"5 simple homemade foodie Christmas gifts"
The recipes I've selected are perfect for showing just how much you love your friends and family (or how broke you are.) The trick is to package your foodie creations up with cute bags and ribbons to turn them into a really special gift. Here's an extract for you all:
"No money? No problem. These gift recipes are perfect for the broke student. Or just the Scrooges of the world who refuse to splash out on their nearest and dearest.
All of the following recipes are much easier than most people would think, which means minimal effort on your part, but maximum impression on your friends and family.
If anyone judges your DIY approach you can always say that the reason you haven't bought presents is that you don't want to fuel a consumerist society (but we won't judge you if you're just broke).
1. CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TRUFFLES
Everyone thinks truffles are difficult to make, but these are really very simple (and utterly delicious). They're essentially Ferrero Rochers. But cheaper. A treat for your loved ones and your wallet.
Ingredients
175ml double cream
200g dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
1 tsp vanilla extract
50g hazelnuts, chopped into pieces
Icing sugar, cocoa powder, more chopped nuts or sprinkles to decorate
Method
Put the cream in a small saucepan on the hob. When it starts boiling, remove from the heat and pour over the chocolate. Stir until smooth, then add the hazelnuts and vanilla. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and chill the mixture until it’s thickened but not solid (about 30 mins in the fridge). Scoop out teaspoons of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands. Put your chosen decoration on a plate and roll each truffle over until coated, then chill again to firm up.
2. CLASSIC VANILLA FUDGE
Fudge is another lovely present that is a lot easier to make than people think. Try adding nuts, mini marshmallows or butterscotch if you fancy something a bit more exciting.
Ingredients
300ml milk
350g caster sugar
100g unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Method
Grease an 18cm square cake tin. Put the milk, sugar and butter in a saucepan. Heat gently, constantly stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the butter melted. Bring to the boil and boil for 15-20 minutes, stirring all the time. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Leave to cool for a few minutes then beat the mixture with a spoon for a couple of minutes until it starts to thicken and lose its gloss. Quickly pour into the prepared tin and leave to set at room temperature. Once set, cut the fudge into small squares and store in a sealed container.
3. CRISPY CHEESE BISCUITS
These are great for those (strange) people who don't have a sweet tooth, and also make for great party nibbles.
Ingredients
25g Rice Krispies
70g plain flour
50g unsalted butter, softened
115g grated Cheddar cheese
½ tsp paprika
Method
This recipe should make about 14 biscuits. Preheat the oven to 190C. Bash the Rice Krispies in a sealed bag with a rolling pin. Rub the butter and flour together in a bowl using your fingers until they resemble breadcrumbs. Stir in the cheese, Rice Krispies and paprika. Shape the mix into about 14 balls and flatten slightly on a greased baking tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden."
And of course I'd love for you all to click through to my article on studentbeans, so for the whole article and the other two recipes - apple chutney and hanging stained glass window biscuits - follow this link.
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