Home Grown

The holidays mean it is time to get busy and bake up some yummy goodies. Goodies to give as gifts and to serve your family as special treats.

I got busy last night and whipped out a couple batches of biscotti. (You can too. It is a fancy name for nothing more than an Italian cookie cut into bars instead of circles.) Also whipped out a double batch of chocolate chip cookies and peanut butter cookies.

The internet is full of awesome recipes. Take a look around and find one you might like. There are old fashioned cookies and flourless cookies and no bake cookies. Tons of cookies!

I use a recipe that requires the dough to be refrigerated for 3 or more hours before baking. I wrap the dough in plastic and usually let it sit over night.

This morning I took out the dough and cut it into inch by inch pieces.

Rolled the pieces into balls and placed them one dozen at a time on baking sheets lined with silpats.

Using a fork press into the cookies in one direction.

Then turn and press in the other direction for that perfect elementary school peanut butter criss cross cookie.

I have three sheets I rotate in and out of the oven.

Before you know it the cookies are stacking up.

And buckets are filled with chocolate chip and peanutbuttery goodness.

Biscotti is so easy to make.

I baked off the bars last night and let them sit covered so they could cool and dry out for that perfect crunchy bite.

This morning it took about 15 min to dip them all. Another 30 for the chocolate to be completely set.

Could you ask for a better gift? These make great hostess gifts for holiday parties as well.

I love homemade presents. I love food gifts during the holiday.

Which do you think means more? A hastily wrapped cheese or fruit box given as a gift or a box of home baked goods that show how much time and effort was thought of you by the giver?

I love fruit but I love knowing someone thought enough of me to spend a couple hours putting their best efforts into a gift than just tossing me a token gift out of obligation. Where’s the true sense of giving of yourself in that?

I challenge you to give more of yourself this year and less of your money.

Home made and home baked gifts say alot about the giver and the receiver.

Have a happier holiday and give of yourself.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Want to come share a cup of coffee and some biscotti this morning? Back door is open. Come on in. The kitchen is warm.

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