Last Minute Gift | Goodies for Christmas

(image via: here.)

I'm a firm believer that baked goods can cure all ails.  So if you're stressing out about last minute Christmas gifts for friends, family, or your bf's parents... consider putting together something yummy that they can enjoy.  Here are a few ideas:

 

Rollo and m&m Pretzels

Mmmm... melted caramelly-chocolaty pretzels with a cute-as-a-button m&m on top!  You could also make these with white almond bark in the middle instead of a Rollo candy.  Check out the instructions at In the Kitchen w/ Kimmy.

 

Cake in a Jar

Cake in a jar?  No, we're not talking the little jars of ingredients that the gift-recipient actually has to mix together and bake.  We're talking actual already-baked cake in a jar.  A cake you can eat with a spoon or freeze for later!  Mesmerized?  Check it out at Country Consultant.  

 

Peppermint Bark

One of the easiest sweet holiday staples.  Paula Deen's recipe is always a crowd pleaser.  Plus, you can wrap it up in cute little bags tied with bows like *D* does over at Enjoy Yourself.

 

Peanut Butter Kiss Cookies

These are one of my favorite cookies.  I like to eat all around the kiss and then eat the chocolaty center last.  Check out the super simple recipe and instructions at AllRecipes.

Trail Mix

For my first Christmas with the bf, his mom sent home a jar of trail mix that she'd personally mixed together.  Hers included peanuts, raisins, m&m's, and maybe a few other things.  She put 'em in a simple mason jar and tied a pretty gold ribbon around the rim.  Make your own batch of trail mix.  Nuts like peanuts, almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pecans are ideal.  Throw in raisins, craisins, or other dried fruit.  Switch it up a little with things like chex, granola, and sunflower seed kernels or soynuts.  And don't forget something sweet like m&m's. 

When giving goodies as a Christmas gift, presentation is key (besides taste, that is!).  Put your cake or trail mix in a pretty jar and tie a ribbon around it with a "to/from" tag attached.  As for cookies and candies, put them in a holiday tin or lovely box.  Your recipient's heart will be warmed by the fact that you gave them something homemade by you!  And they'll be impressed by your pretty packaging skills. ;)