A sweet gift, a savory gift

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, December 13, 2016

It always feels nice to give a gift that’s homemade. You’ve put time, energy and thought into creating something special.

But how many people really have time to toil in the kitchen making individually glazed and decorated Christmas cookies?

Save your sanity. Make something in a large batch and divvy it up for your various friends.

These two recipes — one sweet, one savory — have become my go-tos.

For the sweet, make a bunch of peppermint brittle, break it into pieces, toss it in some of those cute cellophane bags, and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to use those tiny candy canes that seem to multiply like rabbits this time of year. And to release some built-up holiday stress — you get to smash the candy canes with a mallet!

On the savory side is the “cowboy candy,” or candied jalapenos. They’re a riff on the spicy jelly you’ve seen served with cream cheese as an appetizer. It’s easy to make, has a nice mix of sweet and spicy, and looks quite pretty, especially when made with a mix of green and red peppers. Be sure to turn on your stove’s fan and open a window, though. The smell of boiling cider vinegar, peppers and turmeric can last in your kitchen for days.

Happy giving!