don't stress...

Making gifts for friends and family is creative, fun and your loved ones will appreciate the time and care put into their presents. If you are low on funds this Christmas or if you just want to give something homemade this year, here are a few ideas...

 Make Apple Pie Liquor. This is inexpensive and easy to make, the recipe makes a huge batch that you can give away to many people. You can purchase cute bottles to put the liquor in, even from the Dollar Store or the Goodwill or D.I.. It tastes and smells delicious and is a great holiday treat that anyone will enjoy. Here is the recipe:

 6 cans frozen of apple juice concentrate 

18 cups of water 

1 gallon of apple cider 

750 ml of Everclear (alcohol) 

7 cinnamon sticks 

4 cups of sugar 

4 cups of brown sugar

Take all the ingredients excluding the Everclear and combine in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Add the Everclear. Bottle and Enjoy!

Make Hot Cocoa Mix

The secret ingredient in this mix is the mini chocolate chips, which melt when combined with the boiling water and give the cocoa an extra-rich flavor. The recipe makes enough for four gift-size portions, each of which can be measured into a small plastic bag and tucked into a cup or mug filled with mini marshmallows, candy stick stirrers, and a spoon. Wrap each filled gift cup in cellophane and don't forget to include a tag with the following instructions: "Spoon 3 or 4 generous tablespoons of cocoa mix into your cup (depending on the size), add boiling water, and stir well."

Ingredients

• 2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

• 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup powdered nondairy creamer
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Measure all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk them until they are evenly blended.
   
2. Store the mix in a tightly covered container at room temperature until you're ready to package it. Makes about 4 cups of mix.
   
   
   
    

Make a Recipe Booklet

This is a personal and very useful gift that the recipient will use for years to come. Simply print out or hand write your favorite recipes and get a small binder and a some scrap-booking supplies to decorate it with. Put your recipes together and share with your loved one!

Make a Mix CD 

Personalizing a mix for someone you care about is a great way to make them feel special. Choose songs that remind you of that person, put them together on a CD, make a cool cover (listing the songs and artists) and give the gift of music!