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You are here: Home / Tips / Gift Ideas / Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011

 

Christmas is almost here!  I cannot believe it!  Like last year, I decided to make Christmas gifts for my friends by hand.  I firmly believe that home-made gifts are the best as they show how much you care for the people you give them to.

This year, I decided to make 4 different goodies.

I started by making my Almond Cookies – Dolcetti di Mandorle as they are very easy to make and they are always a big hit whenever I bake them!

Almond Cookies

Then, I saw these amazing looking Exotic Shortbread Cookies over at my friend Reem’s site!  Aren’t they gorgeous?  I could not resist the temptation and decided to make these too!  I think I cooked mine a couple of minutes longer than Reem’s and I also pressed them a little more… so they don’t look exactly the same, but these Indian inspired cookies are divine and I will be making them again and again… the saffron and cardamom are so good together!

Saffron and Cardamom Shortbread Cookies

Then I included a jar of my home-made Dulce de Leche… very easy to make and delicious!

Dulce de Leche

And last, but not least… I added some of my sugar cookies shaped like Christmas tree ornaments.

Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies

Christmas Tree Ornament Sugar Cookies

I then wrapped them all individually and added some tags with the name of each item.

And then made a big parcel with all of them!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

For more gift ideas, check out this page.

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Comments

  1. Alyssa says

    December 19, 2011 at 1:07 am

    Lucky friends to get those gifts from you! I agree, something homemade is always more special. Everything looks delicious!

    Reply
  2. mjskit says

    December 19, 2011 at 3:58 am

    Here – let me give you my address dear friend! 🙂 What a great gift from the heart and the kitchen! Your friends will love it! I’ve got those cookies from Reem on my “to make” list. I’ve now added the almond cookies as well!

    Reply
  3. Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says

    December 19, 2011 at 10:07 am

    I second MJsKit – here’s my address! I’d be overjoyed to receive such thoughtful gifts, Manu. Hint, hint 😉 Thanks for all your fabulous recipes through the year.

    Reply
  4. MyFudo says

    December 19, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    I love the Dulce de leche bottle…I would love to receive these gifts too… 😉
    The shortbread recipe is one of a kind…Gonna make a batch of those! Thanks for sharing! Happy Holidays, Manu!

    Reply
  5. Camilla ~ Caffay Way says

    December 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm

    Very pretty!

    Reply
  6. Betsy @ A Dancer In The Kitchen says

    December 20, 2011 at 7:55 am

    These all look wonderful! A beautiful, yummy presentation of sweets!

    Reply
  7. Shema George says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:06 am

    Manu…I was sent here by Swanson of Chef in Disguise… So glad to find you as we share the same passion. I will start following you on facebook too. You have such a beautiful blog with so many recipes from all over the world. Love the christmas gift ideas 🙂

    Reply

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Hi! I am Manu, the author of Manu's Menu. I was born and brought up in Italy and my blog can show you how to create authentic Italian food in your own home! Read More…

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