Treat Gifts, Holiday Cooking

[Auntie M]

So, what were your favorite (to receive) treat gifts? Does anyone actually *like* to get a fruitcake? Does everyone simply groan at cookies? Should I pack dry bean soups in Mason Jars? Go healthy? Go clogged artery?

[CyberIstari]

I like fresh fruitcake. My grandmother made it a few times, and yum. Cookies are good, bean soup gets forgotten.

[Ayeshalan]

I think Christmas is serious clogged artery time, for better or for worse.

A friend of ours makes fruitcake every year, and it's some of the best I've ever had. Though I'm sure the amount of Jack Daniels she uses has something to do with it (hic).

I'm making pumpkin bread and yam bread, and also trying my hand at molded candies. A few years ago I did brownie mixes in mason jars ... I have a whole book of recipes you can pack in jars.

[Seian]

I always like goodies, though with fruitcake it really depends on who's made. I've tasted some very good... and some truly horrible.

This year I'm making pineapple squares for my brother's office (and some for home), mincemeat and caramel corn at the very least. Not a healthy one in the bunch.

I've never tried the soup in a jar type thing but they always look pretty.

[Ayeshalan]

I forgot to mention that my favorite treat to receive at holiday time is, bar none, divinity. My grandmother used to make it, and it was soooo good.

Sometimes I indulge by getting some at the grocery store, but it's never quite the same. And I haven't yet had the gumption to try and make some.

[Seian]

I guess it's what you grow up with, because I can't stand any dry merigngue type candies. It gives me the same reaction as biting ice or nails on chalkboard. They do look wonderful, but it's hard to get around that physical texture reaction.

I'd have to say my favorite to get is anything with chewy caramel, like Turtles or plain squares of caramel. I've yet to make a caramel myself that is any good and store brands like Krafts is very so-so.

[Auntie M]

Nah, it a texture thing. I like the dry styrofoam candies, but not the TOO sweet ones. Hubby can't stand fruit unless it is crisp (like apples).

I hadn't thought about the bean soups! That's a great idea! And handpacked spice mixes! Hmmmm.....

[Seian]

I did some spice mix this year for one gift. I've got the recipe on hand for Tony Chacheres' basic cajun seasoning which I use on pretty much everything savory... gave it to a couple that does a lot of BBQ.