Gifts of Love

When it comes to holiday gift giving, I'm all for some kind of foodstuffs! My mother always taught me that homemade gifts are always appreciated! And, you won't have to bother with wondering about the size or color! Cool!

Making homemade food items take a little time and effort, but hey, that's what it's all about. Don't forget----food of love! Let me tell you what I do. Right after Thanksgiving, I begin gathering ingredients---nuts, sugar, flour, chocolate, fruits---for making candies, cookies, brittle and all kinds of other goodies. Take some time to visit craft shops, flea markets, or any home furnishing store. Look around for unusual bottles, baskets, tins, and colorful cloth napkins. Get a couple of rolls of festive ribbon, some tissue and cellophane.

With all my "stuff" I create my very own Santa's workshop. Make-believe is fun! You might want to include some of your very own elves---family members, neighbors, friends, and kids---to help you out. Trust me, you'll have a great time working in the kitchen!

Make your list and check it twice! Family members, distant cousins, neighbors (even the ones who can be annoying at times), the postman, the doorman, and perhaps the guy that keeps your car running smoothly should be included!

Get ready! Wrap yourself in an apron, line up the ingredients on the kitchen counter, heat up the oven, bang some pots and pans, and let's get cookin'!

Food Gifts of Love

• Piece of the Pie Pecan Bars
• Chocolate Macadamia Nut Brittle
• Orange Pralines
• Big Boy Cookies
• Coconut Bonbons