From my place in a chocolate centered universe, I considered that some people might mind that this gift is (gasp!) chocolate free, but I have learned that not everyone likes chocolate. Really, it’s true. So while either of these granola recipes stand on their own, if you really feel you must, oh, I don’t know, put lipstick on a pig, feel free to add chocolate kisses or Lindt truffles or chocolate coins (coins pictured are from Trader Joe’s – they have a great selection of holiday candy) to ease your mind. I package these treats in a variety of ways, tins, cello bags, parchment paper, waxed paper bags – get creative, use what you have on hand and top it with some ric rac or ribbon and a card. Add tea, coffee or hot chocolate and you have a lovely gift.
From years past, here are my two favorite granola recipes – be sure to head over to Pragmatic Mom‘s blog to see her spin on gifting granola.
Homemade Granola Bars from Barefoot Contessa (Back to Basics)
Flour Bakery + Cafe Granola Bars
Martha Stewart had some adorable packaging ideas (what else is new?) on Facebook today.Love the envelope – of course Martha has stamps that match the food inside (chocolate and hazelnut) and, yes, it is a brittle disguised as a candy bar (in case you are not buying my whole granola thing).
The 12 Days of Shopping
Dec 1: Make Your Own Gifts Granola, Day 1 of 12 Days of Shopping – Granola versus Homemade and Personal – Granola from Flour and Barefoot Contessa.
Dec 2: Kids Make Gifts CRAFT (ModPodge versus Clove Fruit)
Dec 3: Personalized Gifts (Fancy Address Stampers versus Pretty Papers Giveaway)
Dec 4: Father-in-Law/Dad and Mother-in-Law/Mom
Dec 5: Tutors/Teachers
Dec 6: High Tech/Low Tech
Dec 7: Hostess/Gifts That Give Back
Dec 8: Sanitation Engineers, Mail Carriers, Hairdresser, Delivery People, Babysitter, Cleaning People, Dog Walker/Dog Trainer, etc. (a.k.a. who else did I forget?) and Emily Post’s Etiquette on this subject.
Dec 9: Husband, Me (Our Own Wacko List); Capability:Mom Husband/Wife
Dec 10: Dog/Cat
Dec 11: Quick Gifts from Whole Foods versus Gourmet Food Store
Dec 12: ‘Cause I Am So Together, Last Minute Home Made Gifts: Pragmatic Mom and Capability : Mom