My segment on THV11 This Morning this week focused on Make-Ahead Gifts from the Kitchen. Unfortunately, there never seems to be enough time on the show to cover everything. I don’t want you guys to miss out on these great ideas, so I’m starting a series today to cover most of those. I hope you’ll give some of them a try.
All too often during the holidays, we get so wrapped up in the baking and making of gifts that we lose sight of the fun. These make-ahead gifts are designed to relieve some of the stress that inherently comes with our “overdo” mentality. Why is it we become “superhuman” during the holiday season when otherwise we are cool, calm and collected. Well, most of the time anyway.
All of these ideas I will share are easily made with your kiddos, grandchildren or other special little ones. It’s so much more fun when they get in on the making—not only for them but you as well. Let them draw and write out the labels with their own artwork. They can easily layer the ingredients in the jars and/or bags. Nothing has to be perfect except the fun.
These can be put together days, even weeks, ahead of the busiest days. You’ll have ready gifts on hand to share with family, friends and neighbors that they will certainly appreciate.
This first one is for my daughter who is an avid Chai tea fan. With this mix, she can easily have it on hand without having to run to the local coffee shop, and it’s so much cheaper than the already-prepared mixes you could purchase at the market.
Make-Ahead Gifts from the Kitchen {Chai Tea Mix}
Notes
Makes 32 servings prepared.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups unsweetened instant tea without lemon
- 1 1/2 cups French vanilla nondairy coffee creamer
- 1 1/4 cups powdered regular nondairy coffee creamer
- 1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup dry milk powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cardamom
- 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 cup warmed water or 2% milk at serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except milk or water. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Store in airtight jars or zipper bags and package for giving along with the directions for mixing.
- To prepare: Mix 1/4 cup tea mixture with hot milk or water stirring well to combine.
