Instead of giving friends items that they may not even want, give something you know will satisfy: food. There are many recipes that are inexpensive to make but will impress and please your friends.

These thoughtful gifts take little time to make and can be created in large batches. If you have little extra time, attention to presentation can make these gifts especially beautiful--check out these tips.

Below are a few of my favorites food presents.

1. Chocolate truffles. These homemade candies look impressively difficult but are actually quite simple to make.

2. Homemade Kalhua. By making your own, the price per pint is so much cheaper than buying the brand. And it is so easy.

3. Homemade Baileys. Same as Kalhua: easy, delicious, relatively cheap. Perfect gift for entering the winter season.

4. Peanut brittle. With the exception of your nut allergy friends, who doesn't love peanut brittle? You will need a candy thermometer for this one and two people for spreading out the liquid candy, but it is worth the effort.

5. Fudge. This is ridiculously easy. Fudge is delicious.

6. Candied pecans. Again, very easy. A little more expensive than the other options, but candied pecans are a unique treat associated with the holidays.

7. Homemade hot chocolate mix. Dress up a mason jar, and your friends will think of you all winter long.

8. Chocolate chip cookie mix. Enough said. You may may not be helping with New Year's resolutions to lose weight, but who doesn't like a mix of chocolate chip cookies, ready to bake at any time?

9. Spice blend. This list of different spice blends gives some fun gift options; cater your spice mix to the personality of the recipient. My favorites are the Garam Masala and the N'awlins Seasoning.

10. Homemade granola. This is my personal favorite gift. On a winter morning, this granola keeps you running. Here is my mom's recipe.

Mom’s Granola

Starter ingredients:

• ½ light brown sugar
• 1/4c. molasses
• 1/4c. honey
• ¼ c. water
• 3 TB vegetable oil
• 2 Tsp. Cinnamon

Mix all the above in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add:

• 1 tsp. Vanilla (some like to add maple flavoring )
• Mix in a large roasting pan: (this can be altered to your taste or whatever you have on hand!)
• 5 – 6 cups old fashioned oatmeal.
• 1 c. wheat flakes
• 1/2c. each walnuts, pecans and almonds (or favorite combination of nuts), chopped
• 1/3c. sunflower seeds
• ½ c. wheat germ
• 2 TB. Sesame seeds.

Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix thoroughly. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes – stir every 15 minutes for even browning. Add raisins, chopped dates and or craisins to taste.

I like to sprinkle with a little salt when it comes out. Let cool completely before packing in container.

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Caitlin Elsaesser
Caitlin Elsaesser is a Maine girl transplanted to Chicago. More