FROM NEW NEIGHBORS TO NEW FRIENDS // 8 SIMPLE RECIPES FOR GIFTING

A couple of months ago, all of our belongings were in boxes, our lives a manic race between Home Depot and the paint store, and our (well, my) meltdowns plentiful. Yes, we moved.

Norwyk Manor was mournfully traded for Claiborne House, and we found ourselves once again making a series of walls and rooms into a that ever-intangible phantom concept, “home.”

Several months in and we are settled thanks to many friends, family members, and a healthful number of emergency Starbucks runs.

This all leads me to one very vital mention - we have new neighbors. New friendship possibilities, new walkers for Sabine to greet, new givers and recipients of friendly nods before work, and tired smiles after.

Though neighborliness should certainly span beyond the Christmas season, it is one of the few times many of us remember to remember. This year, I have gathered up a few of my favorite easily-shared treats for your neighbors, teachers, co-workers, or favorite barista’s. It’s a thank-you that means a bit more than a gift card, and the effort truly is as rewarding for our hearts as to those who will receive them.

Here are a few of my favorites. Some old (the photographs make me cringe), some new, but all delicious.

1. BROWN BUTTER PECAN GRANOLA - This most deliciously decadent granola is the perfect topping for yogurt and becomes a toffee-like breakfast cereal when doused with icy cold milk.

2. CHRISTMAS PRETZELS - These ultra easy spruced up pretzels make the perfect hostess or teacher gift!

3. ORANGE CINNAMON SUGAR AND SAVORY SOY CHEX MIX - Scoot over muddy buddies, there’s a new snack in town!

4. EGGNOG CARAMEL SAUCE - Deliver in tiny jars with quarts of your favorite vanilla ice cream and your neighbors will instantly forgive you for vacuuming at 10:30pm.

5. VANILLA CANDY CANE MARSHMALLOWS - I like gifting shiny, cellophane bags of these soft marshmallows with a tin of my favorite hot cocoa. The perfect pairing!

6. HOT COCOA SNACK MIX - This hot cocoa snack mix is the perfect non-cookie treat for chocolate lovers!

7. WHITE CHOCOLATE ORANGE BARK - This super easy white chocolate orange bark with cranberries, ginger, and pistachios is always a crowd pleaser!

8. SWEET & SALTY CARAMEL CHEX MIX - This sweet and salty snack mix is one of my very favorite recipes, and makes the perfect Christmas Day treat.

Happy gifting!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie