It is the first week of Advent.
Which means, Christmas is just around the corner.
I should be getting started with my Christmas gifts. I am not as organized as the rest of my family, who have now, thanks to online shopping, purchased gifts for each other, me included. But I am not yet finished, but as always, before Christmas I will complete all my gifts.
Those usually include edible gifts to friends. There is nothing more satisfying than gifting something you made that you know will be appreciated by the recipient.
With that in mind, I would like to share my favorite goodies to bake and give as gifts.
Sables
These buttery French cookies do need a bit of advance planning as you need to refrigerate the dough before rolling out. But these delicious morsels are worth the work.
Polvoron
These are not your usual polvoron. These have parmesan cheese and cashew nuts in it. The cheese cuts into the sweetness of the sugar and makes for one addicting bite.
Ensaymadas
Soft, fluffy, and oh so cheesy, these Filipino brioches make for a wonderful gift around Christmas time. These are so good paired with hot chocolate or coffee. Package in a nice box or wrap individually in colored wax paper, anyone in your life will be happy to receive this.
Cheese Rolls
Made from the same dough as the ensaymadas above, you my also make some cheese rolls instead of ensaymada. Instead of topping it with cheese, the cheese is tucked inside this pillowy bread.
Fruitcake
Make this boozy fruitcake for the titas in your life. This one is chockful of dried fruits and nuts and nary a candied cherry in sight.
Coconut Macaroons
Milky coconut macaroons are the perfect bite-sized gifts for your coconut loving friends and family! One recipe makes 48 of these cuties, so you’re sure to make a few boxes at a time.
Banana Bread
Last, but definitely not the least is this banana bread. This quaratine standby is still amazing to eat, despite my making it a lot these past months. My recipe for banana bread needs only one bowl. If you want it more cake-like, add up to 3/4 cup of milk, plain yoghurt, buttermilk or sour cream.
So, what will you make?
