Voice of the Mid-Columbia | Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Wash. |
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closeChristmas carols beginning to dance through your head? Bet not one of the lyrics includes the word "budget."
For one, it's not easy to find a word that rhymes. But frankly, the idea of shopping on a belt-tightening budget is a downer during the season of giving. This is the time of year you're supposed to be dashing through the aisles, basket forging ahead, laughing all the way.
Alas, for many that's the Ghost of Christmas Past. Budget is the specter hovering over Christmas Present. This year we're far more likely to show our love and caring for friends and relatives with a box of pears than with an entire pear tree, complete with partridge, leaping lords and golden rings. But affordable doesn't equal cheap if it's made by you. That's a gift of love and time -- both priceless.
This year, sweeten the gift-giving season with 12 treats you can whip up in your kitchen. The first four are running this week: Easy homemade gifts from your kitchen.
Noncooks: Stop looking like you want to go dashing through the snow. For one, we don't have any. And two, to make a couple of these gift ideas you don't even need to know a spatula from a springform pan. You simply need to know how to measure and make the time to cook.
On Dec. 17, it's four inexpensive, but delicious, cookie recipes plus tips on baking on a budget. On Dec. 24, you'll find four simple, affordable treats to make for Christmas brunch.
There you have it. Four treats, three weeks, equals 12 affordable goodies for family, friends and you to enjoy this holiday season.
Rattlesnake Shake Spice Blend
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons chipotle chili pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons pepper
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon ground thyme
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Blend all ingredients together and package in small jars or plastic containers with tight fitting lids.
Use: As a rub for any meat, poultry or shrimp. Sprinkle on grilled veggies such as corn on the cob. Make a marinade for chicken or thick-cut pork chops by mixing it with a little vegetable oil and a generous amount of beer.
-- From McCormick
Parmesan-Herb Almonds
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 egg whites
2 cups whole natural almonds
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In small bowl mix all ingredients except egg whites and almonds; set aside.
In large bowl whisk egg whites until they begin to form soft peaks and are opaque. Add almonds and toss to coat. Add cheese mixture and toss gently.
Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and lay almonds in a single layer on it. Bake for 15 minutes, stir, and bake another 15 minutes. Turn off oven and leave almonds inside with the door ajar for 20 minutes.
Remove and cool. Store in an airtight tin up to one week.
-- Almond Board of California
Baked Caramel Corn
2 bags (3.5 ounces each) microwave popcorn
1 cup butter
2 cups firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Coat large roasting pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Pop popcorn according to package directions. Open bag and pour into roasting pan.
In large saucepan, melt butter; stir in brown sugar, corn syrup and salt. Heat to a boil, stirring constantly; boil without stirring 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in baking soda and vanilla.
Pour over popped popcorn, mixing well using a spoon. Bake
1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven; cool completely. Break apart and store in tightly covered container.
-- Jolly Time Pop Corn
Chex Caramel Crunch
8 cups chocolate Chex cereal
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
6 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup white vanilla chips
In a large microwavable bowl, measure cereal; set aside. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.
In a 2-cup microwavable measuring cup, microwave brown sugar, butter and corn syrup uncovered on high power for 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute, until melted. Stir in baking soda until dissolved. Pour over cereal, stirring until coated. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring every minute. Spread on cookie sheet. Cool 10 minutes, then break into pieces.
In a small microwavable bowl, heat vanilla baking chips uncovered on high power, about 1 minute. (Chips will not melt.) Remove from microwave and stir smooth. Drizzle over cereal squares and set aside until set. Store in tightly sealed container.
-- General Mills
*Loretto J. Hulse: 582-1513; lhulse@tricityherald.com
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