11 Books That Make Really Great Gifts

Books are one of my favorite things to give and receive, especially when I leave things to the last minute (which is pretty much always; thank God for overnight delivery!). These are a few books I've loved and have given as gifts over the past couple years.

0

DIY Cocoa Spicy Sugar Scrub Hostess Gift Basket

Thanks to Coca-Cola for sponsoring this holiday post. All ideas and opinions are my own!

We know it shouldn't be this way, but for many of us, the holiday season can often be as crazy as it is joyful. From parties and travel to shopping, decorating, and even just dealing with unexpected weather, these weeks can often take a lot out of us.

This is why I'm so thankful for those amazing people in our lives who always seem to go above and beyond. They're the people you know you can always count on for help no matter how big or small, and the ones who go out of their way to make this season better, happier, and more magical for all of us.

0

DIY Gift Idea: Candy Cane Sugar Scrub

I love peppermint. I drink peppermint tea constantly, love minty hot chocolate, and will never turn down a peppermint patty or a junior mint.

And I LOVE this yummy and easy homemade peppermint scented Candy Cane Sugar Scrub!

0

DIY Gift Idea: Sand Art Brownie Mix

Do you remember making sand art designs at the carnival as a kid? That was always one of my favorite activities.

I loved making patterns with the colored sand, though after a few weeks (or even days!) of bumping the bottle around, the colors would all mix together and I'd end up with a bottle filled with ugly purple-brown sand that my mom would

That's why I love this project so much. You get the fun of the pretty layered ingredients, which can then be mixed up into a delicious batch of brownies!

0

5 Fabulous Last-Minute Gifts You Can Buy at the Grocery Store

So here's my little secret: one of my favorite places to buy last-minute gifts is the grocery store!

Even the most basic supermarket usually has tons of fun and inexpensive goodies that can easily be packaged into a great gift for those last few folks on your shopping list. And the best thing is that many grocery stores are open super late or even 24 hours, so you can run in at night long after all the other regular shops are closed.

And this isn't just for the holidays...this tip is also great all year long--baby showers, bachelorette parties, hostess gifts--the supermarket is your friend, friend!

Below are some awesome gifts you can give from items commonly found at a typical supermarket:

1. International Themed Dinner Basket

So first you pick a country. Think something like "Italian Pasta Night" or "Spanish Paella Party." Then you stock up--grab a box of the fanciest looking dried pasta or a bag of Spanish rice.

 A couple jars from the spice aisle. Some dried chorizo or salami. A jar of artisan pasta sauce. A wedge of good cheese. A bar of dark chocolate or a box of biscotti.

Tuck them with tissue paper into a basket or an inexpensive ceramic bowl, and there you go!

2. Gift a Cozy Night In

Many grocery stores carry a pretty great selection of recent popular novels and nonfiction. Grab one or two books you think your friend might enjoy.

Pair it up with a few other goodies good for a cozy night in like a box of fancy tea, a bag of caramels or cookies, maybe even a cute mug and a pair of warm fuzzy socks.

Tuck it all into a paper gift bag from the greeting card aisle, and you're good to go!

3. The Gift of Nostalgia

This one is perfect for siblings or friends you've known since childhood. Think back to the favorite treats you enjoyed as kids, and pull together a selection of them!

If I were to do this for my brother, I'd probably grab things like those Chuckles gummy candies, Milano cookies, marshmallow-covered Sno-Balls, circus peanuts, those mini boxes of Fruity Pebbles, etc. You might even hit up the magazine aisle and grab a couple issues of the magazines you used to read as kids (think stuff like Highlights, Boy's Life or Archie).

To finish it off, check out the kid's toy aisle or those toy machines near the check-out: nothing like a sticky hand or funky monster finger puppets to make anyone feel like a kid again!

4. A DIY Spa Day

From fancy soaps to pretty nail polishes, you can find just about everything you need to create a spa day at home for a special someone.

Grab some Epsom salts from the first aid aisle. A nice rich lotion. Some single-packet face masks. A jar of coconut oil. A loofah or set of scrubby gloves. One of those microwavable neck wraps. You can usually even find things like essential oils and scented candles.

Don't forget a few fun magazines!

Wrap it all up, and you'll have a pampering gift basket that rivals ones found at luxury department stores!

5. Impractical Goodies for the Cook or Baker

So here's the thing, those of us who love to cook usually love the grocery store. It's a chance to browse around see all kinds of fun and fascinating products. But because we're usually at the store when we're shopping for specific items or on a budget, most of those other fun, but impractical, items usually never make it home with us.

So this is your chance to surprise your favorite kitchen maven with all the things she usually passes up!

Think things like luxurious spices (saffron! Vietnamese cinnamon! vanilla beans!). Bars of really great chocolate. Fun sprinkles or cake toppers. Fancy fruit spread or curds from the jam aisle. Flavored honey, oil, or vinegars. Luxury salts. Artisan crackers. The list is basically endless!

****
Loved this post? Let's connect so you can find out the next time I post! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates. Thanks so much for reading!     

0

The Best Gift Ever

My best friend Ilana lives in Edinburgh, which is a gorgeous and absolutely wonderful place to live and visit, but really inconvenient for us when it comes to typical best friend activities like grabbing coffee or shopping or laying about watching movies in pajamas, or really just about anything that requires that we both be on the same continent.

We do make a point of meeting up about once or twice a year, either here in New York or somewhere else interesting. (Past locations include Portugal and Palm Springs; we're hoping for a Greek island next year!)

But, as amazing as those trips are, they're never quite enough.

Fortunately, Ilana also happens to be really amazing at surprises! They show up every so often: a postcard with a recipe for deep-fried Mars bars (a well-loved Scottish delicacy), a set of Kate Spade bangles inscribed with inspirational messages, and--most recently--the most wonderful gift ever:

A custom-made necklace featuring a perfect mini slice of my signature cake: The Italian Rainbow Cookie Cake!

Ilana found this wonderful shop on Etsy and had the artists custom make the charm.

And they did such an incredible job! They even got the detail of the snowflake design on the chocolate frosting!

The texture of the layers looks so realistic I really had to resist biting into it...

I'm, admittedly, nowhere near equal to Ilana when it comes to thoughtful surprises. I come up with great ideas, but then my ADD kicks in and I get distracted trying to make ice cream out of wine or researching mid-century gelatin salad recipes or trying to figure out how to turn an old t-shirt into a throw pillow, and then I can't really remember what the great plan was.

You guys have no idea how many unsent postcards I have in my desk.*

But, I do, fortunately have this blog! And that means that on this blog I can let the thousands and thousands of you who come here every day know how wonderful Ilana is.

(Very.)

I also wanted you all to know about the wonderful little Etsy shop she found!

It's called Inedible Jewelry and you can visit it here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/inediblejewelry/

If you have food lovers (or miniature lovers!) in your life--I bet they'd enjoy a sweet gift from there just as much as I did.

But hurry--Christmas orders have to be in by the 18th (aka...tomorrow!).

*I do have a good plan for Christmas this year, though I haven't quite made it to the post office yet. (Fortunately Ilana is Jewish, which I think gives me a bit of leeway in terms of the deadline.)


****
Loved this post? Let's connect so you can find out the next time I post! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates. Thanks so much for reading!    
 

0

Cute Gift Idea: Sugarwish Candy Grams

While doing some gift research for an article I recently wrote, I came across this really fun candygram site called Sugarwish. It ended up not being a perfect fit to include in my article, but I loved the idea so much that I figured I'd share it with you here.

(Note: This is NOT at all sponsored; I just figured you guys might appreciate the concept as much as I did!)

This is how it works:

First, you decide how much you want to spend--prices start at $25 for a box of 4, up to $65 for 16, and already include tax and shipping.

Then you pick your greeting--they have options for Christmas, birthdays, thank you notes, or "just because"--and enter the recipients email.

The recipient will then get a e-card directing them to visit the site and choose the candies that they want.

The selection changes regularly with everything from jelly beans and gum balls to caramels and old fashioned chewy candies. They even have sugar free candy options available!

It's a super cute and very visual site where you can drag and drop your picks into the box.

Once the recipient makes his or her selections, they enter the code that was in their e-card, submit their shipping info, and sit back and wait.

 (For my sugarwish, I picked out  Mary Janes, Coconut Jelly Bellys, Gummy Bears, and Cinnamon Hearts.)

The package arrives in just a few days (depending on where they live) and comes in a pretty blue gift box with a ribbon and red and white-striped lining. Each of the candies is packaged in separate little 1/4 lb baggies.

It's so fun!

This would be a sweet gift to send to someone that's far away. Would also make a great last-minute holiday or birthday gift.

Now, I seriously want to send these to everyone I know!

Who would you send a Sugarwish to? (And yes...totally OK to send one to yourself!)


****
Love Always Order Dessert? Let's connect! Follow me on Twitter or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates. And if you ever need any entertaining or cooking advice, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Thanks for reading!  

0

Weekend Living: DIY Mod Podge Collage Plates

One my favorite activities from the Sweet Escape Retreat I hosted last month was the Mod Podge crafting session, during which I taught the attendees how to use the uber-versatile decoupage glue to create DIY Decorative Collage Plates. 

Once dry, these personalized decorative plates can be used to hold jewelry or loose change on a dresser, wrapped candies or candles on the coffee table, or even soaps or guest towels in the powder room. Some of the ladies at the retreat turned their plates into functional vision boards, cutting out images and quotes to keep them inspired every time they look at the plate.

I asked my awesome intern Ariana to show you how to make your own DIY Mod Podge Collage Plates. Check out her step-by-step tutorial below:

How to Make DIY Mod Podge Collage Plates

Materials

1. Clear glass plate (can have small textures or patterns in the glass as long as it's clear, not frosted)

2. Mod Podge (glossy or matte)

3. Old magazines, scrapbook paper, tissue paper, or photographs

4. 1-2 clean sponge brushes

6. Plastic bag or tarp for protecting your work surface

7. Scissors

Step 1. Wash and dry the plate, and cover your surface with the plastic to protect it. Gather all your materials.

Step 2. Cut out the images that you are going to be using on the plate and set aside. Cut out more images than you think you'll need, and be sure to test out the pattern by laying it out on the plate before you add glue as it will be difficult to remove images once you start.

Step 3. Once you have an idea about how you will lay out the images, turn the plate over and use the foam paint brush to apply a thin layer of glue on a portion of the plate. 

Step 4. Take the cut outs and press them onto the plate with the image you desire facing away from you. The clippings should stick to the glue. Rub over the picture to get rid of air bubbles. Keep applying glue and adding on more pictures to overlap and eliminate blank holes until you cover the entire surface of the plate. 

(Note: Pictures can hang off the edges because they will be cut off later.)

Step 5. Paint a thick layer of glue on the back of the plate once you've finished applying the pictures. Let the glue dry, and apply two more layers allowing 10-15 minutes of drying time between each additional coat. 

Step 6. After adding the final coat, let the plate dry overnight so that it completely hardens and cures. When all the glue is dry and you are happy with the images, trim the outer edges as close to the glass plate as possible.

If desired, you can apply an additional coat of glue around the trimmed edges to seal the plate. 

Final Product: The final plates can be used for decorative purposes to hold jewelry or candles, or as a candy dish. Avoid using them for eating, as washing the plates repeatedly can damage the collage. (And I think it goes without saying that these are NOT dishwasher safe.)

Enjoy!

****
Love Always Order Dessert? Let's connect! Follow me on Twitter or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates. And if you ever need any entertaining or cooking advice, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Thanks for reading!

0

Inspired Living: Real Fruit Jewelry

Blood Orange Necklace

One of the most fun things about planning my upcoming A Sweet Escape culinary retreat, has been seeking out cool small businesses and products to feature during the weekend.

In addition to all the amazing activities and meals, each guest will be going home from the retreat with a goodie bag filled with some very cool gifts that I've spent quite a bit of time selecting.

Strawberry Heart Necklace

I literally squealed with excitement when I came across these gorgeous pieces.

Philadelphia-based artist, Zoe Einbinder carefully dries and preserves thin slices of real fruit, then seals them with a hard, water-resistant coating to create these gorgeous and unique pieces of jewelry.

Lotus Root Necklace

From dragonfruit cufflinks to starfruit pendants, she's found a way to highlight the natural beauty of the fruit and turn it into a true work of (wearable!) art.

Her jewelry is available through her Etsy business, Real Fruit Jewelry.

Starfruit Necklace

The attendees at A Sweet Escape will all be going home with one of her gorgeous Blood Orange Necklaces (featured in the top photo on this page), but I wanted to share some of the other images with you here because I think they're freaking AMAZING.

Tomato Slice Earrings

These tomato earrings are my favorite. I'm definitely ordering myself a set.

Dragonfruit Pendant

Such a beautiful, clever idea that I know will resonate with my fellow food lovers!

Kiwi Fruit Earrings

Visit the Real Fruit Jewelry Etsy store to check out more of Zoe's designs. You can also follow her on Twitter and on Facebook.

And if you're interested in joining us on A Sweet Escape and snagging one of these for yourself, click here to learn more and register.

Disclaimer: Real Fruit Jewelry is providing complimentary pendants to attendees of my culinary retreat, A Sweet Escape. This is not a sponsored post, and all thoughts and ideas in it are my own. I just love these and wanted to share them with you!

****
Love Always Order Dessert? Let's connect! Follow me on Twitter or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates. And if you ever need any entertaining or cooking advice, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Thanks for reading!   

0

DIY Chalkboard Gift Tins

I don't know about you, but around this time of year, I usually find that I have a bunch of empty cake or cookie tins laying around the house. Here is an easy way to use chalkboard spray paint to recycle those tins into pretty containers that can be used for gifting or storage.

I started off with a few leftover cake tins (these held some amazing cakes from the company Daisy Cakes, which is owned by a friend).  The tins had designs printed on top, but plain sides so I just painted the tops. If yours are printed all around, you can paint the entire container.

Step 1. Wash the tins to remove and oils and dry well.

Step 2. Spread a drop cloth or newspaper (I used leftover bubble wrap) to protect your floors. Make sure you're working outdoors or in a well-ventilated area with open windows. I did none of the above because it was raining, and I ended up with a headache and an apartment that smelled like a meth lab. So...don't do that. Open the window.

Step 3. Spray with a thin coat of chalkboard paint (I use Krylon Chalkboard Spray Paint), then let dry for 10 minutes. Repeat with 2nd and 3rd coats, letting dry 10 minutes in between. Now you're basically done. Just let dry 24 hours to seal and you're ready to use.

I think these are perfect for gifting baked treats like cookies or cake, but you can also use them as storage tins. The chalkboard surface can be erased and reused so the recipients of your gift can use the empty tins all year long (or regift them!).

****
New to Always Order Dessert? Consider subscribing to my RSS feed, follow me on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates by filling in your address in the box on the right. And if you ever need any entertaining or cooking advice, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Thanks for reading!
 

0

My Kitchen Favorites (AKA Stuff I actually use daily)

Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite kitchen tools. These are the things that I actually own and use in my kitchen on a near daily basis. Take a look--maybe you'll get a few fun gift ideas for the cooks in your life! (Or just for yourself, that's cool too!)

(From left to right, top to bottom)

1. Metal Tongs: I have about 5 sets of tongs in my kitchen and I use them constantly. They're great for putting marinated chicken or steaks onto the stove, flipping grilled veggies, turning tortillas, tossing and serving salad, the list is endless. I even use them for pulling down boxes from high shelves in my kitchen (do this at your own risk--I usually end up with a box on my head). Bloomingdales, $29

2. Kitchensmart Solid Oven Mitt: These are my FAVORITE oven mitts. When I got married, a bunch of people gave me overpriced oven mitts from Williams Sonoma--and they all developed holes within days. But THESE super cheap ones from Bed Bath & Beyond, rock. I also love how they're designed with the thumb on the bottom (as opposed to the typical "mitten style") so that you can easily grip hot, heavy pots. (They're also great for opening up jars.) Bed Bath & Beyond, $7

3. Le Creuset Saucier: I love this little pot and actually want to get myself a couple more. It's made with the same heavy construction as the large dutch ovens, but is the perfect size for everyday cooking--I use this to make soup, fry foods, make tea or hot chocolate, make rice or quinoa, reheat food--it's incredibly versatile. Amazon, $180

4. Joseph Joseph 8-Piece Nesting Set: I first discovered this super cool nesting set of measuring bowls, sieves, and measuring cups at City Cookhouse, the commercial kitchen space I occasionally rent to teach in. Each piece is a different bright color and they all nest right into each other--which is great if you have limited space. They're dishwasher safe, too! Amazon, $36

5. Krups Coffee/Spice Grinder: I don't really drink coffee, but I use my grinder all the time for whole spices, and to grind down espresso beans for cooking purposes. It works super quickly, doesn't take up much room, and is a great way to add intense flavor to your cooking. Bloomingdales, $25

6. PAM Baking Spray: I'm generally anti cooking sprays, but this thing is a gem. It has flour in it so you can easily spray baking dishes (especially tough ones with weird crevices like bundt pans or decorative molds). I always have consistently perfect results when I use it. Most major grocery stores, $3

7. OXO Hand-held Mandoline: One of my favorite and most fun kitchen tools by far! I'm a cucumber salad addict, so I use this almost daily to slice up super thin slices of cucumber in mere seconds. It's also great for potatoes (potatoes au gratin!) and fruit. I actually own three mandolines, one that cost about $300 and another that cost about $150, but this one is so low-maintenance that I use it WAY more often than the others. Crate & Barrel, $15

8. Le Creuset Batter Bowl: This is a great bowl for mixing up pancake or cake batter--the spout makes it easy to pour things without spills. It's perfect for melting large amounts of chocolate in the microwave. I also use this for soup (I sieve into this bowl and pour into serving dishes or storage containers). It's heavy, thick quality and dishwasher safe. Amazon, $40

9. Williams Sonoma Spatulas & Spoonulas: For Christmas last year, my dad got me this entire set of spatulas and I absolutely love them. I used them daily to get the last bits of cake batter out of the bowl, to fold things, even on my nonstick skillet for things like scrambled eggs. The high quality silicone can withstand high heat and the thick wood handles don't break like cheaper plastic versions.  Williams Sonoma, $8-$22

10. Mikasa Swirl White Dinnerware: This is our everyday china and it's absolutely gorgeous. Matte swirls on the outside and a glazed center. The texture is just lovely (the bowls and mugs have a great hand-feel) and they're really versatile for food photography, or for paring with other brightly colored pieces. I'm kind of a klutz and these take quite a beating without showing a scratch. Bed Bath & Beyond, $150

11. Tabasco Chipotle Pepper Sauce: I don't like regular tabasco, but this smoky spicy version is fantastic. I use this on tacos, on seafood, on my eggs in the morning. It's great over soups, and I occasionally even use it as a marinade. Good stuff. Get the big bottle. Most major grocery stores, $5

12. Smoked Spanish Paprika: My most used spice by far! If you haven't tried it yet, you really should. It adds fantastic smokey flavor and color to dishes. A little smoked paprika, olive oil, and salt, and you've got a great simple seasoning for chicken, shrimp, fish, veggies--everything! Gracious Home, $3.50

13. Le Creuset Balloon Whisk: This is a great silicone whisk to have on hand for use with delicate pots (like enameled dutch ovens, nonstick pans, etc.). It withstands high heat without scratching the pans. I got mine as a gift ages ago and it ended up being one of my most used utensils. Macy's, $27

Important note! All of these products are things that I actually own and use in my own home kitchen. I purchased these myself and/or was given them as gifts from friends (not companies). I'm not being paid to recommend these to you, although if you happen to buy them via my Amazon link, I will get a teeny tiny affiliate commission (pennies on the dollar!) that goes to help support my work here on this blog. 

0

12 Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas Under $40

1. Monogrammed bottle stopper: These might seem like a silly luxury, but they actually come in handy--especially after a party when a few half-full bottles remain and the corks and caps were accidentally swept up into the trash. Get one with your hosts initials, or buy a few to spell out a word like "LOVE" or "THANKS." $22, C. Wonder


2. Flour Sack Potholders: A set of cute potholders to help lift those hot baking dishes. These can also be used as trivets under hot serving platters. You can never have too many! $16, House 8810


3. Air Plant & Pod: I first learned about air plants during a Secret Santa gift exchange at my old office. Someone else had gotten it as a gift and I was terribly jealous. The delicate-looking plants are actually quite hardy and don't require a green thumb or soil. Just a few drops of water and they can grow in any number of clever looking planters, like this bright yellow wooden pod from Etsy.  $11, Etsy


4. Chocolate and Orange Panettone: Growing up in an Italian neighborhood in NJ, panettone was a common hostess gift. My dad would usually eat a few slices of it with tea or turn it into French toast for breakfast. This new chocolate chip version from Bauducco is a new favorite of mine. Incredibly moist, packed with chocolate, and just a hint of orange flavor. It's so good, Eugene and I ate it all in about 2 days. $7-$10, most major grocery or drug stores


5. Retro Cake Tin: This gorgeous retro style cake carrier and box is modeled after vintage English cake boxes. Fill it with your favorite coffee cake or a couple loaves of banana bread for the party hosts to enjoy the morning after the big bash. $39, Williams Sonoma

6. Cheese Knife: This one is supposed to look like a little mouse, but I think it looks like a little bird, too! Either way, it's inexpensive and totally adorable. I'd buy one of my favorite cheeses to gift along with this. $13, Modcloth.com


7. Gold 5-Piece Flatware Set: I've been dying for a set of gold flatware, and this affordable and elegant collection from West Elm is really lovely & festive. $29, West Elm


8. Teak Measuring Spoon Set: If you know the host is a baker, she'll definitely appreciate this gorgeous set of wooden measuring spoons that are pretty enough to leave hanging from a hook in the kitchen. She'll be sure to think of you next time she bakes up something delicious! $20, Merchant No. 4


9. Whiskey Stones: Pop these stones in the freezer and they'll keep your whiskey (or other beverage) cold without watering it down. Great gift for the bachelor host or the couple who enjoys fine spirits. $20, Uncommon Goods

10. Lillet Rose, St. Germain: Everyone brings wine to the party. Mix it up this year and bring your hosts a bottle of something a little more interesting. Like delicate Lillet Rose aperitif--their first new product in 50 years!--or, my own husband's favorite,  St. Germain elderflower liqueur.  In the mood to DIY it? Make them a bottle of Homemade Coquito--I promise you it'll be a hit! $20-$30


11. Patterned Bowl Set: A small set of pretty bowls is perfect for the ladylike host. She can use them for her breakfast cereal, as candy dishes, or even on her vanity to hold jewelry and other bits. $40, Modcloth.com


12. Retro Travel Dish Towel Set: Do your hosts have a bit of wanderlust? Get them a set of these kitchy retro style dish towels featuring midcentury-style travel imagery. $16, House 8810

0

DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix (+ FREE Label Printable)

I shared this recipe for  DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix on the Fox News website last year, but I when I went to link to it today, I realized it was no longer up (they totally redid their lifestyle site). With the holidays (and prime hot cocoa season) upon us, I figured I would share the recipe again here!

This is an easy DIY edible holiday gift idea that is always a hit with friends or coworkers. (I also just like to make a batch to keep around the cupboards for a quick and cozy treat. It can be made in advance and keeps very well, so you can go ahead and make a few jars of it now, before things get too crazed!

To make this gift even EASIER, you can download my label printable. Just print it out on cardstock, cut, and attach to your gift with a bit of ribbon or twine!

Free DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix Label Printable (click to download PDF)

****
New to Always Order Dessert? Consider subscribing to my newsletter, follow me on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates by filling in your address in the box on the right. If you're in the NYC area, be sure to check out my NYC dinner party style cooking classes. Thanks for reading!

DIY Peppermint Hot Cocoa Mix 
Makes one 12-serving batch of cocoa mix (about 1 quart). Can be multiplied, as necessary. 

Ingredients 
1 cup instant dry milk
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¾ cup semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup crushed peppermint candies (such as starlight mints or candy canes)
5 large marshmallows (optional)

Equipment: 1-quart glass jar with tight lid (such as a mason jar).

Optional for decoration: small scoop, kitchen twine, card for labeling

Directions 
Gently layer each ingredient into the jar in the following order: dry milk, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, chocolate chips, crushed candy, marshmallows.

Seal and label or decorate jar as desired.

Include the following instructions with the mix:

“To Prepare: Whisk together contents of jar in large bowl then return to container. For each serving, combine 1/3 cup mix with 1 cup boiling water or hot milk. Store in jar at room temperature up to 6 months.”

0

DIY Gingerbread Buttermilk Pancake Mix (Plus FREE Label Printable)

If you're thinking about making homemade edible holiday gifts this year, I definitely recommend that you mix up a few batches of my Gingerbread Buttermilk Pancake Mix. This gently spiced pancake batter is easy and inexpensive to make, but the results are incredible and much better than anything you can ever buy in a box.

Package this one up in pretty glass jars or sturdy paper bags and include them as part of a holiday breakfast gift basket.

This is also a great mix to keep around when entertaining holiday guests--gingerbread pancakes on Christmas morning? Yes, please!

Click here to download my FREE Gingerbread Pancake Mix Label

**Note: My recipe & photo were originally published on the Fox News website last year, but is no longer available there so I'm reposting here.


****
New to Always Order Dessert? Consider subscribing to my newsletter, follow me on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates by filling in your address in the box on the right. If you're in the NYC area, be sure to check out my NYC dinner party style cooking classes. Thanks for reading!

Gingerbread Buttermilk Pancake Mix
Makes one roughly 4 ½ cup batch of pancake mix, enough for about 30 pancakes. Can be multiplied as necessary.

Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
2 rounded tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 rounded tablespoons ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon Kosher salt

Directions
Whisk together all ingredients until well combined. Pour into glass jar and decorate and label as desired. Include the following instruction card with your mix:

“To Prepare: Heat griddle to medium-high. Brush with butter or oil. Combine 1 cup mix with 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons oil, and 1 ½ cups buttermilk. Stir until just combined. Ladle ½ cup batter onto hot griddle and cook about 2 minutes per side.”

0

Kitchen Beauty: DIY Peppermint Foot Scrub

I find that in the summer, a good foot scrub is of the essence. I tend to spend most of my days barefoot (I work from home, so it's totally OK), or occasionally slide into cute, but totally unsubstantial flip-flops or sparkly flats, which do nothing for my feet while I traipse around the city.

In fact, the other day I realized that my feet had been stained a slight shade of navy blue from my flip-flops.

I had smurf feet!

A scrub was definitely in order.

This scrub takes just a few minutes to put together, and is fantastic for tired and rough summer feet (dyed blue from flip-flops or otherwise). The kosher salt and baking soda are great for scrubbing off dead skin (baking soda also acts as a natural deodorizer), the oil moisturizes and softens, and the peppermint extract adds lovely scent and just a hint of that tingly, refreshing feeling.

***
Loved this post? Here are a few other DIY gift ideas you might like:

• DIY Gingerbread Pancake Mix
• DIY Gift Basket Ideas
• Boozy Rum Cake Truffles 

And let's connect so you can find out the next time I post! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates.

Thanks so much for reading!

DIY Peppermint Foot Scrub Recipe

Ingredients
1/4 cup course kosher salt (you can also use granulated sugar)
1/3 cup oil (I like grapeseed or almond, olive or coconut oil also work very well)
2 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

Directions
Whisk together all ingredients and pour into a glass jar with a lid. Store in a cool, dry place.

To use: place a few tablespoons of the mixture into your hand, and massage into your feet, concentrating on the heel and other rough areas. Rinse under warm water to remove the salt, but not the oil. Gently pat dry.

0

Kitchen Beauty: DIY Lemongrass Sugar Scrub

A few weeks ago, I bought a brand new jar of a lemongrass sugar scrub that I really loved. It was made by a small company with all natural ingredients, and smelled absolutely amazing. It was a little on the pricey side, but given that it was a small business, I was happy to support it.

I got the jar home, drew myself a bath, got in, and proceeded to spill the entire contents of the jar into the tub! Whoosh! Just like that, my entire $14 scrub--which I'd meant to stretch out for a couple months--was gone.

During that incredibly fragrant bath, I decided that I would simply have to make my own DIY lemongrass sugar scrub. I've actually been making DIY sugar scrubs since I was a kid; my mom used to use a combination of sugar and baby oil in the shower all the time and so I learned from her and did the same. I no longer use baby oil as it isn't safe (it's made primarily from mineral oil, which inhibits the body's ability to release toxins and which leaches away fat-soluble vitamins from your body), but I regularly scrub myself with coconut oil mixed with granulated sugar or coffee grounds, which leaves my skin incredibly soft and moisturized.

I went to Whole Foods that same evening and bought the supplies to make my own scrub. Pretty much all the ingredients are things you can find in a regular grocery store if you don't already have them in your pantry. The essential oil is available at Whole Foods, health food stores, and some well-stocked pharmacies.

The Oil: I used grapeseed and almond oil as the base of my scrub. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil, if you prefer, though the latter two have a stronger scent that will compete with the lemongrass fragrance. If you want something that feels less "oily," try using glycerin as part of your base.

The Sugar: I use raw turbinado sugar (aka "Sugar in the Raw"), which is a little rougher and great for scrubbing. If your skin is more delicate, just use regular granulated sugar. Scroll down for the recipe below!

Tip: Look for the almond and grapeseed oil in the food section of the grocery store. They'll also sell it with the health/beauty products, but it will be triple the price!

***
Loved this post? Here are a few other DIY gift ideas you might like:

• DIY Gingerbread Pancake Mix
• DIY Gift Basket Ideas
• Boozy Rum Cake Truffles 

And let's connect so you can find out the next time I post! Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest, become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates.

Thanks so much for reading!

DIY Lemongrass Sugar Scrub
Makes 1 pint

Ingredients
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup almond oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil (or use more or less according to your preferences)
1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)

Material: 1 wide-mouth pint-size mason jar

Directions
Whisk together grapeseed oil, almond oil, and lemongrass essential oil. Pour into a clean mason jar with a lid. Add sugar and stir to combine. Seal with lid and store in a cool dry place.

To use: Use a scoop or spoon to scoop out scrub as needed and massage into your skin in the shower. Particularly great for legs, hands, and feet. Rinse off with warm water.

0

DIY Coffee, Sugar, and Spice Grinders

The other day, my lovely friend Moe posted a picture of an interesting product she found on the shelves at Trader Joe's--their "Sugar, Chocolate, and Coffee Bean Grinder." It was a little plastic pepper mill filled with coffee beans, bits of chocolate, and sugar meant for grinding over coffee or other foods. Pretty great idea, she commented, but would be better with perhaps a little bit of salt added.

As soon as I saw the post on her page I realized that this would be SUCH a great (and very easy) item to make at home rather inexpensively. It would be a great and totally unique gift idea, and would also lead to some fun experimentation to see what other foods and beverages would benefit from a little sprinkle.

And so I present to you my DIY Flavor Grinders (or "Sugar and Spice Grinders")--inexpensive pepper mills (I found these at Target for $7, but you could probably find them even cheaper elsewhere, or use ones you already have at home!) filled with a mixture of espresso beans, cacao nibs, raw sugar, coarse sea salt, and crushed cinnamon sticks. They take just a couple minutes to assemble, and you can then start experimenting by grinding them over fun treats.

Need some ideas? Try grinding these over:

• buttered toast (like cinnamon toast to the 10th degree!)
• oatmeal or cream of wheat
• ice cream
• yogurt
• buttered popcorn (one of my favorites!)
• coffee
• hot chocolate or cocoa
• steamed milk
• cocktails like eggnog, coquito, white russians, hot toddy, etc.
• fresh ginger tea
• a bowl of cereal or granola and milk
• warm chocolate cake  
• brownies
• a peanut butter sandwich
• sliced fruit like bananas or pears
• apple pie
• cinnamon buns and/or coffee cake
• vanilla cupcakes
• and more!

These keep really well for months, and can be customized to your liking. Substitute any of the ingredients for other whole spices or flavors you like. Some alternatives include: dried coconut flakes, star anise, cardamom pods, dried ginger, dried orange or lemon peel, crushed red pepper or even black pepper for a bit of heat, etc. I would avoid using vanilla beans as they are too moist and would cause the other ingredients to cake up.

This would be a great project to make with kids, too! Let me know if you end up trying it out. The recipe is below. I've also included the PDF label below for you if you'd like to make and give these as an easy last-minute holiday gift.

*****
Did you enjoy this post? Be sure to share it with your friends on Facebook, Stumble, and Twitter! Consider subscribing to my RSS feed, follow me on Twitter (@nandita), become a fan on Facebook, or sign up to receive my once-a-week e-mail updates by filling in your address in the box on the right. I also offer custom menu planning services, group cooking classes, and offer a variety of culinary workshops in the NYC area. Click here to find out more!

And if you ever need any entertaining or cooking advice, please don't hesitate to e-mail me. Thanks for reading!        

DIY Flavor Grinders (Coffee, Sugar, and Spice Grinders)
The size of your pepper mill will determine the amount of filling you need. I've provided amounts for a medium sized mill that holds about 1 cup of the spice mix. Multiply as necessary.

Ingredients
5 tablespoons roasted whole coffee beans (use plain or pick out your favorite flavor such as hazelnut or vanilla)
4 cinnamon sticks 
4 tablespoons cacao nibs (available at well-stocked supermarkets like Whole Foods, gourmet markets, or online--can't find them? substitute 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.)
2 rounded tablespoons coarse sea salt
4 tablespoons raw sugar or rock candy sugar

Equipment: 1 new or cleaned, empty pepper mill. It's OK if the mill previously held pepper in it--the coffee will eliminate any pepper flavor.

Directions
Combine the coffee beans and cinnamon sticks in a large zipped bag and use a meat tenderizer, rolling pin, or other heavy object a few times to crush coarsley (the coffee beans should break into 2 or 3 pieces and the cinnamon sticks into about 1" slivers). You can also do this with a pestle in a mortar.

Pour coffee and cinnamon in a bowl and add the cacao nibs, coarse sea salt, and raw sugar. Stir well to mix up and combine, then pour into your pepper mill, filling it to the top. Seal and shake to evenly distribute the ingredients inside. Set the pepper mill grinder to the coarsest setting for best results.

0