Gifts from and for the Kitchen

There are many ways to give cookies.  One way is to give them in a cookie jar.  This makes a great gift for a college man or bachelor.  I gave this moose to son several years ago and he gave it back this year- which made the gift even better.

Me on top-  Gavin below

This year I decorated a small tree with gingerbread cookies.  I also called it a family tree because each cookie represented someone in my family.  Some are more recognizable than others.

When I wrap packages I will take them off the tree and use them as gift tags. Any gingerbread recipe will work.  I used a biscuit cutter and placed them on the cookie sheet- then inserted a piece of a paper straw to make the hole.  Bake them with the straw in place and remove the straw after baking while the cookie is still warm.  Some decorations can be put on before baking- others such as frosting can be added later when the cookies are cool.  Tie them with a red ribbon.  Remember they are fragile.  They can be edible of course but I don't recommend it as they may become hardened after being on the tree.

Paul

Travis

These were some of the most
recognizable cookies.  Travis with red curly hair- Paul in his new sunglasses- Savannah with her ballerina bun (although it doesn't do her justice) and Tim with his red hair and glasses.

Tim

Savannah

There are other ways to give cookies and kitchen gifts.  Look in the grocery store this time of year and you will find inexpensive dishes and boxes.  I packed an assortment of cookies in bottle boxes that were very festive.

Jellies and sauces can be given in clear jars with festive tops meant for bottles.  In the forefront of the photo, I poured Cinnamon Whiskey Sauce in a small wine carafe and topped it with a cork decorated with Santa coming down the chimney.  Next to the sauce in a jar of Tomato Marmalade I made last fall.  It was topped with a snowman wearing a scarf I found in a Laguna Beach shop.  

Hand Knit Dish cloths

Almost every year I make dishcloths to give to friends.I use fine cotton yarn is bright colors and knit them with number 2 or 3 needles as you would use on a baby sweater.  My favorite yarn is by Katia.
The dish cloth is more sanitary than a sponge to do dishes.  It can go through the dishwasher in the basket when you do your dishes or thrown in the washing machine.

Cast on 4 stitches.  Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: K 2 sts, K to end of row.  Repeat row 2 until you are satisfied with the size (you are half done). Next row: K 1, k 2 tog., YO, k 2 tog, k to end. Continue the last row until 4 stitches remain.  K 4 sts and bind off.