Worried about spending cash this holiday season? Instead of stressing out over what to buy and how you are going to afford it, make something yourself. A homemade gift has a personal touch and shows you really made an effort. Grab some clear bags and decorative ribbon, head to the kitchen and start creating. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Cookie Gift Jar
Yield: 2 dozen

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups M&M’s or mini chocolate chips
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Combine the flour with baking soda and salt.

In a clean 1 liter sized canning jar layer the ingredients in the order given, starting with the brown sugar and ending with the flour mixture.

Attach a card with the following directions:

M & M Cookies (or Chocolate Chip Cookies)
Preheat oven to 175 degrees C. Line one baking sheet with parchment paper.
Empty the contents of the jar into a large bowl and mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
Using your hands work in 3/4 cup softened butter or margarine.
Beat 1 egg with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Work this into the flour mixture until well combined.
Shape dough into 1 inch sized balls and place 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Slightly flatten the balls with the palm of your hand. Bake at 175 C for 10 to 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove cookies to a rack to cool. Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Ginger Cinnamon-Salt Body Scrub

This body scrub has the fresh, invigorating scents of both ginger and cinnamon.

1 cup sea salt
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup almond oil or olive oil

Mix all ingredients together, and store in a wide mouthed jar.  Label your scrub with a special holiday message and as a final touch tie a ribbon around the lid.  To use, rub all over damp skin to get rid of dead skin and  rinse with warm water.

Decadent and Delicious Fudge

2 cups sugar
2/3 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup margarine
1 large pkg. chocolate chips
1 tsp. vanilla
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Spray an 20 x 20 cm pan with nonstick spray.  In a heavy saucepan, mix together sugar, milk and margarine. Bring to a boil. Boil exactly 6 minutes; stir constantly. Turn heat off. Beat chocolate chips into the mixture. Add vanilla; beat for 3 minutes. Add nuts, if desired. Pour into pan, chill. cut into different shapes and sizes and share the wealth!

We at www.studentvillage.co.za want to hear from you, what’s your favourite homemade gift to make or receive?