Holiday (Gift) Reserves

CELEBRATIONS | by JANNA LUFKIN

BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK IN DECEMBER, I like to have a stockpile of gifts that can be used as last-minute or hostess gifts wrapped up and ready to go.

I pick an idea, then make them all ahead of time (often Thanksgiving weekend) and I’m ready for the holiday season. This year, homemade granola, packaged up in food safe bags then slipped into rustic burlap bags, embellished with a personalized gift tag and sprig of cedar. I stack my ready-to-go gifts in a container by my back door and grab one when I need it.

© JANNA LUFKIN

If you want to make some too, here’s what you will need:

• Granola (a great one from Jean Galton is below)
• Clear food-safe bags
• Transparent tape or decorative stickers
• Burlap bags
• The granola recipe on recipe cards
• Twine or ribbon
• Gift tags
• Rubber stamp
• Fresh greenery

Here’s how to make them:

• Gather granola ingredients and make up as many batches as you think you’ll need.
• Once granola has completely cooled, place at least two cups (more if you like) into a food-safe bag and seal with tape or sticker.
• Insert bagged granola into burlap bag along with one of the recipe cards.
• Tie with twine or embellish with a colorful ribbon.
• Stamp a tag, personalize and tie onto bag; add fresh greenery.

It’s that easy.

A project done early gets you in the mood for the festivities ahead. It helps to eliminate some of the stress and it’s fun too.

Relax! And Happy Holidays.

Lowfat Granola
Makes about 10 cups
1/4 cup coconut or olive oil
1/2 cup packed dark-brown sugar
3 large egg whites
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup walnuts
3/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
2/3 cup ground flaxseed
1 cup coarsely chopped dried sour cherries
1/2 cup coarsely chopped dried peaches or nectarines
1/3 cup honey

Preheat the oven to 350°F. If using the coconut oil, place on a heavy rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven until melted, about 3 minutes.

Pour the oil in a large bowl and whisk in the sugar, egg whites and salt. Add the oats, walnuts, pepitas, coconut and flaxseed and toss to coat.

Spread the mixture on the prepared sheet and bake 15 minutes. Stir the granola and bake 15 minutes longer.

Sprinkle with the sour cherries and peaches, drizzle with honey and mix well. Bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes longer.

Loosen the granola and transfer to another baking sheet to cool completely.