Once you’ve made your list, and checked it twice, it’s time to start planning your holiday gifts. While we love shopping local and supporting small businesses, there’s often nothing better than making gifts from scratch to show your gratitude this season. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite recipes for homemade food gifts that we share with friends and family during the holiday season.
01 of 10
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Not only does this toffee taste delicious, but it looks oh-so-festive nestled in bags or holiday bins. Some readers also love to keep a stash for breaking out for drop-in guests during the season: “I’ve been making this for years. It has become an ‘expected treat’ during the holidays in our home!”
Saltine Cracker Toffee
02 of 10
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Prissy Montiel
This recipe starts with a store-bought ingredient (don’t worry, we won’t tell), and is simple to pull together in no time. You can make these chocolate candies in three steps, and customize them as you please.
Millionaire Candy
03 of 10
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Peppermint might just be the most festive ingredient of the season, which makes these truffles a delight to make, package, and deliver to friends and family.
Peppermint Truffles
04 of 10
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood
Move over peanut butter and jelly, meet the new dynamic duo that tastes better together. Chocolate and sea salt is the perfect pairing for indulging, and these two-bite truffles are great for giving for host gifts all season long.
Sea Salt Truffles
05 of 10
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Prepare for a Christmas miracle: You can make over a dozen of these delicious delights in under an hour during the hectic holiday season. For anyone who loves ooey, gooey turtle candies, these Southern specialties will be a hit.
Virginia Peanut Delights
06 of 10
Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
It’s time for a throwback that will create a flurry of excitement with friends and family this Christmas season. Many will remember these melt-in-your-mouth treats from weddings and showers, but we’re surprising recipients with cheese mints tucked under the tree.
Cream Cheese Mints
07 of 10
Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
The Nice List will be extra excited for this timeless classic arriving on their doorstep. In under an hour, you can make three dozen super Southern treats that will pack a two-bite spirited punch.
Bourbon Balls
08 of 10
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
Skip the spritz cookies (just this year), and make this five-ingredient fudge for your holiday gift recipients. The vibrant red and green sprinkles add a festive touch to these delicious bites that friends of all ages will love. Package in cellophane bags or in a holiday tin.
5-Ingredient Sugar Cookie Fudge Will Be Your New Favorite Holiday Treat
09 of 10
Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist Keoshia McGhee
Many Southern hosts love setting these candied peanuts in candy dishes around the house from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. And they’re also great as gifts too–package these sweet/salty treats in bags and bins for friends, family, and neighbors.
Candied Peanuts
10 of 10
Morgan Hunt Glaze; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless
There is always room for a classic – especially when it stars rich, decadent chocolate. This easy, four-ingredient fudge is a cinch to make (it’s called foolproof for a reason), and is a spectacular idea for sharing with everyone on your holiday list.
4-Ingredient Foolproof Fudge Anyone Can Make
Read the original article on Southern Living
Dining and Cooking