Professional caterer Nick Grippo presents creative candy gift alternatives that won't break the bank.
Spicy Almonds
Ingredients:
3 Tbs. peanut oil
2 cups whole blanched (skin off) almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1-1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1-1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. red-pepper flakes
1 Tbs. sugar
Preparation:
In a medium-size saucepan, add the oil, almonds and sugar. Heat until caramelized.
Mix together spices in a medium-size bowl. Add almonds into the bowl while still hot. Toss almonds around so that the spices stick. Be sure to work quickly or you'll have a sticky mess. Pour almonds into pan and separate with two forks.
Once cool, pour almonds into a decorative bag or jar.
Marinated Mushrooms
Ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
herbs of choice
garlic clove
celery stalk
1/2 cup water
mushrooms of choice
half lemon
Preparation:
Combine ingredients in bowl, then place in a medium-size pan. Let simmer for five minutes or so. If you don't have a lid for the jar, place another tap on top for a lid. Add a small amount of war when the mixture is nearly boiling.
While the mixture is simmering, prepare the mushrooms. Clean them with a damp cloth, then cut off the stem. Smear lemon on bottom of each mushroom to avoid browning. Add to the pan, let simmer for five minutes.
Once cooled, place mushrooms in a French canning jar. They will stay good for at least two weeks if refrigerated.
* Note: You can also use green beans, cauliflower or broccoli florets.
