|
 When
you’re famous in your family and friends circle for your homemade
caramels, pecan pie or barbecue sauce, it’s a welcomed gift to give.
However, whenever gifting food, you must first consider the means to
keep it safe.
Always start by cleaning and sanitizing kitchen counter surfaces.
Wash hands with soap and warm water before preparing the recipe and
after anytime they’ve become contaminated, such as after touching
raw eggs. If giving perishable foods, such as egg-rich pies like
pumpkin and pecan pie or cinnamon rolls with a cream cheese
frosting, give the recipient advanced notice, making sure they are
home and can refrigerate the gift when dropping it off. Reconsider
giving home-canned foods, especially salsas, pickles and low-acid
meats and vegetables. These are higher-risk items that must be
processed correctly, and it’s always best to err on the side of
caution.
Consider giving gifts such as jars of dried soup or
cookie mixes, filling the jars with dried ingredients and attaching
the instructions for how to add liquid or perishable ingredients.
Pack a decorative tin with baked goods, caramel corn, or homemade
candies. Fill mugs with homemade mixes of hot cocoa or spices for
hot apple cider. Pack spice containers with dried herbs from your
herb garden. There are countless options for spreading warm holiday
cheer with a food gift from the kitchen; just don’t be the one to
spread foodborne illness! [to top of second
column] |
Homemade Granola
3 ½ cups old fashioned oats
½ cup chopped pecans
½ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
½ cup pure maple syrup
2 Tablespoons canola oil
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
¾ cup dried cranberries
Preheat oven to 350F. In a large bowl, combine oats, pecans and
pepitas. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, vanilla,
cinnamon, and salt. Pour over oat mixture and stir to coat. Spread
evenly in a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring
every 10 minutes, until golden brown. Stir in dried cranberries and
allow to cool completely before storing in tightly covered container
for up to two weeks or freeze for up to 3-5 months.
Yield: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 360 calories, 15 grams fat, 40
milligrams sodium, 52 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams fiber, 8 grams
protein [Jenna Smith,
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness, University of Illinois
Extension ]
|
