Six decadent host or hostess gift ideas

Homemade host or hostess gifts are always the most fun to receive, especially when they entice your taste buds! Get inspired with these six delicious personalized gift ideas. Homemade host or hostess gifts are always the most fun to receive, especially when they entice your taste buds! One of a kind and filled with love, they delight both those who receive them and those who make them. Get inspired with these six delicious personalized gift ideas.

• Cookie mixes

In a decorative transparent jar, make layers out of the following base ingredients:

• 375 mL (1½ cups) all purpose flour
• 250 mL (1 cup) brown sugar

Then let your imagination choose the next layers of toppings: white chocolate and macadamia nuts, dried cranberries and chocolate chips, small chocolate-flavoured Christmas candy, and so on. Add a festive label with these directions:

• Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, combine dry ingredients with toppings of your choice and stir together.
• Add 175 mL (¾ cup) of margarine and 1 egg, and beat together using an electric mixer.
• Using a spoon, shape into 24 dough balls. Place about 8 balls per parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart. Gently flatten and bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

• Spice mixes

Share flavours of the world by filling little jars or bags with homemade spice mixes. There are a number of possibilities, but here are a few examples of mixes with spices and dried herbs: ITALIAN: basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and onion powder MEXICAN: ground chili, cumin, onion powder, regular paprika, and smoked paprika PROVENÇAL: savory, marjoram, oregano, sage, thyme, and rosemary MONTREAL: 4 different peppercorns, coriander seeds, dill seeds, hot pepper flakes, sea salt, garlic powder, and onion powder Mix the spices by varying quantities to taste and surprize your host or hostess!

• Popcorn

This flavourful treat is sure to be a hit among popcorn lovers! Place popcorn seeds brushed with a mixture of oil and spices in a small brown paper bag. Close bag folding the top over twice and staple together (staples can go in the microwave). Place bag horizontally in microwave and microwave for 2 minutes, until popping has pretty much stopped. Get inspired from the spice mixes described above or try a sweet version with a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Once popcorn has cooled, place in a decorative transparent bag tied with a festive bow. Absolutely delicious!

• Hot chocolate

Cold winter nights and hot chocolate go hand in hand! Offer comfort as a gift with a mix of hot chocolate and cinnamon.

• In a bowl, combine 80 mL (⅓ cup) of sugar and 5 mL (1 tsp.) of cornstarch. In another bowl, combine 80 mL (⅓ cup) of cocoa powder and 2 mL (½ tsp.) of cinnamon.
• In a transparent container of about 250 mL (1 cup), make distinct layers with the cocoa mixture and sugar mixture, then add 45 mL (3 tbsp.) of chopped semi-sweet chocolate, and top with mini marshmallows.
• Add a festive label indicating that for one serving of hot chocolate, add 45 mL (3 tbsp.) of mixture to 375 mL (1½ cups) hot milk.

• Theme baskets

Create delicious gourmet mixes for various occasions by grouping fine products in a thematic basket or platter. BREAKFAST PLATTER: tisane, coffee or hot chocolate, homemade jam or spread, fresh juice, panettone, a large cup, and pretty dishware. GOURMET PLATTER: quality chocolate, red wine, dried fruit, crackers, and fine cheeses. SWEET PLATTER: small homemade cookies, fine chocolates, homemade truffles, and pretty candy.

• Homemade chocolate truffles

Offer tasty bites by making your own chocolate truffles. The technique is super easy:

• Heat 250 mL (1 cup) of cream with your choice of flavour (coffee, ginger, or Cayenne pepper, for example) in a double boiler.
• Add 250 g (8 oz.) of bittersweet chocolate and 75 mL (⅓ cup) of butter in chunks and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours or until consistency is firm enough to shape into truffles.
• Next, shape into small balls and freeze for about 15 minutes.
• Roll in cocoa powder or grated coconut.

Present truffles in a festive box that you’ve decorated and personalized. The most difficult thing will be not to succumb to the temptation of eating them all before wrapping them up!   The possibilities of personalized gifts are as endless as your imagination! Give your creativity free rein and surprize your hosts in the most decadent way possible.   Happy Holidays!