Holiday Gift Idea #2: Something for the Furry Kids

I can't lie, my fur-babies are, without a doubt, more privileged than my sons could have ever dreamed. A good example is bedtime - Picture this, its 10pm and my husband comes into the room ready to climb into bed only to find our 90-lb Labrador has taken his spot and is snoring deeply, occasionally kicking a foot out as he likely dreams of chasing the bunnies that frequently visit our yard. My husband looks down at our dog, Mousse, grabs a pillow and lays down at the foot of the bed.  When I say, "Honey, just move Mousse off the bed." 

His response is classic, "No, I don't want to disturb him, he looks really peaceful." 

Thank heavens we have a king-size bed. Neither of us would ever get a good-night's sleep. So yes, thoroughly spoiled and have us wrapped completely around their...dewclaws. 

A couple years ago we discovered Whisker Biscuits at the Christkindlmarkt in Bethlehem, PA. We introduced the treats to our dogs, and they absolutely LOVED them. In fact, they literally bark at me after work and run with tails wagging to the cabinet where I keep their Whisker Biscuit treats. The reaction is so impressive, last year we sent our grand-pups the Whisker Biscuit Big Sack for Christmas. We were able to ship it directly to them as a gift. It is filled with a variety of their popular treats. My son reported the same reaction we experienced with our dogs. His Huskies were crazy in love with the treats and they usually turn their nose up at all snacks. 

If you are looking for a unique winner of a gift for the special canine in your life, I highly recommend a bag of Whisker Biscuits. Your fur-baby will be thrilled! 

 

Holiday Gift Idea #1: Intelex Warmies Slippers

Imagine slipping your chilly toes into a pair of toasty warm slippers. It can happen. These Intelex Warmies Slippers are my first Santa's Little Helper suggestion when looking for gift-giving ideas this season.

Rated with 4.5 Consumer Stars (2,171 consumers reporting), these off-brand slippers beat out the Warmie brand by a full star and more than $10.00 price difference.

The final selling point, the slippers are filled with millet grains that hold in the heat when you microwave them (no more than 60 seconds at a time) and dried lavender flower to sooth and relax. 

As a gift, I would box these up with a bottle of Baileys Irish Cream, a holiday mug, and a cute card that sends warm holiday wishes from head to toe. 

Making Dulce de Leche : Its Easier Than you Think

Happy Sunday to you! Last week I offered to help you get through the next few weeks with some helpful hints that will ease the planning, preparing and overall STRESS that goes into the holiday season.

Today I’m going to introduce you to the simplest and most cost-effective way to make homemade Dulce de Leche (Caramel Sauce). Imagine pairing your kitchen creation tied with a cute ribbon around the lid, tucked into a box with a set of tulip sundae cups, a jar of sprinkles and a gift card to a local ice cream shop. What a cute gift for a friend, teacher or co-worker.  

If you have ever made caramel, it can be time consuming and, speaking from experience, if not watched closely, it can turn out grainy. I’ve thrown out more bad batches of sauce than I care to admit. So, when I discovered a no-fail method to make Dulce de Leche (sounds so gourmet), I was all over it.

Here’s how you make your own Caramel Sauce. You will need:

A crockpot

2 - 4oz. canning jar(s)

1 - 8oz. can Sweetened Condensed Milk (I like Eagle Brand but any brand will work)

Water

 Directions:

1)    Open the can of sweetened condensed milk and split it between two 4 oz. canning jars

2)    Screw the lids on the jars tightly

3)    Place the jars in a crockpot

4)    Fill the crockpot with water until it covers the top of the lids

5)    Turn the crockpot to LOW and let it cook for 8 hours – Making sure to keep an eye on the water level so that it does not fall below the top of the lids. Add more water if it does.

6)    Once the 8 hours is up, turn the crockpot off and all ow the jars to cool for a short time before removing them from the crockpot

7)    The jars should be pulled out of the water and can sit on the counter until they are completely cool

8)    Open the jars and stir

9)    Caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long).

**Hint: Play with the time that the sauce stays in the crockpot – 8 hours will result in a think creamy sauce. If you want it to be thinner with more of a drizzle consistency, shorten the time to 6 hours.

** Hint: I used 2 cans of Sweetened Condensed Milk to make 5- 4oz jars.

Homemade Vanilla Extract

Few gifts compare to those that are lovingly baked in your own kitchen. Pumpkin bread, decorated cookies or any other goodie send a message that you took the time to make something special just for them. 

Taste is a big deal to me when it comes to baking. One of my secrets is using my own Vanilla. It makes a noticeable difference. So much yumminess!

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

4oz glass vanilla bottles

Funnel

Madagascar Vanilla Beans (need two stalks per bottle)

Vodka (any brand will work. I use Tito’s)

Directions:

Wash and dry the bottles thoroughly

Cut each vanilla bean stalk in half and slice each of the halves lengthwise. 

Gently open up the pod slightly to expose the vanilla beans,

Drop 4-6 halves into the bottle

Using the funnel, slowly pour vodka into the bottle(s)

Cap the bottle(s) and add a label (if you choose)

Store in a dark cool location to brew. Gently shake once a week. Allow vanilla to “brew” for at least 6-8 weeks before using. For best results, brew for 4-5 months.

If this all sounds like too much, I have 4oz bottles I sell for $10/bottle. Ready for use now;  8oz bottles will be ready for gifting in mid-December. $20/bottle. Message me if interested. #teacakesntidbits

Bring on the Hallmark Holiday Movies!

Yesterday my friend sent me the upcoming Hallmark Countdown to Christmas schedule. My first thought (for about half a second) was, “Christmas movies, already? Really?” But then, something happened. My inner ELF pushed her way past my “It’s Fall Y’all” hoodie-wearing state of mind, announcing with glee, “OMG… OMG…its HERRRRE!!!!”. (Picture Gollum’s joy when he finally takes back the Ring from Frodo in Mount Doom in Mordor- 1:27 into the above link). 

Odd that I visualize Gollum jumping up and down in delight after biting off Frodo’s finger as I think of my inner elf…but…well…it is…what it is. Unfortunately, if you’ve never seen Lord of the Rings: Return of the King, then my analogy makes no sense and you will have to accept that I am very excited to see the Hallmark schedule because it means that Christmas in on its way!

In all transparency, my inner elf is always hanging around somewhere just waiting to pop out. While there are some who would argue that Halloween hasn’t even arrived, I live in a world of Christmas planning at least 9 months out of every year. No, it’s not about being “extra”, I just LOVE Christmas. The weather, songs, holiday spirit, baking, crafts, closeness with friends and family…especially the time with my family. By the time the holiday actually rolls around, I sit back sipping my Cosmo, sympathetically listening to all my friends complaining that the season snuck up on them and they have no idea what to do...while visions of sugar cookies dance in my head.

Given that we only have 9 weekends left until Christmas Day (I know…it’s okay, breathe) I’m going to help you out. Come back here for a visit between now and December 25th to find simple decorating ideas, gifting favorites, special recipes and a few “extras”.  

Please share your stories and let me know if something I posted was helpful to you. It will bring a season of joy to my Christmas Critter heart.  

P.S. For the Hallmark Checklist App, follow this link.

#teacakesntidbits #hallmarkchannel