SERIOUSLY SIMPLE SEASONING SALT
o Makes 3-1/2 cups
Diane Rossen Worthington, author of "Seriously Simple Holidays," says she makes packages of this seasoning salt to give to friends during the holidays. The recipe is from her book. The seasoning salt can be stored up to three months when refrigerated.
30 peeled garlic cloves, ends cut off
2 cups kosher salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
2 tablespoons paprika
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground white pepper
2 tablespoons celery seed
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon dried dill weed
In a running food processor fitted with a metal blade, drop in the garlic cloves and process until finely minced.
Combine all the remaining ingredients in a large measuring cup. Add to the garlic and pulse until completely blended. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the processor bowl and pulse again.
Transfer to an airtight container or to smaller containers with shakers on top.
Use the seasoning salt to season meat and poultry.
CHOCOLATE COFFEE SPOONS
o Makes 30
Chocolate-covered spoons are fun gifts for the coffee lover on your list. Kids love to help. You can use plastic spoons or inexpensive holiday spoons, wrapping each one in plastic wrap tied with a pretty bow.
2 cups chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or candy melts
2 teaspoons shortening
30 spoons
Cover a cookie sheet with wax paper. Place the chips and shortening in a 4-cup glass measure or a medium mixing bowl. Microwave the chips for 1 minute at 50 percent power. Stir well. Continue microwaving at 50 percent power, stirring every 30 seconds, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
Dip spoons one at a time into the chocolate. Tap each spoon on the side of the measuring cup to remove the excess. Place dipped spoons on the wax paper until the chocolate hardens. Wrap individual spoons in plastic wrap before storing.
To use, just stir your coffee with a chocolate-dipped spoon until the chocolate is melted.
HOT COCOA MIX
o Makes 24 servings
This hot cocoa mix can be blended and stored in an airtight container for at least a year. You can use either hot milk or hot water to make the beverage.
2 cups powdered sugar
1 cup cocoa (Dutch-process preferred)
2-1/2 cups powdered milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cornstarch
To make the mix, combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and blend evenly. Store in an airtight container until you are ready to make the beverage.
To make 4 servings of hot cocoa, heat 4 to 6 cups of water or milk. Add about 1/4 cup of powdered mix to each mug. Pour in hot water or milk and stir to combine.
