Valentine Candy Crafts

According to the National Confectioners Association, over 25 pounds of sweets are consumed per person each year. If music and love are considered part of an international language, I would have to rank chocolate and candy as another enjoyment that knows no boundaries. With over 35% of all candy being sold on a holiday, candy crafts and gifts have proved to be a billion dollar industry.

Halloween Crafts: Halloween Candy Bouquet

This is a cute Halloween craft project- Halloween candy bouquet. It can be a tasty centerpiece for a Halloween party, a gift, or one of Halloween decorations for your house. You can have fun making it with your kids.

Give 'Em A Big Kiss

Looking for something fun to do in the kitchen with mom or dad? Make rice krispy kisses in all kinds of sizes for your favorite person!

Gift Mixes for Coffee Lovers

I love to make and receive homemade mixes for the holidays. The key is to use good quality ingredients that are fresh. Combine any or all of the following recipes in a basket with a coffee mug or latte cup, a pretty spoon and some biscotti or cookies. Another option for travelers is to include an insulated mug and all of the mixes, plus a few gift certificates for bagel or donut shops along their driving route. However you give these mixes they will be a big hit with coffee lovers.

Friendship Cookie Mix

This is a great gift for someone who enjoys baking. Make the basic cookie mix and give it to your friends and family along with the recipes for making different cookies using the mix. Give the mix and recipes alone or make a basket with a jar of cookie mix and recipes. Add small containers each with a different ingredient such as chocolate chips, pecans, granola, peanut butter and raisins. You can also add things like cookie cutters, an apron, pot holders etc.

Five Fabulous Chocolate Recipes

Give the gift of homemade chocolates.

Butter Pecan Streusel Topping

Fill an old fashioned tin with this delicious topping and attach the recipe as a gift for friends and family. They will love sprinkling it over yogurt, ice cream and puddings.

Black and White Tie

A New York classic gets dressed up for the holidays.

Apple Cider Basket

Your friends and family will love this festive Spiced Apple Cider. Give a jar of Apple Cider Spice Mix along with the recipe for making Spiced Apple Cider. If you want to make a basket, add a bottle of dry red wine or apple cider, a couple of mugs, coasters, an orange or lemon, and a bunch of cinnamon sticks tied together. Don't forget to keep some for yourself. This recipe is delicious and fills the home with wonderful scents!

A Tasty Holiday Tradition

Every year, right after Thanksgiving, I fill my grocery cart with delectable goodies that will fill my kitchen with wonderful smells. It's the time of year when I bake, and bake, and bake some more.