Happy Friday everyone! Christmas is coming quicker than I can handle, so while I shop online today, I’m also going to whip up a few homemade Christmas gifts that everyone on my list will enjoy. I love giving and receiving edible gifts. Knowing the treats were made with love and care in someone’s kitchen makes them extra enjoyable. If you still don’t have a present for me, here are a few suggestions 😉 
Candy Cane Vodka – This recipe is easier to complete after the holidays when you find yourself with an excess of candy canes, but we think it’s such a great way to put a holiday spin on your favorite drinks and cocktails – hello spiked hot cocoa. Pair it with some homemade marshmallows and you look like the coolest Mrs. Claus.
Hazelnut Liqueur – Is the perfect present for the holidays. The warming liqueur is smooth and delicious. Hazelnut Liqueur does take about 2.5 weeks to make though, so if you’re planning on mixing up a batch you better start today! Bring along a bottle of homemade Hazelnut Liqueur to your next holiday party and I guarantee you’ll have a dozen more friends by the time you leave.
DIY Coffee Liqueur – is a super simple (and relatively quick) DIY coffee liqueur. For reference, Kahlua is a coffee liqueur. Our recipe is *like* Kahlua, but with the added benefit that you get to completely customize your formula, from the coffee flavor to the sweetness level. Coffee, alcohol, what else is there?
Rosemary Infused Olive Oil – Is a lovely present for the chef in your life. They’ll certainly think of you each time they use it. Buy a nice bottle of olive oil for this project (although I used an inexpensive brand and it still turned out really tasty) and a unique dispenser to enhance this simple gift idea.
Candied Citrus Rinds – Beware: these candied citrus rinds are addictive. When it comes to making candy, citrus rinds covered in sugar are about as easy as you can get. Make an enormous batch, bag them up, and share them with every sweet tooth in town.
Orange-Flavored Marshmallows – Are only a billion times better than regular marshmallows. It feels wrong to even compare homemade mallows to store-bought Jet Puffed brand, but I had no idea the immense difference in texture and taste until I made these orange-flavored citrus marshmallows. Have any little ones in your life? Try pairing a small batch of homemade marshmallows with a cute mug and a jar of hot chocolate, they’ll love you forever, or at least until the sugar high wares off!
Pistachio and Orange Torrone – This soft and chewy nougat-type treat is made from honey, sugar, egg whites, and nuts. Torrone is actually a common Christmas day treat in Spanish cultures so what better time to share this sweet with your loved ones?
Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts – This is a simple and fast recipe that uses only a handful of ingredients. You can begin with a pound of any nut or mixture of nuts that you like. I used equal parts pecans, walnuts, and almonds in this batch. The nuts get their sweetness from honey (raw and local, hopefully!) and some sugar, and they get their spice from cayenne pepper.