Looking for gift ideas?  Join me Monday, December 19th on Fox 4 Good Day around 8:40 for Gifts From The Kitchen!  I’ll be showing viewers how to make magnificent morsels perfect for sharing.  The best part is just how simple these tasty treats are!  Hope you will try some or all of these ideas this year!  Enjoy!  Lorie

Citrus Olive Oil

1 orange

1 lemon

2 cups olive oil

Using a sharp knife remove the rind from the lemon and orange in strips leaving the pitchy white part behind.  Push rind into a clean jar and pour oil on top.  Let oil steep for 3-4 days, before straining oil.  Store the citrus oil in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Walnut Thyme Honey

¾ cup honey

1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped

4 sprigs thyme

½ teaspoon lemon zest

Whisk the honey and zest until very well mixed.  Place cooled nuts and thyme sprigs into a clean jar.  Pour honey over the nuts.  Store the nut mixture in the refrigerator for several weeks before using to allow flavors to meld.

Jalapeno Vodka

2 cups vodka

1 large jalapeno pepper

Score the pepper 5 or 6 times from stem to end being careful not to cut all the way through to the seeds. Pour vodka into a clean jar or container, add pepper.  Shake 2-3 times a day for 1 week.

Remove pepper or leave it in for more intense flavor.

Spicy Nuts Mix

1 cup pumpkin seeds

1 cup shelled pistachios

1 ½ cup coarsely chopped pecans

1 cup almonds, whole

1 ½ cups cashews

1 egg white

1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary

1 teaspoon oranges zest

1 ½ teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon paprika

2 teaspoons cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with foil and coat with non stick cooking spray.  In a small bowl combine the salt with zest and spices.  Beat egg white until foamy and add seasonings, mix well.  Stir in nuts and toss to coat.  Lay nuts out in a single layer on prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes checking them often.  Store nuts in air tight container once completely cooled.

Chocoholics Delight

1 cup chocolate covered almonds

1 cup chocolate covered cherries

1 cup chocolate covered pecans

1 cup chocolate covered orange pieces

1 cup chocolate covered raisins

Mix all ingredients and store in a jar