Now, I'm not overly sentimental nor am I Martha Stewart. There is nothing worse then running around a mall searching for gifts. I'd rather be home and safe in my kitchen. Creating gifts from your kitchen takes a little organization, a fair amount of butter, and a few uninterrupted hours. Cookies can be frozen successfully up to one month.
Cakes also freeze well, and chutneys and vinegars improve with a few weeks on a shelf.
Years ago, I taught a class called Gifts from Your Kitchen. The following are some of my students' favorite recipes. These recipes are easy and the results look and taste terrific. Your friends will wonder just when you took that advanced pastry course. Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Squares Pack in a foiled-lined box for a pretty holiday gift.