Spiced Cider Jelly Candies | Bake Craft Sew 2014 + Blendtec Giveaway!

Can you believe it's that time of year again? Because I sure can't. It's time to start thinking about stocking stuffers and Christmas cookies and braving the malls once again -- the holidays are just about here!

I've obviously been preoccupied with preparing for my own special delivery this year, but that doesn't mean that I haven't had time to make some DIY treats for giving. {I actually have loaves of Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pecan Bread packaged up and frozen for labor and delivery nurse thank you gifts once the baby decides to join us. Good thinkin' ahead, right??} Those are actually my favorite kind.

The lovely ladies running Bake Craft Sew are in full swing sharing 30 days of homemade, handmade and lovingly made gifts that you can whip up to give to friends, family and even complete strangers if that's your thing.

Last year, I shared my Creamy Eggnog Dip that is SO easy to make and looks oh-so-inviting when it's packaged up all pretty in a little jar with some embellishments.

This year, I'm sharing a recipe for these {again, easy-to-make!} Spiced Cider Jelly Candies. They look super fancy but really don't take much more work than boiling a few ingredients together and letting them set!

Head over to Leigh Anne's blog, Your Homebased Mom, for the recipe. Before you head over, make sure to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below... it's for a Stainless Steel Designer BlendTec Blender worth $650!!! Now THAT's a gift you may want to keep. ;)

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A Gift Guide for Holiday Cheer{s}

On Monday, I posted about how to create the perfect cheese board to suit your holiday party needs. I mean, a gorgeous spread that doesn't require an ounce of cooking? How can you not be sold?? Naturally, thinking of nibbling on cheese gave way to thoughts of sipping on wine... or beer... or whiskey. {Oh, c'mon, I've already admitted my fondness for the stuff a while back.}

Cocktail parties are a fun tradition at this time of year, spending time with friends while sipping on festive libations. How about reciprocating the hospitality by bringing your host or hostess a little gift?

My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I would share some of my favorite bar, wine & beer finds from their products... and I almost ended up with a shopping cart full of things for myself!

RedEnvelope carries all kinds of goodies for every person on your list with LOTS of personalized options. I've gotta admit, I am a sucker for a monogram or an engraved gift, so I'd be happy to receive just about anything in one of their signature red gift boxes! But, for purposes of today's post, I'm going to dive right in to gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike, so grab a seat at the bar and check out some of my top picks!

For the Home Brewer

Home brewing has become all the rage in the past few years; its a hobby that has piqued the interest of beer drinkers, calling them to create their very own custom brews at home. Know someone who has "hopped" onto the brewing bandwagon? {Seriously, I can't even stop myself.} How about gifting them with some barware to show off their concoctions?

I loved this personalized pitcher {$29.95}, ideal for showing off their latest lager...

Or how about a customized bar sign {starting at $79.95} or craft beer barrel sign {starting at $99} to give visitors a clue that good beer happens here? {These gifts totally reminded me of my blogger friend Sloane & her hops-lovin' hubby over at Life Food & Beer!}

 

For Those Who Like to Craft a Cocktail...

Thanks to the rebirth of the speakeasy {and hipsters. Let's give them some credit, too.} cocktail culture has come back in full force across America. The old fashioned art of a well-crafted beverage is hotter than ever, but dimly-lit lounges aren't the only ones who can shake and stir their way to crafty goodness...

Craft Cocktails by Brian VanFlandern {$49.95} is the ultimate guide to mixing up cocktails like the pros. Recipes, tips and gorgeous photography make this book a beautiful gift and a gorgeous coffee table book. {I've actually leafed through this book myself. Stunning.}

Put all that studying to practice by stocking the self-made mixologist with all the right gear. I love the look of these classic pieces: Engraved highballs {$57.95} and an elegant stainless steel shaker {$36.95} featuring fun cocktail-related sayings.




... And Those Who Use Cocktails for their Crafts!

If you're anything like me, Pinterest has got you in a crafting uproar saving old bottles, wine corks and other assorted items you never used to give a second thought to tossing. {I recently made my own wine cork wreath. And yes... I totally nailed it.} Well, keep your corks, friends.

How cute is this personalizable wine tray cork kit {$49.95} for displaying the remnants of some of your favorite bottles? This kit is cool because you can use your own corks, or purchase custom corks {$14.95} that are personalized with the recipients name and a special year.

Have a friend that would rather consume the results of their creativity? This Homemade Gin Kit {$49.95} will let your pals see what goes into creating a palatable spirit AND allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. {No bathtub required.}

For the Wine & Cheese Lover

So, we've covered the beer drinker, the cocktail crowd... and now we've come to the oenophile. Sure, you could pick up a nice bottle of wine, stick it in one of those tall, obvious gift bags and call it a day. But how about giving the gift of time instead? Ok, maybe it's not exactly that, but every second counts when a wine lover is waiting for their bottle to chill. I know I could get a lot of use out of this instant wine chiller {$49.95} at the end of a long day when I just want a nice crisp glass of white, stat!

Another present that shows you really understand the needs of your wine-loving friends? These handy wine appetizer trays {$39.95}. They let you nibble and sip comfortably without juggling glasses and plates. Because, who among us hasn't experienced that awkward moment when you have to choose between the two?

For the Shot Taker

Um, so, admittedly, I am not the girl you will find tossing back shots. However... if anything were to prompt me to indulge, it would be pretty glassware like these celebration shot glasses, beautifully engraved with the sentiment of "cheers" in different languages.

Better yet, how about shot glasses that actually enhance the flavor of the liquor? This Himalayan salt tequila set combines beauty and functionality... no need to lick and salt the back of your hand. {Not that I've ever done that or anything.}

Clearly, RedEnvelope knows what's up when it comes to gift options. No Christmas ties and fruitcakes here. So, treat your cocktail-loving friends to gifts that are sure to bring good cheer to any party and toss in a bottle of aspirin for good measure. {Kidding, of course. Always drink responsibly!}

And speaking of tequila and good cheer, I've got a special cocoa treat that will instantly warm up your holiday gatherings: {Spiked} Mexican Spice Hot Chocolate.

The hint of warm spices {and tequila, if you wish} will keep you from feeling the chill in the air as you sip this twist on a cool weather favorite. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of chili powder are just a few of the flavors that will make this an instant favorite.

Give it some grown up flair with a little shot of Patron "XO Cafe" {or their Cafe Dark Cocoa} or even some Kahlua. No matter how you serve it up, it's sure to be a hit.

Disclosure: My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I'd like to be part of their holiday recipe round up. I have not been compensated for this post, and as always, the opinions here are all my own!

Spiked Mexican Spice Hot Cocoa
Adapted from Imbibe Magazine
Makes about 2 servings

For Spice Mixture:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

For Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk of your choice {I used almond milk}
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

{optional} 2 ounces of Patron Cafe or your favorite liqueur, marshmallows for topping


1. In a small pot, bring milk up to a simmer over medium heat. When starting to get little bubbles around the edges, whisk in chocolate chips, cocoa powder and salt.

2. Stir until the chips have melted and the ingredients are completely combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Pour into glasses. Add about an ounce of desired liqueur, if desired.

Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of spice mixture if desired.

Holiday Prep | 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cheese Board

Having a food blog, I'm now naturally primed for culinary curiosity, seeking out foodie events near and far. Tastings, demos, festivals... there are all kinds of things going on in and around most cities that draw in hungry event-goers -- and some are even free!

Just last week, my local Whole Foods Market shared an event on their Facebook page that caught my eye {mostly because it had to do with cheese, which is one of my main weaknesses in life}, so I figured I'd find an excuse to attend. I mean, they've got certified cheese professionals, guys. It's a thing. Look it up. Legit.

Anyway, the extraordinary cheese professionals at Whole Foods demonstrated how to put together the perfect cheese board for your holiday celebrations and beyond. It's a life skill you will want to have in your party-hosting tool belt. I promise.

But enough of all the talking, let's get to the cheese! Here are 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cheese Board according to Kate & Matt from Whole Foods Palm Beach Gardens:

1. Don't be intimidated by fancy cheese!

I have to admit, I am guilty of this. Approaching a well-stocked specialty cheese counter can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't already know what you're looking for or don't have a whole lot of cheese knowledge. But guess what? That's what the pros are there for!

They are usually happy to help you figure out what you want, like or need. They can help make suggestions, point out good pairings or let you sample a piece before you make your purchase. So don't be shy! Ask for their expertise and let them lead the "whey"... haha, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. ;)

2. Create a cheese theme.

Ok, now you've kicked your fear of approaching the wide world of cheese and it's time to pick your pieces. Not sure where to start? Don't fret. Kate suggests creating a themed plate to guide your selections.

Maybe choose a specific type of cheese, say gouda, and showcase several different ages of that particular variety. It's amazing how different a "young" cheese tastes in comparison with an "aged" cheese of the same kind. You can also create a plate to highlight a particular region or country. Or how about putting together a variety of popular cheeses? The possibilities are endless.

3. Check out the seasonal selection.

In chatting with Matt, a newly accredited Certified Cheese Professional, I discovered that cheese is a living food that changes seasonally. Just as wines vary by vintage, cheeses can also taste different from year to year. That means that there are cheeses that you may only be able to get at certain times of year because that's when they're at their pinnacle of quality and flavor.

It's actually pretty interesting when you get down to the nitty gritty of how this works {Think: breeding/lactation cycles of cows & goats, etc.}, but for the sake of brevity, I'll just say that cheese is affected by nature. {Unless, of course, we're talking about the very processed kind you can get year round.} So, ask about what's "in season" and treat your taste buds to nature's peak products!

4. Serve at room temperature.

Now that you've gone through all the trouble of picking out the perfect cheeses to serve, make sure you're getting the most out of them by serving them properly! Cheese should be served at room temperature because that's when it tastes best.

Why? Well, mostly because of the butterfat. Cold butterfat doesn't release its full flavors. So, let it come to room temp so that the flavor is most pronounced. The amount of time it takes varies by the hardness of the cheese {the harder the cheese, the longer it'll take}, but generally 30 minutes to an hour should do. Bonus tip: Loosely cover cut cheeses so that they don't dry out while they're coming to temperature.

5. Provide some fun accompaniments. 

It's time to cut the cheese!! Err... Enjoy the cheese. You know what I mean.

While cheese is certainly tasty on its own {I've been known to polish off copious amounts of brie all by itself}, it's always nice to serve it with things that complement the flavors and textures. You can set out some artisanal crackers {I tend to like the seeded kinds} for a little crunch, some crusty slices of bread or some crisp breadsticks. Make it hearty with charcuterie like salami or prosciutto. Get creative with olives, specialty oils, vinegars and even honey.

Cheese also pairs wonderfully with fruit: Tart apples, sliced figs or dates, grapes, quince paste or maybe even some jam. Or, you could "go nuts"... literally! Set out some Marcona almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.

....................................................................

While I'm obviously a fan of cooking and baking, I know that not everyone is. I think cheese plates are such a perfect solution to this issue around the holiday season! They make a great item to bring to a party or a fantastic addition to your own gathering. So, get cheesy this year!

A big thank you to my friends at Whole Foods Palm Beach Gardens for sharing their expertise. Locals, be sure to check out their amazing cheese department and keep an eye out for their monthly events!

Food Blogger Cookie Swap | Salted Caramel Mocha Biscotti

Want to know the best way to get food bloggers in the holiday spirit? Ask them to participate in a cookie exchange... where they get to sample one another's baked creations... and be part of a good cause, all at the same time.

The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap {herein FBCookieSwap} is an ingenious idea created by the fabulous Julie of The Little Kitchen and Lindsay of Love and Olive Oil -- two food bloggers whom I have had the pleasure of meeting in person & whose work I love.

This is the third year running for FBCookieSwap, but the first year I've been able to participate. And now that I've been part of the awesomeness, I plan on continuing to do so from here on out.

I mean, c'mon. COOKIES IN YOUR MAILBOX, PEOPLE.

The way it works is very similar to a regular cookie swap party with the added detail of being assigned to other food bloggers and shipping your cookies rather than sharing them at a party. Basically, you receive the names 3 bloggers, ship out a dozen cookies to each of them, and receive a dozen cookies a piece from 3 other bloggers. The result is a delicious web of sharing and giving -- the proceeds of registration sign up go to Cookies for Kids Cancer. Awesome.

Waiting for the names of your assigned cookie recipients can be likened to the anticipation that comes with opening presents on Christmas morning. Who will I get? Where will they live? What should I bake?!!

Obviously, the last question needs to be given serious consideration as some of these cookies may have to be mailed clear across the country. {Mine were shipped to Georgia, New York & California!} The cookies need to be sturdy enough to handle the trip, durable enough to still taste fresh after a few days in the mail and, of course, tasty! {By the way, if you're looking for good mailable cookie recipes, make sure to check out these.}


The very first thing that came to mind when taking these factors into account was something that's very familiar to me around this time of year: Biscotti. I spend a solid 48 hours every year baking and packaging biscotti to give as gifts to Steve's family. It's sort of become a tradition.



Biscotti, a twice-baked Italian cookie, are perfect for shipping since they have a crisp, hearty texture and they're dry enough to stay fresh during travel. They're meant to be eaten dipped in coffee or tea to soften them because otherwise they can definitely cause the need for dental work!

So, what kind of biscotti did I decide to send to my blogger friends? Salted Caramel Mocha Biscotti. Because "plain" is obviously not party of my vocabulary.

A crunchy, chocolate-coffee cookie {I didn't think either flavor was super-prominent, just a nice blend} with little bits of chewy caramel dotted throughout drizzled with white chocolate, gooey caramel and sprinkled with a teensy bit of sea salt.

Now, seriously, who wouldn't want to find that addressed to them??

As great as these are, I have to say that I was shown up by the amazing cookies I received from my cookie swap senders. I got delicate, cinnamon-laced Angel Wings from Bree at Sugar & Grace...



The most gorgeous Brown Sugar Cookies with Chocolate, Pecans & Sea Salt from Ayanna at Savor Good Food...



And last but not least, sweet classic White Chocolate Macadamia Nut cookies from my friend Heather at Heather Likes Food. {Remember Heather? We met here.}



To say they were all good would be a major understatement. I have been savoring every.last.morsel.

I'm so glad that I was able to take part in FBCookieSwap this year. It is just another way to connect with the folks who are as passionate about food as I am and I loved every second!

Have you ever shipped cookies? What are your favorite kinds of cookies to receive?

Salted Caramel Mocha Biscotti
Biscotti base adapted from Food Network

2 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 tablespoon espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup caramel bits
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon coffee extract {like this one
1/4 cup milk {I used almond milk, but you can use whatever type you'd like}
Sea salt or flaked salt for sprinkling

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix together all dry ingredients & caramel bits until well combined.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs, vanilla extract and milk. Pour into dry ingredients and mix until a sticky dough forms.

3. Here's where it gets fun: Scoop out the {extremely sticky} dough onto a VERY well-floured surface {I went ahead and used my baking pan lined with a silicone mat so I could skip the step of having to move it when it's time to bake}. With floured hands {trust me, you'll thank me} knead the dough a few times to make it stick less

4. Separate the dough evenly and roll each half into two equal-sized logs, about 14 inches long or so. {I know what you're thinking at this point. No, they don't look very pretty. Yes, it's ok to giggle.} Place the logs side by side on the baking sheet, making sure that you leave a good 4-5 inches between them as they will spread a bit. Pat them down slightly to widen them. Brush off any excess flour or your biscotti will look like they're covered in soot.

5. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the outside has baked into a nice crust and the logs sound slightly hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and let cool for about 20 minutes.

6. One slightly cooled, cut the logs into about 1 inch slices. You can cut them on the diagonal if you like that look. Lay each sliced piece cut side down on the cookie sheet.

7. Return to oven and bake for about 8 minutes. Flip them over and bake on the other side for another 7-8 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. {Note: To ensure my biscotti are nice and crisp, I sometimes shut off the oven and leave them in there while it cools. This just allows them to dry out a bit longer, but it isn't necessary if you don't have the time.}

8. When biscotti are cooled, drizzle with melted white chocolate. Refrigerate for a few minutes until the chocolate is solid, then drizzle with melted caramel. Working quickly, sprinkle with course sea salt or salt flakes while the caramel is still wet so the salt sticks. Let the caramel set.

You can package these nicely to give as gifts or serve them with coffee, tea or hot cocoa to enjoy right away.

Citrus & White Chocolate Scones

Two things: 1. I cannot for the life of me make my brain think of citrus as a winter fruit, and 2. I have yet to master the perfect scone.

That being said, I am glad for whatever possessed me to make Citrus & White Chocolate Scones.

They're really good, even if I still don't feel that I can officially mark scones as another notch in my recipe box.

I think citrus is the ultimate flavor brightener, don't you? Ripe citrus is so cheery and fresh that it's hard to pass up whether I'm strolling by it at the produce store, the farmers market or right off a tree. But for some reason, citrus has filed itself in the "Summer" part of my mental fruit categories. {What? Don't you have one of those?}And yet, it's definitely at it's peak in the wintertime. Go figure.

Anyway, I think allowing citrus to make its way into my holiday baking was my way of solidifying that it does, indeed, have a place in the things we bake this time of year.

On another note: Scones. I'm not sure why, because really, they're not terribly complicated, but scones seem to elude me. I can bake you a slew of cookies, a towering layer cake, a rockin' pie {heck, even a pop tart!} but somehow, scones have not been an easy addition to my kitchen skill set.

I didn't used to care either way about them, to tell you the truth. But then, I happened to sample some scones on two different occasions that made me reconsider my position on the often-overlooked baked good.

Um, I totally used a fake leaf in this picture. From a plastic dollar store flower.

The problem for me? The texture. They're either too cakey or too dry or too crumbly, and I've yet to figure out what the magic technique/ingredient/spell is to get them to be just right.

But I have to say, despite the fact that I didn't consider these "perfect" texture-wise, they were most definitely enjoyable.

Not too sweet with just the right scent of citrus {in this case, tangerine}, these would make such a great addition to a tea party, a breakfast or a brunch. The unexpected hint spice from cardamom gives them a warmth that makes perfect sense to include these scones among your holiday buffet.

So, I'll most likely keep working on perfecting my scones, but in the meantime, these will certainly suffice. If you make them, tell me what you think of them! And if you happen to have the best scone recipe, feel free to send it my way... It'll be filed under, "Mission Complete". :)

Citrus & White Chocolate Scones
Adapted from Sunkist

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 {heaping} tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 stick {8 tablespoons} cold butter, diced
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of citrus from 1 tangerine {or orange, or lemon, or lime if you prefer}
2 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed juice from desired citrus
1/3 cup white chocolate chips

For Glaze:

1/4 cup confectioners sugar
1-2 teaspoons citrus juice of your choice

Mix sugar & juice and whisk until desired consistency for drizzling is achieved.


1. Preheat oven to 350. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment or a silicone baking mat.

2. In a bowl {or blender} combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cardamom and salt. Mix well, or if using blender, pulse a few times. Blend in cold butter with a pastry blender, fork, or if using blender, pulse a few times until the mixture looks like Parmesan cheese.

3. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together buttermilk, egg whites, vanilla extract and juice. Pour into dry mixture and mix until just incorporated {don't overmix}. The dough will be sticky and slightly wet.

4. Turn dough out onto a well-floured surface {I actually did this part directly on my lined baking sheet for ease of transferring}. Working quickly with floured hands, knead it a few times lightly, adding flour if the dough is too wet. Pat it into about a 9 inch circle.

5. Using a knife or bench scraper, cut the circle into twelve equal wedges. If you can separate them slightly so they have a little room between them when you place them onto the baking sheet. If not, that's ok, too. You'll just have to cut them again when they're halfway baked as they'll sort of bake together if they're not far enough. No biggie.

6. Bake for about 18-20 minutes until they are lightly golden brown. {Note: I ended up re-cutting mine at about the 15 minute mark to define the wedges. I think this is what made mine a little more cake-like with soft sides. You can do it however you'd like.}

7. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle with glaze. Serve warm with butter or clotted cream... or just eat them right off the tray. :)

No-Cook, No-Bake Thanksgiving Dish!

Does the thought of Thanksgiving cooking bring you exhilaration and joy? Or are you on the verge of a meltdown just thinking about having to step foot in the kitchen?

Though I'm obviously a fan of a full fledged, homemade Thanksgiving, I know that not everyone enjoys the cooking aspect of turkey day. I've got plenty of friends who are pretty impressed with themselves if they can manage to pop open a can of biscuits and successfully bake them without setting off the fire alarm. It takes all kinds! 

With cooking-phobes in mind, I thought it would be fun to create a little something that anyone can put together using just a handful of inexpensive ingredients. Everyone deserves to have that moment of pride around the Thanksgiving table, and I've got just the thing that will elicit "oohs" and "ahhs" from guests without even having to turn on the oven...

It's a turkey-tizer platter!

Isn't this little fella cute?

I made him in just a few minutes from bits and pieces I found in my fridge. His body is made from half a pear and his plumage is an assortment of crackers, cheeses, meats and greens that can be put together as an easy {but impressive} appetizer tray. This design is pretty simple, but you could get as elaborate as you want!

So don't panic if you've been asked to contribute to dinner this year and you don't know the difference between the dressing you serve with a turkey and the one your pour over your salad. Whether you're running short on time or patience, you'll have one of the prettiest dishes on the table!

Thanksgiving Turkey-tizer Platter

{This "recipe" is a guideline, but feel free to get creative with your turkey!}

Assorted green leaves {I used 3 pieces of Swiss chard}

Assorted cheese {I used 4 pieces of muenster cut with a leaf-shaped cookie cutter}

Assorted meat {I used a few slices of prosciutto}

Assorted crackers

1/2 a pear, cut in half vertically

2 peppercorns 

1 small piece of baby carrot, preferably a pointy piece

1 small piece of walnut

1 pretzel stick, broken in half

Assembly:

Arrange leaves on platter in a fanned out fashion to form the back of the turkey's plumage. 

Place meats in desired pattern, then do the same with the cheese slices. Fan crackers out so you can still see the cheese and meats behind it.

Place pear in the center. To make the turkey's face, press 2 peppercorns into the pear for eyes. Press a small piece of carrot in place for the beak. Press a piece of walnut under the beak for the turkey's "gobbler" {it's actually called a wattle!}. Insert pretzel stick pieces into the bottom of the pear for the turkey's legs.

Serve with condiments such as spicy mustard and jam so guests can "dress" their crackers. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Bake, Craft, Sew! | Creamy Eggnog Dip

Have you started thinking about holiday shopping? Overwhelmed by the idea of hitting the {crowded} stores and getting all those names crossed off your list?

Fear not! Rachel from A Southern Fairytale is hosting Bake, Craft, Sew! over on her blog... Thirty days of original, delicious, adorable and doable DIY holiday gift ideas that will ease the anxiety of holiday prep!

I adore this idea because I think homemade gifts are so lovely. They can take a little effort, sure, but with a little organization and some brilliant ideas for inspiration, you can easily whip up a whole sleigh-full of gifts without blowing your holiday budget.

I'm sharing a homemade, super simple solution to thoughtful holiday gifting today over on Rachel's blog:

Creamy Eggnog Dip.

Now, I know not everyone is into this holiday concoction, but those who are all about the decadent beverage are going to love you for turning this beloved treat into something you can eat. Did I mention that it's a boozy dip?? {You can leave out the hard stuff if you prefer... but what fun is that? Kidding.}

This idea came to me out of nowhere and as soon as I gave it a try, I knew it was a winner. How sweet a gift would this be to bring over to a holiday party or to deliver to friends and family?

NOTE: I forgot to mention over on A Southern Fairytale that this recipe makes enough for two gifts. And also, because it's a cream cheese-based creation, it should remain refrigerated until you're ready to share it. 

WANT THE RECIPE? Head over to A Southern Fairytale and make sure to browse all the other ideas that have been shared so far this month!

Rachel and her Bake, Craft, Sew co-hosts are also inviting you to take part in a fabulous giveaway with gifts including some gorgeous cookbooks, a $25 gift card to Amazon, and even a Ninja Ultimate Blender!! {Move over, Oprah!}

You can enter {DAILY!} here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you, Rachel, for letting me be part of this wonderful project!