Tune into Good Morning Texas, WFAA Channel 8, Tuesday!

Are you ready for Christmas?  I simply cannot believe it will be here in 2 short weeks.  Are you like me, still wondering what to gift the special people in your world?

Tune into Good Morning Texas, WFAA Channel 8, on Tuesday, December 12th at 9:00 am  to see me demonstrating LIVE No Cook, holiday gifts from the kitchen.  I will offer up inspiration to help you take care of all those last minute gifts!

I’m closed up in my kitchen workshop, santa hat and all, getting ready to dazzle you tomorrow.  I’ll show you some simple kitchen ideas, sure to make your mouth water AND festive packaging  you can craft in minutes. To see my festive Ho Ho jars, you will have to tune in!

Below is a sneak peek at the recipes for tomorrow.

Marinated Mozzarella

1 pound fresh mozzarella cut into 1 inch cubes or use small mozzarella balls

¾ cup olive oil

1 tablespoon sherry vinegar

1 clove garlic sliced

2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped such as rosemary and thyme

½ teaspoon black pepper corns

Dash or red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients in a glass jar and marinate over night or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

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, and pour vodka into a bottle for storage.

Vanilla Vodka

2 cups vodka

1-2 vanilla pods

Pour vodka into a clean jar or container, add vanilla pods.  Shake 2-3 times a day for 1 week. Pour the vodka and pods into a bottle for storage.

Spiced Rum

750 ml bottle gold rum

1 vanilla pod

1 cinnamon stick

1 point star anise

2 cloves

1 piece all spice

2 strips orange zest

Place all aromatic ingredients into the bottle of rum.  Let steep for 24 hours shaking occasionally.

Burger Spice Blend

2 tablespoon salt

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dry mustard

2 tablespoon onion powder

2 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon dried basil

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.

Mexican Rub/Taco Seasoning

¼ cup chili powder

2 tablespoons sea salt

2 tablespoons paprika

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cumin

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container. 

Cranberry Walnut Goat Cheese Spread

12 ounces fresh goat cheese at room temperature

2 tablespoons honey

½ cup chopped dried cranberries

½ cup chopped walnuts

Pinch salt

Mix all ingredients and pack in small jars for gift giving.  Store the goat cheese spread in the refrigerator until ready to serve.