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The Gift of Homemade Gifts

Author: be well™ with Big Y^® Registered Dietitian Team

The holidays are an excellent time to sprinkle joy by way of delicious treats made from the heart.

There are plenty of choices for gift-giving to buy in stores this time of year, but why not indulge family and friends with something directly from you? Homemade food gifts are an awesome way to extend the delight of the holidays well into the weeks ahead. Whether it’s their favorite warm beverage mix or snackables they never get around to cooking for themselves, a tasty gift family and friends can enjoy, well after the holiday lights have been taken down, is a treasured treat.

Go Nuts for Heart Health

Creating your own version of candied nuts is a tasty way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you opt for ingredients that turn plain almonds into a savory snack or salad topper or take the sweet route with fresh walnuts for topping sundaes or mixing into yogurt, adding flavor to these heart-healthy must-haves is a fun endeavor.

Create Your Own Snack

Get the kiddos involved! Combine whole grain cereal and/or pretzels, dried fruit and seeds and/or nuts with a touch of crave-worthy chocolate to sweeten the deal. Make it specific to your family’s favorites or go for a theme such as Christmas colors. The choice is yours, but the end result becomes a delight for family and friends.

Wrap in Warmth

What’s more perfect than a warm cup of homemade hot cocoa to melt away winter’s cold? Having a new recipe on hand thanks to a thoughtful, crafty friend’s holiday gift! From traditional hot chocolate, to versions that layer in peppermint, white chocolate, espresso, gingerbread or pumpkin spice flavoring, there are plenty of ways to make a warm mug of chocolaty goodness a gift of your very own.

Where to Start!

As you make plans for your gift-giving this holiday season, consider gifts that only you can give. Get your creativity (and taste buds) going with a few of our favorite recipes: