These homemade gifts are sure to be a big hit with the family this Christmas
Sometimes do-it-yourself gifts are appreciated much more than ready-made run-of-the-mill shop-bought gifts.
POLOKWANE – More thought can be put into what the person will really appreciate, and it usually is much cheaper than bought trinkets.
For mothers and young ladies, a nice foot or hand scrub can be made easily and in no time at all. When applying the scrub, make sure to use a spoon to scoop out the desired amount. If any water leaks inside the scrub, bacteria can form, so, make sure you store you sugar scrub in a well-sealed container free from water or moisture.
Apply the scrub to your hands, feet and body and massage for a few minutes. Then rinse the scrub off with warm water. The rosemary and peppermint sugar scrub should keep two to three months.
Here are a few different versions:
• Peppermint foot scrub
Ingredients
– 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
– About ¼ cup almond oil, divided
– 2 drops red or green food colouring (or raspberry juice)
– 8-10 drops peppermint essential oil
Method
Set out two separate bowls and fill each bowl with one cup of sugar. Add the almond oil to each bowl so that the sugar is a nice soft consistency but not too wet. Stir together the oil and the sugar in each bowl.Take one bowl and set it aside. Take the other bowl of sugar and add two drops of red food colouring and mix it together. Add 8-10 drops of peppermint essential oil to the pink sugar and mix it well. Take a clean container and add a layer of pink sugar using a large funnel. A paper funnel works well so the sugar can easily slide into the jar. Follow with a layer of white sugar. Continue until the layers until the jar is full.
• Lemon sugar scrub
Ingredients
– 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar; divided
– 1/4 cup coconut oil (almond oil will also work)
– 10-15 drops lemon natural oils
– Lemon (optional)
Method
Put sugar in a large bowl. Set aside. Measure out 1/4 cup of coconut oil and place it in a microwave safe bowl. Heat coconut oil in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until the oil is melted. Pour oil over sugar and mix to combine. Add in lemon drops. If desired, add lemon zest for extra color and scent. Using a zester or small grater, zest the rind of 1 lemon. Stir to combine. Place in a jar and decorate the jar. Vanilla essence can also be used instead of lemon oils.
• Homemade Rosemary and Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
– Rosemary essential oil
– Peppermint essential oil
Method
Start by adding 2 cups of granulated sugar into a bowl. Heat the coconut oil in the microwave in a safe bowl 15-25 seconds or until the oil is melted. Add 1/4 cup of melted and cooled coconut oil into the bowl of sugar. The coconut oil is what makes your skin soft and smooth. Lastly, add 10 drops each of rosemary and peppermint essential oils, or until you reach the smell you desire. Use a whisk to combine the ingredients.
What to do for the male friends, fathers, neighbours who have been helpful and friendly throughout the year? Something edible or sweet is always welcome.
For the men, a lovely treat such as toffee or fudge will keep them munching away while they watch the Boxing Day test.
Christmas crack toffee
Christmas crack toffee … you will want to put this recipe on your “Must make” list this year because it is amazing. It takes sweet and salty to a whole new level and it only takes 15 minutes to make!
Ingredients
– Around 50 saltine crackers
– 2 sticks / 1 cup salted butter, cubed
– 1 cup soft light brown sugar packed
– 2 cups chocolate chips
– 1/2 to 1 cup M&M’s, chopped nuts or sliced almonds
Method
Pre-heat oven to 325°F. Line a large flat pan with aluminium foil. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray and then line the pan with saltine crackers.
Place the butter and sugar in a medium sized pot over low to medium-low heat. Stir until the butter is melted. Once the butter has melted, bring to a boil for 3 minutes. Stir constantly.
Once it’s nice and bubbly and has changed to a caramel colour, remove pan from heat and pour evenly over saltine crackers. Spread mixture with a knife. Try to move fast during this part so the toffee doesn’t harden. Keep care not to burn yourself, as this mixture is sticky and very hot!
Place pan in the oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. The mixture will spread evenly over the crackers as it bakes.
Remove pan from oven and allow to cool slightly. Melt the chocolate and then pour over the top, flatten with a spatula. Sprinkle M&M’s (or nuts) on top and then place in the freezer for 15 minutes. Once chocolate has hardened break into pieces and store in a container. It will stay fresh for 1 – 2 weeks.
Peanut Butter Fudge (40 minutes to prepare)
Ingredients
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 2/3 cup evaporated milk
– 1 cup marshmallow fluff
– 1 cup crunchy peanut butter
– 1 tsp vanilla
Method
Cook sugar and evaporated milk in a large saucepan to 230 degrees.
Remove from heat and add: marshmallow fluff, peanut butter and vanilla.
Beat well, then pour into a buttered 9×9 pan. Let cool, then cut into squares.
