Gifts from the Kitchen

A gift from the kitchen is twice blessed; it gives pleasure to the giver as well as to the receiver.

Many holidays are so commercialized that much of the true meaning of the holiday has been lost. While it is nice to give money or fancy gifts, no gift is more appreciated than those that are homemade or handmade. Those are the special gifts that come from the heart and take extra time and thought. Gifts created in your kitchen are a special way to share a little of yourself.

Food Gift Ideas

A gift from the kitchen does not need to be elaborate or be made of costly ingredients. It should be a bit out of the ordinary and something the receiver is not likely to make.

Try to match the gift of food to the food likes of the person who will receive it. When thinking about what you might give as a gift, think about something

• You enjoy making;
• You and your children or grandchildren could make together;
• The recipient would not make for themselves; or
• That is your specialty.

Presenting the Gift

The way the gift is presented can be almost as important as the food itself. In some cases it is nice to use a container that will be used after the food in or on it has disappeared. Flea markets and yard sales are great places to shop for these kinds of giveaway containers. Here are a few suggestions: A loaf of bread tied to a cutting board accompanied by a bread knife.

• Tea or coffee blend in a bright canister or in a tea or coffee cup. -
• Jams, jellies, and other spreads in a reusable container with a spoon or spreader attached.
• Anything wrapped in a tea towel.
• Cookies in a flowerpot lined with plastic wrap instead of a cookie jar.
• Unusually shaped cookies packed with their cutters.

Recipes

Turkey Noodle Soup Mix

A welcome gift during the holiday season, when there is usually plenty of leftover turkey meat on hand.

1/4 cup red lentils
2 Tablespoons dried onion
1-1/2 Tablespoons chicken-flavored bouillon granules
1-1/2 teaspoons dried dill weed
1/8 teaspoon ground celery
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 small bay leaf
1 cup uncooked medium egg noodles

Layer ingredients in the order given in a glass jar.

Pretty Packaging: Cover the lid with a round or square of fabric that is cut 2-1/2" larger in diameter than the top of the jar. Fasten with a rubber band; tie with ribbon to cover rubber band.

Gift Tag Greeting: "This makes about 10 cups of good, hot soup perfect for a cold night. Here's how to make it:"

Turkey Noodle Soup

8 cups water
1 jar Turkey-Noodle Soup mix
1 package (10 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables
2 cups cooked, diced turkey or chicken

Bring water to boil in large saucepan over high heat; stir in soup mix. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

Stir in frozen mixed vegetables and cooked turkey. Cook 5 minutes longer or until noodles and vegetables are tender.

Prepared by Barbara Farner, Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness.

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