Gifting :: Sugar & Spice

If you're like me, you enjoy gifting.  And I don't mean picking up a DVD and slapping a gaudi bow on it.  I mean brainstorming, searching, finding and disguising the perfect gifts that your friends will absolutely love.  I know, it's tricky and frustrating sometimes.  But, the look on their face paired with that cozy feeling of knowing you tickled them intrinsically is priceless.  This post is devoted to the ingredients of gifting food in the hopes that the next time you need a special gift for a foodie friend, you won't have to look too far.

:: Sugar ::

Can you really go wrong with gifting something sweet like cookies?  No, not really.  A homemade treat is always a great gift because your love and hard work is already inside.  But, take it to the next level with my suggestions for the perfect cookie goody bag.  These work well for little forget-me-not's, thinking of you's, teacher appreciation, bridal or baby shower goodies.

Here's what you'll need: 

cookies, small gift bags, raffia or ribbon, scrap book paper, 

regular paper, glue stick, marker, hole punch, scissors

1.  Glue a sheet of regular computer paper to the scrapbook paper.  

Allow to dry and then cut into small gift tags.  

2.  Using the marker, write the name of the cookies your gifting 

being sure to list any important ingredients.  Fold the gift tag in 

half and use the hole punch to puncture the top left corner of each tag. 

3.  Place a few cookies in each bag. 

4.  Tie raffia or ribbon around each bundle and thread it through 

the hole in the gift tag to secure it to the package. 

 Tie it in a bow for looks.

:: Spice ::

How many times have you been given spices as a gift?  I'm betting not many.  Spices are a unique way to literally "spice" up someone's present.  There are so many options, it's hard to go wrong.  And who would refuse some added flavor for their meals?  The spices in the grocery store tend to be pricey, so I recommend finding a spice shop (yes, you probably have one hiding near your home).  First, they have a much better selection and you can eliminate the cost of the container.  If you're not sure about which spices to choose, ask for help!  Here are a few of my favorites that you don't see everyday:  cardamom, smoked paprika, whole vanilla beans, black sesame seeds, spice shop special blends.  Give a few of these jars as a birthday present or single ones as dinner party or even wedding favors.  And if you happened to serve a dish that included the special spice, gift the recipe too!

Here's what you will need:

spices, sandwich bag, small jars, raffia or ribbon, 

scrap book paper, regular paper, glue stick, marker, hole punch, scissors

**TIP:  Craft stores like Hobby Lobby and Michael's have a great variety of glass jars and containers.  They also offer coupons on their website every single day to help save moolah.

1.  Empty your spices into sandwich bags.

2.  Roll a sheet of computer paper into a funnel and place into the jar.

3.  Gently pour the spices through the funnel into each jar. 

4.  For the gift tags, glue the computer paper to scrapbook paper.  

Allow to dry and cut into gift tags.  

5.  Write the name of the spice on each gift tag.  

6.  Fold the gift tag in half and using the hole punch, 

puncture the upper left corner.  

 7.  Tie the raffia or ribbon around the jar.  Thread it through the 

gift tag and tie in a bow for looks.  

There are many options for gifting food.  Some of my other favorites include toffee, citrus zested sugars and even little travel packs for my vacationing friends.  Think about the people you love and gift them with food this year.  Happy holidays.

Apple Cardamom Custard Tart

I'm trying my best to eat seasonally and since we're still knee-deep in apple season in Ohio, I'm stretching my creative muscles for new ways to enjoy these local, delicious apples.  Today, I decided it was time to attempt a flavor combination that's been on my mind for awhile:  apple & cardamom.  Cardamom is an exotic spice with East Indian roots that I absolutely adore.  It's warm and fragrant and pairs quite well with something sweet like fruit.  This Apple Cardamom Custard Tart is silky and sweet, with a subtle hint of spice.

Apple Cardamom Custard Tart

1 Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

3 Apples, peeled, cored and very thinly sliced

4 Large eggs

1 C. Whole Milk (or heavy cream if you're feeling extra sinful)

2 T. sugar, plus more for sprinkling

1 t. cardamom

Preheat the oven to 400.

Lay out your pie crust in a lightly greased, shallow baking dish.  Using a fork, gently "dock" the entire surface, making holes so that your crust does not get air bubbles.  Place the apple slices around the pie crust in a circular pattern.  I did two layers of apples so that apple slices would stick out slightly from the custard.  

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sugar and cardamom.  Beat with a mixer until completely smooth.  Place the pie dish on a cookie sheet.  Carefully pour the custard over the apple slices.  

Gently place the cookie sheet in the oven and bake the custard tart for 10 minutes at 400.  Then, lower the temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the custard is set.  You want it to be just firm, but not overdone.  In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle 1 T. of sugar on top and let the sugar caramelize for that finished look.  

Savory Nuts

The next time you’re feeling peckish, give these savory nuts a crack.  This recipe takes a plain, ordinary handful of nuts to a trendy new level.  Light, flavorful and healthy, they are a flawless snack any time of the day.  For a more complete nosh, pair them with dried fruit, cheese and a sparkling aperitif for an impressive, delicious course.  

Savory Nuts

1 egg white

1 t. Smoked paprika

1/8 t. Cayenne Pepper

1/4 t. onion powder

¼ t. chili powder

½ t. garlic

Salt

Dash of Pepper

2-3 C. Mixed Nuts

Preheat oven to 350. 

In a medium bowl, beat the egg white until stiff peaks form.  Gently fold in the spices and combine well.  Fold in the nuts and make sure they are evenly coated.  Spread the nuts onto a lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until the coating has hardened and browned lightly.   

*TIP:  This method of using an egg white is also how you would make the cinnamon-sugar pecans you find around the holidays.  Experiment with your own special blend of spices to make it personal.