Avoiding Gift Embarrassment this Christmas
Kahlua and Spicy Mustard…A Great Combination???
We’ve all been there. That really awkward moment during the holidays when your _____ (insert neighbor, friend from child’s playgroup, co-worker, etc) says “I have just a little something for you” and hands over a gift. And you, who thought you had all of your holiday shopping done, has zip, zero, nothing for them – and, you feel TERRIBLE about it!
Well, this year, let there be no more awkward moments like this! Today, I’m sharing with you two of my favorite recipes that make fabulous holiday gifts and can be made well in advance. One recipe is for Kahlua (yes, you can make it yourself!) and the other is for a Sweet and Spicy Mustard that’s a surefire crowd pleaser. Both recipes are super easy to make and all you have to do is put them in a pretty jar or bottle (tied with a ribbon) and your holiday gift is complete! To go the extra mile, print the recipe on a notecard or include another recipe in which your gift is a main ingredient (i.e. a White Russian recipe for the Kahlua) and tie it onto the bottle or jar.
Be sure to make a big batch of each and always keep a few bottles/jars of each recipe on hand, as you definitely want to be prepared this year when someone surprises you with that unexpected holiday gift. Enjoy!
Kahlua
Makes 2 Fifths
1 quart water
2 ½ cups sugar
3 tablespoons instant coffee
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 ½ cups vodka
Boil water, coffee, and sugar. Simmer for 3 hours, stirring frequently. Let cool and add vanilla and vodka. Pour in bottle and cap tightly.
Sweet and Spicy Mustard
Yields 1 ½ cups of Mustard
1 ½ ounces dry mustard
½ cup white vinegar
½ teaspoon turmeric
¾ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon mixed Italian spices
1 cup sugar
2 eggs (beaten)
Mix the first five ingredients in a small sauce pan. Add the sugar and the beaten eggs. Cook on low until thickened and the sugar is dissolved. Cover tightly and keep in the refrigerator. Pour in small jar to give as a gift.
Recipes from www.food.com
