Kitchen Crafted

Nothing spreads holiday cheer faster than something delicious from the kitchen. Here are more gifts in good taste:

Oatmeal Pecan Cookie Mix
This present will be welcomed by anyone who enjoys homemade cookies. The mix is simple to prepare and the results are yummy. I enjoy decorating the jar lids with fabric. As a finishing touch, I tie on a tag with baking instructions. —Bev Woodcock, Kingston, Ontario

Chunky Peanut Brittle
As a girl, I often made Christmas goodies with my mother for our family of eight candy-loving kids. Now, my own children and grandkids say the season wouldn’t by the same without a tray filled with this chocolaty peanut brittle. —Janet Gonola, East McKeesport, Pennsylvania

Mint Cocoa Mix
I’ve made this beverage mix many times as Christmas gifts for neighbors and our three sons’ teachers. The mint flavor makes the warm drink so refreshing, you’ll want to make extra to keep around your house, too. —LaVonne Hegland, St.Michael, Minnesota

Christmas Pickles
These morsels are delicious any time of year, but the green, red and white hues of the pickles, cherries and onions make them ideal for Christmas gift giving. —Patricia Martin, Shelbyville, Tennessee

Caramel Crunch
Our whole family has a sweet tooth, so this caramel-drizzled mix of popcorn, almonds and cereal goes quickly. My "off-limits" batches are divided into plastic bags, tied with ribbon and shared with all the snackers on my Christmas list. —Mary Koogler, Mitchellville, Iowa

Chocolate Chipper Pie Mix
Your friends will love the sweet surprise of finding a chocolate pecan pie under their Christmas tree. I enjoy giving this unique gift mix because it’s a little bit different from traditional holiday fare. —Carole Martin, Coffeeville, Mississippi

Party Cheese Balls
These tangy cheese balls are guaranteed to spread cheer at your next gathering. The ingredients create a colorful presentation and a savory combination of flavors. As a grandmother who loves to cook, I send many pantry presents off to college. —Shirley Hoerman, Nekoosa, Wisconsin