It is time to start thinking of making or getting ready the homemade gifts I like to give out for Christmas (I know, I didn’t say “Holiday”, I said, “CHRISTMAS”!). 

I usually make up a basket of different canned and homemade things from my kitchen to my closest family and friends. 

I am partial to the jar of baked goods. You know the one you layer in the ingredients and decorate the lid of the jar and print out the recipe to give with it. I always like the way they come out.

Last year I focused on homemade cheese.  I researched this online and found plans on how to make your own cheese press and my husband made a couple for me.

homemade cheese press

A close up of homemade cheese press

I think I will get the supplies and make some more cheese this year to give out too. Everyone loved it. There is a real simple recipe that comes out great that you may like to check out here: http://www.cheesemaking.com/store/pg/32.html

You don’t have to age it and it is usable right away. This is the cheese I am planning to make for my gift baskets this year.

Queso Blanco is a simple cheese to make

This year I am going to make some homemade all fruit jam.  This is made with grape juice not sugar. 

Gingerbread cookies ready to package

Also, I like to put in some ginger boy and ginger girl cookies along with some other favorites.

When I make the ginger cookies I like to make the soft cookie that is eatable. I know that some make the hard cookie to save for decorations purposes.

I went this summer and picked blueberries. I will be making some goodies for gifts out of them. I have this blueberry liqueur recipe I am dying to try out. You have to start a couple months early for that one so now is a great time to get going on it.

I will take all of these and put them in a basket and decorate the basket and give the out as I go and visit for the holidays. I will be adding more cookies and other little trinkets I come across as I shop for the holidays too. Usually an ornament or decoration that can be added to their Christmas decor. If you would like more information on the cheese making please just ask. If you have any ideas to add please leave them in a comment. I am still in the planning stage and can use all the help I can get. I will post more on cheese making in a later post.

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