just dropping back by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

    Sending loads of love your way...

    XO,

    Sheila

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  29. Hello Lynn,
    Oh boy are you making me hungry. I did manage to make some fudge and chocolate chip cookies. That's about the jest of my baking skills!
    I hope that you and your family, and Earl have a wonderful Christmas.

    hugs
    Sissie

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