PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It’s the holiday gift giving season! A local canning expert and author offers advice on some edible gifts you can make and package at home.
Author Marisa McClellan believes there’s no better gift than something homemade you can eat.
“It’s such a nice gift because we live in a world where people have enough stuff, but we all have to eat; and so when you give an edible gift, you’re not adding to the clutter in someone’s home, you are simply giving a really great experience.”
She says one great recipe for beginners is caramel popcorn.
“It’s really easy. Essentially, you’re boiling together some butter and sugar, you’re adding a little baking soda, maybe some salt, and you’re making popcorn — and you can even use microwave popcorn!”
She says people love homemade candy.
“Because these days, people don’t make a lot of candy at home. It’s really fun to have a homemade candy tradition around the holidays.”
Marisa divulges a number of recipes:
- Pear Vanilla Drizzle
- Salted Maple Walnut Granola
- Roasted Chex Mix
- Rosemary Maple Glazed Nuts
- Oven Toasted Caramel Corn
- Apple Cranberry Jam
- Burnt Sugar Toffee
- Homemade Pancake Mix
Her advice for novices:
“Do it and don’t be scared and it’s okay if it’s not perfect, because it’ll still be delicious!”
Hear the full podcast (runs 21:23)…
And for this week, that’s “What’s Cooking on 1060!”
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