Homemade Holiday Gifts

Cinnamon-Ginger Spiced Granola

*New Tip: Melt brown sugar with butter

before adding to other ingredients.

3 cups oats

¼ cup ground flaxseed

½ cup light brown sugar

½ cup butter (1 stick), melted

1 ½ cups walnut pieces

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp ground cloves

½ tsp ground ginger

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

Start by melting the butter & brown sugar in a small saucepan over low heat. In a large bowl combine all other ingredients. When the butter & brown sugar has melted, remove from heat & add into the large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined. Bake for 30-45 minutes, mixing the granola every so often as it is baking. Let cool.

More granola recipes......Cherry-Chocolate & Nutty Granola!!!!

Crafty Candles

I love how a simple jar can be so versatile. Not to mention…very affordable. One jar only cost me $1.19! I can use it for storing granola, my favorite candies, jams, and even as a decorative item. Try bringing a little extra ambiance into your home with this crafty candle idea…or give it as a homemade holiday gift :)

Supplies:

Mason Jars (from Michael’s)

Burlap Garland (also from Michael’s)

Glue Gun & Glue Sticks

Tea Lights

Pretzels, finely ground

If you want to wrap your jar in the burlap garland, measure & cut out a piece to fit around the size of your jar. After your glue gun is hot & ready to use, make a straight line of glue down the side of the jar. Immediately attach one side of your burlap garland along the glue. Apply another layer of glue over the same area as before, but this time on top of the burlap garland. Tightly wrap your garland around the jar and press the other end onto the glue. Cut off any excess garland.

Fill in the excess space of the jar with something simple, like finely ground pretzels. Sure, you could go buy some “fake sand,” but I think this is just easier & more convenient. Get creative by adding other fillers, such as coffee beans, rock salt, shells…whatever kind of look you’re going for. Add in the tea light & pair it with a box of matches if you’re giving it away as a gift.

Tip: Make homemade gift tags using brown paper grocery bags. Use a hole puncher to make a hole & then use string, raffia, or twine for a bow.

Cake Balls

Cake balls are great for gift giving or a holiday party. I made these as I was testing out a recipe for a more sweet & savory flavor with a secret center. Except the cake balls turned out all sweet & not even close to savory (but still GOOD). So I don’t have any new recipes to post! Follow my recipe for Red Velvet Cake Pops and just exclude the lollipop stick. Wrap up the balls in a cute clear bag & tie with a string or some raffia. 

P.S. Here are some extra photos with a familiar little creature that kept sneaking into the background….ohhhh Rye, you silly pup :) XOXO....little j Y