Homemade gifts

I find that homemade edible gifts are the best to give in keeping with the spirit of the season. Offering something from your own kitchen with your personal stamp to your friends and family is the best way to celebrate the season. Any one of these gifts would make a lasting impression with your friends and family.

 Cardamom flavored Cashew shortbread

What could be better than homemade garam masala powder as a Christmas gift? Garam masala powder will add flavor and aroma to the dish.

My most popular pomegranate jelly

Sweet and spicy cocktail nuts

Some more ideas for homemade gift baskets

*Almost all these recipes are adopted from my cook books. Both my cookbooks will make great Christmas gifts.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes), please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply

Indian at my website komalinunna.com.

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Homemade Gifts-Cocktail Nuts

This post is part of my homemade Christmas gifts series.
 As the Christmas is coming closer I am busy building my inventory for homemade gifts from my kitchen.  I am some one who truly believes in homemade gifts. I like to put my personal stamp on the gift I am giving including the gift wrap. A jar of spicy-sweet cocktail nuts are sure to be a hit at any party. These nuts are not only delicious and super easy to make, but they are also vegan and gluten free.

Cocktail nuts

Nuts are perfect go to snack. A handful of these mixed nuts, seasoned with aromatic spices, will surely satisfy your cravings for a crunchy snack

Yield: 5 cups

·         5 cups mixed nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pecans.

·         4 tablespoons organic blue agave

·         4 tablespoons  coconut oil, melted

·         1 teaspoon cayenne

·         ½ teaspoon cinnamon

·         1 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

• Preheat oven to 350˚F
• Place nuts on a rimmed baking sheet and toast for 10 -12 minutes, while stirring once or twice with a spatula to make sure all the nuts are toasting evenly. 
• Meanwhile, mix the remaining six ingredients in a medium bowl. Add warm nuts to the bowl and stir until all the nuts are coated with species. 
• Return nuts to the baking sheet and toast for another 10 – 12 minutes. Let them cool down a bit before serving. 

 Pack the nuts neatly in glass jars. Tie it with raffia and berries for a festive touch.Voila! Your homemade gift is ready.

*The recipe for cocktail nuts are adopted from my new cookbook, Trader Joe's Simply Indian. 

Trader Joe's Simply Indian (both printed and kindle version) is available to buy at Amazon. Trader Joe's Simply Indian is a compilation of gourmet Indian recipes made from fresh and ready to use ingredients available at Trader Joe's.

For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes), please check out my book, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen, at my website komalinunna.com.

Sharing at:
Wow-Us- Wednesday 
Common Ground 
Tablescape thursday 
French Country Cottage 
Common Ground 
Show and Tell 
Foodie Friday
Pink Saturday  
Seasonal Sundays