The Baskets and Tins

I really misssed not doing much for give away treats last year. I was determined to make this year better in terms of showing some appreciation for meals brought in, phone calls, prayers, etc. It has been a very crazy year. Even still there are so many people that I didn't deliver to, but hopefully they will know our heartfelt gratitude for their love and concern. Back in the summer of 2009 I canned some various jams and in the process did some tiny jars that are really only a sample. I was going to do baskets with homemade bread and jams and various other goodies, but Christmas 2009 just got away from me. This year I got the little jars out and decided to just do it.

Grumpy and I went shopping for inexpensive baskets to pack our goodies into and ended up with a combination of both baskets and tins. He kept muttering under his breath…"what's wrong with paper plates?" I think he thought I couldn't hear him. No paper plates for my plans this year. After all, presentation is part of the gift. Paper plates are fine for a lot of things, but not for our packages this year.

Having started a little late in the season, I had to be realistic about time, so I settled on various combinations of bread/jams (four different kinds) toffee and various other things that were available to pack into our gifts. Summer made some delicious little pretzel/rolo/M&M treats that she did a few variations of and were really tasty. I got a little grouchy Sunday morning as I was getting the baskets ready for delivery - I guess I didn't calculate the tired factor that is my constant companion these days. Nonetheless, baskets were readied, Christmas Sunday was wonderful and then baskets were delivered. It felt good to give just a few things to a few families who live around us and have been so helpful. People Jamie and Richard hometeach (not the same families) and those who give of their time to teach us. There were also a few friends mixed in and I wish I had started earlier so I could have done a longer list. There have been so many people who have called and come to visit, best friends over the years who have been there and so on.




Toffee cooking. It took a couple of batches to get to know the right settings on Summer's stove, so I had an overcooked batch that I did give away as it wasn't terrible. (I hope not any way).



Toffee cooling all dressed up in chocolate and nuts. I love the breaking up part after it is all set. There are always a few pieces that just don't break right so they have to be eaten. You know, the really little ones that are just too small to pack. Yummm.

Next year I will do even better and hope that I continue to have the energy and resources to do all this. Because I truly love it.

Giving is the best blessing there is.