Chic, Cheap Gifts For Party Hostesses

Katie Lee Joel Has Them, And Recipes, On The Early Show

(CBS) 

RECIPES

Homemade Granola

Yields 8 cups (10-12 servings)

3 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup unsalted hulled sunflower seeds
1/2 cup unsalted hulled pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/4 cup wheat germ
1-1/2 cups chopped unsalted mixed nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts, cashews, etc.)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter or canola oil
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped mixed dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, dates, apricots, figs, prunes, etc.)

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, mix together the oats, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, coconut, wheat germ, nuts, cinnamon, and salt.

In a small saucepan melt butter in the maple syrup over low heat. Stir in the vanilla. Add to the oat mixture. Add 2 tablespoons water and stir until well combined. Spread the granola evenly on a large baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring at 10-minute intervals to ensure uniform baking, until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan. Stir in the dried fruits.

When completely cooled, place in an airtight container. Granola will keep at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks. It also freezes well for future use.

Sweet-n-Spicy Nuts

2 egg whites
1 Tablespoon water
4 cups unsalted mixed nuts
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 Tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Preheat oven to 300 F.

In a large bowl, whisk egg whites and water until frothy. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and spices. Add nuts and sugar mixture to egg whites. Mix until all of the nuts are evenly coated with sugar mixture. Evenly spread onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, until nuts are crisp. Let cool completely before serving or packaging.

Dark Chocolate Chunk and Dried Cherry Cookies

Yields 36 cookies

2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 cup dried cherries (about 6 ounces), coarsely chopped

Preheat oven to 375°F. Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Grease two cookie sheets, or line with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time beating until incorporated. Beat in the vanilla. Mix in the dry ingredients with the mixer on low speed until just combined. Stir in the chocolate and cherries with a wooden spoon.

Scoop by the heaping tablespoonful onto the cookie sheets. Bake until golden and chewy, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a rack to cool. Store in an airtight container.

[bo4duke]

A friend called me about this story since my 2 favorite things (to get and receive) are Garrett''s popcorn and Graeters ice cream.

They are both AWESOME!