It's almost that time of year again!  Time to go crazy at the mall, and spend, spend, spend!  Or not.  If you're looking to save a little money this year, and at the same time give personal gifts, keep reading.  In this segment of Homemad Christmas Gifts, we'll take a look at some edible treats your friends and family will love!

Cookies in a Jar

We've all seen those jars full of cookie mix sold in stores, but it is so easy to make your own to give as gifts.  Here's what you'll need for each jar:

1 large glass canning jar
1 piece of ribbon, approx. 24" long
1 small piece of pretty fabric
1 rubber band
1 piece of cardstock paper

Cookie Ingredients:
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. chocolate chips

Here's what you do: 
Mix the salt, baking powder and flour together, put in bottom of jar.  Layer the remaining ingredients on top of the flour in the order listed, with the chocolate chips on the top.  Put the lid on the jar.  Cut out a 9" circle of fabric and place over the lid and secure with a rubber band.  Wrap the ribbon around the lid, tie to make bow. 

On the piece of cardstock, write or print the following message:

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Store this jar in a dark, cool place for up to 3 months.

What you'll need:
Contents of this jar
1 c. unsalted butter or margarine
1 large egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 375 F.  Sift dry ingredients from jar into a colander to remove chocolate chips.  Beat butter in a medium bowl until creamy.  Beat sifted ingredients into butter until blended.  In a small bowl, beat egg with vanilla.  Mix beated egg mixture into butter until blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Drop teaspoons of batter, spaced well apart, onto a greased cookie sheet.  Bake 8 mintues or until lightly browned. 

Makes 4 dozen. 

Feel free to personalize the note however you wish.  You can punch a hole in the note and tie it on to the jar with the ribbon. 

Other cookie in a jar recipes can be found here.

Double Decker Fudge

This makes a great pre-Christmas gift (for Christmas parties, etc).  This fudge is extra-special because it has a yummy layer of peanut buttery goodness! 

1 cup peanut butter chips
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups marshmallow creme
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Butter an 8-inch square pan and set aside. Put peanut butter chips in one medium bowl and chocolate chips into another. In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat combine sugar, marshmallow creme, evaporated milk and butter. Stir constantly until mixture boils and then continue to stir while boiling for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour half of this mixture into the peanut butter chips, stirring both until chips are completely melted. Pour into prepared pan. Pour other half of milk mixture into the chocolate chips, stirring until chips are completely melted. Immediately spread over peanut butter layer. Cool and cut into 1-inch squares.

Chocolate Spoons

These can be very pretty!  It's up to you how you'd like to "wrap" them - you can either put them in a canning jar, or wrap them with gift basket cellophane and tie them up with a ribbon.  Either way, the recipient will be sure to enjoy!

12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
24 sturdy plastic spoons (clear, gold or silver)
liquer or extract flavorings, optional

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or the microwave.  Stir in any optional flavorings if desired.  Dip the bowl of each spoon in the melted chocolate so the bowl is covered and full of chocolate.  Allow excess to drip off.  Set spoons aside on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper, with the handles resting on the edge of the sheet.  Allow to cool.  You can decorate them by drizzling white or dark chocolate over them.  Wrap individually in clear or colored plastic wrap and tie with a ribbon. 

Makes 24.

Homemade Basil Oil

If you're sick of the sweets, this is for you.  Help your friends and family spice up their cooking with this yummy oil. 

1 bunch fresh basil
1 c. pure olive oil
1 specialty jar (buy at a craft store)

Tear the leaves off the basil and place in a blender with the olive oil.  Puree until smooth.  Pour mixture into a large saucepan or skillet and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.  Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a sterilized airtight jar or bottle.  Store in a cool, dark place for up to one week. 

Stay tuned for Part II in this guide series for more great homemade Christmas gift ideas!

I hope you've found this guide helpful!