As I was looking through some magazines, I found a couple gift ideas that are easy to make and very inexpensive.
First, sachets. The definition of sachet is a small closed bag containing a small amount of something. I like to use them in my chest of drawers or hanging in my closet. Making one is simple...sew (either by hand or with a sewing machine) two small pieces of fabric or felt (about 2 to 2&1/2 inches square) together but adding a fragrance inside before closing completely. What to add? Spices like whole cloves or pieces of cinnamon. Dried fruit peels like orange or lime or lemon. Dried flower petals like roses or lavender. Even pine straw or cedar chips.
Second, chocolate spoons to stir in beverages like cocoa or coffee. You can purchase spoons from a thrift store. Wash them thoroughly. Melt chocolate and dip spoons allowing to cool between coats to build up the chocolate. You can decorate with melted white chocolate by dripping it on the harden chocolate. You can also add sprinkles, etc. Cover each spoon with clear plastic wrap or wax paper and add a ribbon tied in a bow.
These are so inexpensive that you can make several and give to guests.
You know what today is? It's National Cookie Day! One of my favorite cookies is a depression era (i.e. inexpensive) refrigerated caramel cookie. The recipe is: 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup shortening, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1&3/4 cup flour, 1/2 teaspoon soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Beat butter and shortening together, add sugar, egg, and vanilla and mix. Add flour, soda and salt and mix. Roll into a log, wrap in clear plastic wrap and refrigerate. To bake, cut 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide slices from the log and bake on cookie sheet about 8 to 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven. These can stay refrigerated for several weeks and they taste wonderful. A nice cookie for the holidays ready to bake when needed.
That's all for today. Stay warm if you're in the cold zone...
Talk with you tomorrow...