Handmade Teacher & Hostess Gift

12/04/2013

I always try and include my 5 year old Madelyn in choosing creative teacher, hostess and neighbour gifts.  Last year, we made 9 loaves of bread, we have also made Merry Kissmas chapstick favours, Reinbeer and Mistletoes polish favours.

One more that we plan to make is gift wrapping packages with the note  “Since November you’ve been shopping, barely sleeping, hardly stopping. Now it’s late, you’re in a scrape, out of paper or out of tape. Hope this wrap helps save the day! Have a Happy Holiday!” This makes a great little gift when you are going to Christmas parties and dinners throughout December!

This year, my Mom received a  family recipe from a friend and we decided to try it.  Here is the recipe:

Nuts & Bolts

Preheat oven to 225F.  Mix cereals, pretzels and nuts together in a large roaster (I used my large turkey roaster) The roaster will be almost full.  Slice the butter thinly and place over the mixture.  Put uncovered into the oven for about 10-15 minutes until the butter melts.  Meanwhile, mix the spices together in a small bowl.  When the butter has melted, remove the roaster from the oven and mix thoroughly.  Add the spice mixture and mix well.  Continue to bake at 225 for 4 hours, stirring every hour.  Keep it in the fridge or freeze until you are ready to give it out (or enjoy it yourself!)

I bought 4 Christmas tins from the dollar store and this recipe filled all 4 with one small bowl left over for the family to enjoy.