THE GIFT OF LOVE

Here's an inexpensive, last minute gift children can make for parents, grandparents, and other special people.  Let children wrap a small jewelry box, a scrap of wood, or a small piece of Styrofoam with wrapping paper and a ribbon.  Add this note to the gift:

                        Here is a little gift

            That you can never see.           

            The reason it’s so special,

                        It’s just for you from me.

            Whenever you are lonely,

            Or even feeling blue,

            You only have to hold this box

            And know I think of you.

            Please never unwrap it,

                        And leave the ribbon tied.

            Just hold the box close to your heart,

                        It’s filled with love inside.

I’m going to be cooking up some gifts this weekend and I thought you might like to try some of my recipes.

Spicy Pecans

2 cups pecan halves

2 TB. melted butter

1 TB. Worcestershire sauce

¼ tsp. ground red pepper

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1 TB. Chili powder (or a little less)

*Mix the butter and the spices, and then stir in the pecans.  Spread on a cookie sheet and bake in a 300 oven for about 30 minutes.  (Stir every ten minutes.)

Peanut Butter Bonbons

½ cup softened butter

½ cup chunky peanut butter

¾ cup packed brown sugar

¼ tsp. baking soda

1 egg

1 ½ tsp. vanilla

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

12 oz. package of chocolate chips

2 tsp. shortening

*Beat the butter and peanut butter with a mixer for 30 seconds.  Add the brown sugar and baking soda and beat.  Beat in the egg and vanilla.  Beat in as much flour as you can and then stir in the remainder with a wooden spoon.  Chill.  Shape into 1 inch balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.  Bake in a 350 oven for about 8-10 minutes.  Cool.  Heat chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan on low until melted.  Cool slightly.  Use a fork to dip peanut butter balls one at a time in the chocolate mixture.  Place on waxed paper and chill until firm.

Divine Brownies for Non Bakers

Now, this is the recipe for those of you who “don’t cook.”  All you need is a package of brownie mix and a jar of chocolate caramel sea salt sauce.  (You can find this at most gourmet food stores.)  Bake the brownies as per directions.  Cool.  Spread the caramel sauce (as much as you want, but not the whole jar!) on top and chill. 

*Use the rest of the sauce on pound cake, sliced apples, or eat a spoonful when no one is looking!!!  It is addictive!!!