How2Day: Edible Thank You and Holiday Gifts

Create a chocolate-covered strawberry as an edible gift. chocolate cheesecake image by cherie from Fotolia.com
Keep your finances in check this holiday season by using your own cooking talents creatively. Rather than spend money on a holiday food package, make your own. This cost-saving move allows you to prepare several gifts with one initial purchase. Possible ideas range from gift baskets to individually wrapped food items.

Dipped chocolate adds another layer to the taste of a food item. It doesn't really matter whether you dip fruits or staples, as long as you start with a good chocolate and don't burn it while melting it. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler pan until it's a smooth consistency and then dip the item. Possible dipping items include pretzel sticks, strawberries, bananas or whole apples on a stick. Roll the dipped item in crushed nut toppings or candies and allow the items to cool on wax paper. Package the treats in a paper-lined tin.

A tea party may have originated in Europe, but it has carried across the pond to many a young girl and woman. Prepare a tea basket for a gift with a ceramic tea-for-one pot and cup set. Consider surrounding the pot with a variety of teas. A possible selection includes green jasmine, chai, mint, chamomile, lemon, mango or orange spice. Finish the gift by adding a couple of baked treats, such as homemade scones, cookies or muffins, and a book describing the benefits of tea in general.

Cookie presents can be designed for all holidays and range from one large cookie to dozens of smaller ones. Once you decide on the type of cookie you want to bake, the holiday itself will determine the shape. Choose a heart-shaped cookie cutter for Valentine's Day or choose an angel, Santa Claus or a star for Christmas. Perhaps you would prefer to give a shamrock cookie for St. Patrick's Day or an Irish Flag. Add sprinkles on top of the cookies or leave them plain. Stack them in a festive tin and you'll have a festive, and tasty, gift to give.

Many companies have "Secret Santa" traditions during the holidays. A small gift for a co-worker may consist of either several flavored coffee stirrers packaged together or one inserted inside a holiday coffee mug. To make, simply dip a plastic teaspoon into melted chocolate that has been infused with a couple of drops of peppermint oil. Allow it to dry and wrap it in clear paper. Another option is filling a jar with nuts, jelly beans, M&Ms or chocolate candies. Tie a ribbon on top and add a bow. Perhaps you would prefer to give a jar of jam made from the fresh fruit you grew in your garden or present the recipient with a jar of fresh herbs that may be used as spices. Either choice would be welcome.

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