It's the most wonderful time of the year. My favorite part of the holidays? Gift giving, of course! I've rounded up a few of my go to Midwest-inspired recipes for homemade gifting.
Homemade and Straight from the Heart(land)
I love nothing more during the holidays than giving homemade, thoughtful gifts from my kitchen. Below are 5 of my favorite Midwest-inspired recipes. From Brandy Slush to German Kuchen, these treats shine a light on the Midwest's love of food, family and tradition. Add a custom gift tag (you can grab our free printable here) and bring on the holiday cheer!
Photo Credit: Midwest Nice Blog
If you flip through any vintage church cookbook from Wisconsin, you'll likely find a handful of variations of this popular recipe. My Grandma was know to whip up a batch from time to time, and it is a family favorite around the holidays.
This recipe from the Midwest Nice Blog is a winner! Traditionally frozen in a gallon ice cream bucket, this could easily be divided into smaller ice cream containers and gifted for Christmas.
Microwave Caramel Popcorn
Photo Credit: Meaningful Eats
For years, my mom and I made homemade caramel corn and packaged it up for teachers and friends. This recipe from Meaningful Eats comes together quickly and is delicious. Package in a paper bag, add a ribbon and gift tag, and share!
Ice Cream Cinnamon Rolls
Photo Credit: @chalethairdoer
I love gifting something that can be shared for an easy breakfast. The holiday season is often hectic and stressful, and taking care of just one meal for a friend and their family is a thoughtful gesture. This recipe from Just a Pink is very similar to one that my Grandma made when I was young, and has never disappointed.
The not-so-secret ingredient, ice cream, makes for an extra creamy frosting. And the use of frozen dough cuts down your kitchen time. So easy!
Breakfast Quiche
Here is another breakfast idea, but this time savory. Each Christmas season one of our neighbors drops off a homemade baked quiche. It has become a tradition we very much look forward to, and the savory flavor is a nice break from all the sweet treats of the holidays.
This recipe from the Midwest Foodie Blog features eggs, cheese, and tater tots—which feels oh-so-Midwestern!
German Kuchen
Photo Credit: Kudos Kitchen by Renee
This homemade dessert was a staple at the holidays when I was a child. Inspired by our family's German roots, kuchen was something I looked forward to making (and eating) each year. This is another recipe that has many variations, but this recipe from Kudos Kitchen by Renedd closely resembles my Grandma's recipe.
Be sure to download our printable tag freebies to make your gifts complete. Happy holidays, and cheers to homemade gifts!
– N.