Cinnamon-Roasted Almonds

These are great during the Holidays, as a snack, or place them in a decorated jar or gift tin for a quick gift! 1 egg white 1 tsp. cold water 4 cups whole almonds 1/2 cut white sugar 1/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp cinnamon Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Lightly grease a large baking sheet. Lightly beat the egg white, add water, and beat until frothy but not stiff. Add almonts and stir until well coated. Mix the sugar, salt and cinnamon, sprinkle over the nuts. Toss to coat, and spread evenly on prepared pan. Bake for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until golden. Allow to cool completely; store in airtight container.

Double-Chocolate Spiced Snack Mix

When placed in a glass canning jar with the lid decorated with Holiday material and/or yarn, it makes a wonderful gift! 1 - 12-oz package Crispix cereal (about 10 cups) 1-1/2 cups mixed nuts 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup light colored corn syrup 1/2 cup butter 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1 cup chocolate covered peanuts 1 cup chocolate covered raisins 2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk or dark; your preference) Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large roasting pan, combine cereal and nuts; set aside. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, cinnamon, and ginger. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Pour over cereal mixture; stir gently to coat. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring twice. Remove from overn. Spread mixture onto a large piece of buttered foil and let cool. (NOTE: I use butter-flavored cooking spray and it works just as well.) When cooled, break into pieces and place in a large bowl. Stir in chocolate covered peanuts, chocolate covered raisins, and chocolate chips. Place in an airtight container (can be stored at room temperature for up to one week), or into canning jars or other pretty jars to give as gifts. Makes 16 cups.

Hot Cocoa Mix

This mix, in a jar or a pretty mug, makes a great Holiday gift! 6-1/2 cups powdered milk 1 - 5 oz. pkg. chocolate pudding mix (NOT instant) 1 cup powdered chocolate drink mix (such as Nesquick) 1/2 cup powdered non-dairy creamer 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup mini chocolate chips In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix well. If giving as gifts in jars: Divide the mixture between 2 quart jars, seal and decorate. Attach a tag with the following directions: Dissolve 1/3 cup cocoa mix in 1 cup boiling water. Stir well. If giving as gifts in mugs: Place 1/3 cup mixture in a small ziploc baggie, place in mug. Decorate mug as desired. Attach a tag with the following directions: Dissolve entire contents in 1 cup boiling water. Stir well.