This Christmas season has borne a different signature to me and others around me it seems. It feels to have snuck up without the usual holiday nostalgia and excitement as in past years; like a house guest arriving well earlier than planned. After feeding myself on a constant diet of Christmas Carols and a bit of sparkly gift wrapping, I finally feel I’ve synced up but with reduced fanfare, decorations and time for reflection.
Glogg (ScandinavianMulled Wine) Mix Kit. The dry ingredients for Glogg can be packaged up in a basket with a bottle of wine and an orange for a beautiful, seasonal gift.
My family has always had a very specific Christmas morning food and gift opening protocol. We begin the morning with coffee and coffee cake while stockings are opened (which is done by each gift recipient opening a package while other’s watch). When this is completely done a more hearty breakfast is prepared before moving along to the under-the-tree gifts.
I’ve put my foot forward on my Culinary Bucket List: my first Whoopie Pie, Chocolate Peppermint Whoopie Pie (gluten free) to be specific. It was made from a mix so I will not be checking this item off until I make it from scratch but I was so enchanted by its beguiling stance I had to share.
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour says
Wow, these are such special and creative gifts! I'd be delighted to give (or receive) any of them!! You have been a very busy girl indeed. And I love the make ahead Mexican breakfast casserole for Christmas morning…perfect. Toni, my friend, have a very Merry Christmas with your family!
Emily says
I love the Zak rose colanders. I have their bowl sets but have never seen these. Christmas morning always comes with coffee cake for us but I am with you on the sweets. I went way over board on the whole cookie aspect this year. Extra for Santa I guess.
celiacasaurus.com says
Beautiful as usual. I'm turning into a big fan here 🙂
The homemade creme de menthe looks heavenly. I'll try that out for sure. Have a very merry christmas in Boulder
Rebecca Subbiah says
awesome foodie gift ideas Merry Christmas sweet lady
Christine says
Great post! I totally perused through all your cocktail recipes, since I'm a bit of a booze hound! 😉
Toni (Boulder Locavore) says
Claudia: Thank you so much and the best of the holidays to you and your family too!
Eliotseats: Thank you and love the tip! Love repurposing.
thelivelylittletraveler: The Whoopie Pie was made from a Stonewall Kitchen's mix that I sadly can't recommend. It was lovely to look at but the cake was too light and required eating it with a fork since it fell apart so easily. I sent you a separate email about ideas for good gluten free recipes but I'd do a google search or search on Foodgawker.
Jeanne: Thank you! The breakfast casserole is really fantastic and who doesn't love the 'make it the night before' part. I think that really let's the flavors blend well. Happy Holidays!
Pegasuslegend says
What gorgeous photo's Merry Christmas may you have a healthy blessed New Year ahead!
Jeanne says
What a festive post! Thank you for sharing some diy gift inspiration. And that breakfast casserole looks absolutely delicious!
thelivelylittletraveler says
Beautiful photos! Hope you and your family are enjoying all the snow! Is there any chance I can wrangle the Whoopie Pie recipe out of you? Z is on a two week gluten elimination diet, he has been having constant stomach aches everyday for almost two months. I took him to the doctors yesterday and she wants us to cut out gluten, I am looking for a good christmas dessert the boys would like and Z can eat 🙂
Eliotseats says
Great gift ideas. I am saving some of them for next year. I love the brandied cranberries! Another great (and cheap) idea for decorative bottles: wash, sterilize, and reuse bottles that contained vinegars, olive oils, and even wine. Some liquor bottles are quite unique too! I echo Claudia—great pics!
Happy Holidays!