Holiday Gifts From My Kitchen To Yours

‘Tis the season to spend time in our kitchens making homemade goodies to share with friends and our family. Here are a handful that I whip up during the holidays, something for everyone on my list.

By the time Christmas rolls around, I could make my Scottish Toffee in my sleep! The toffee list seems to grow longer every year and nobody has ever turned down a piece of it. I’ve been making this toffee for over thirty years, with very few changes to the original recipe.

 

This Date Nut Bread has been made by women in my family going back three or perhaps four generations. We always serve it at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s an easy recipe and the bread freezes beautifully. I would never change the recipe, just out of sentiment.

 

If making jam feels too difficult, try my Tomato Chutney, much easier to make than most jams, jellies and preserves. It’s a great hostess gift to give instead of the traditional bottle of wine. Any kind of tomatoes will work here, even good quality canned or boxed tomatoes.

 

Last Christmas, I adapted my mother’s and my fruitcake recipe into one for cookies. The Fruitcake Cookies look like little stained glass windows with all the assorted dried fruit – no citron or green cherries – and taste heavenly. I challenge even the most anti-fruitcake eater to turn down one of these little beauties.

 

Homemade relish is a snap to prepare and this Red Onion, Apple and Raisin Relish is a terrific condiment to serve with chicken, pork and beef. Don’t worrying about having to can this, since it keeps for several weeks in your fridge.

 

Have fun trying out some of these favorites of mine, and all my best wishes to you and your family for a lovely holiday season. XO Liz

 

 

 

 

 

 

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10 Responses to Holiday Gifts From My Kitchen To Yours

  1. Suzanne December 14, 2012 at 3:56 pm #

    Would love to receive any one of those items. They all look delicious. Happy Holidays Liz!!

    • Liz December 14, 2012 at 4:04 pm #

      Thanks and Happy Holidays to you as well.

  2. Wendy Read December 16, 2012 at 6:46 pm #

    Oh Liz, I am going to have to make your toffee 🙂 This time of the year is always so crazy for me though…even though I love it. I wish you the most happy of holidays this year, good health, wealth and happiness always my friend.

    • Liz December 16, 2012 at 6:48 pm #

      Wendy, I know you are working 24/7…I treated myself and called Jayne in London today – it was wonderful to hear her voice and we both spoke of you so very warmly. X0

  3. Averie @ Averie Cooks December 20, 2012 at 8:33 pm #

    Liz too ironic that you just commented – I was just online searching for fruitcake recipes and my grandma made cookies like yours, or they look similar! What I wouldn’t give for one of them right now – I need to make yours when Im back in San Diego!

    • Liz December 20, 2012 at 8:39 pm #

      Happy Christmas, dear Averie.

  4. sippitysup December 24, 2012 at 9:44 am #

    Visions of sugar plums dance in my head. Merry Christmas my friend. XOGREG

    • Liz December 24, 2012 at 10:05 am #

      Too sweet…

  5. Oui, Chef December 27, 2012 at 7:33 am #

    No kidding, my Mom’s favorite candy is Scottish Toffee, I am SO making this for her. Happy Holidays, Liz!

    • Liz December 27, 2012 at 8:19 am #

      SOmetimes I sprinkle some large-flaked sea salt on top of a batch – just an idea, if it appeals to your Mom.

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