The Start Of Christmas Baking

Tomorrow marks Remembrance/Veterans Day, and following that, stores and businesses will be hauling out and displaying their Christmas decorations, if they haven't already! Christmas is by far the holiday that is celebrated and prepared for the earliest. It is still 45 days away! Christmas shopping begins, and so does Christmas baking. Many people bake large batches of a variety of baked goods for their Christmas guests (and themselves, too). It is a very smart idea to start early, so you don't get caught up in the last minute Christmas rush. Freezers are the prime tool for this job. Most cookies, squares, muffins, and cakes hold up well for a month or so in the freezer if properly wrapped, even iced and decorated goodies! Fruitcakes and panettones on the other hand, can be made now, wrapped tightly, and stored in a cool, dry place to "ripen" for improved flavor. Many Christmas candies can also be made now and stored at room temperature, as can jarred goods such as jellies, jams, relishes, and marmalades.  Homemade dry mixes, such as cakes, cookie, muffin, biscuit, and got chocolate mixes, are very much appreciated as gifts. I have even given a dry mix for a mushroom risotto dish, which turned out really well. This way, people who are busy or inexperienced in baking can quickly and easily enjoy homemade goods. Other great gift ideas include themed baskets, such as a hot chocolate theme filled with hot chocolate dry mix, mugs, candy canes, and marshmallows; or an Italian inspired basket, with a risotto mix, dry pasta, an Italian cookbook, jars of pasta sauce, and some Italian-themed oven mitts.  Freshly prepared homemade casseroles, breads and soups also make great gifts for earlier in the Christmas season.
 I plan to start preparing my Christmas gifts and baked goods very soon, and my mother has already made her fruitcakes. Happy Holidays!

PHOTO CREDIT: "blogosphere_gingerbread." http://vitalitychiropractic.blogspot.com/2010/12/4th-annual-christmas-baking-contest.html.Vitality Chiropractic Wellness Center, n.d. Thursday, November 10, 2011