Teacher’s gifts from the kitchen

Teacher Appreciation day is May 7, why not give a gift from the heart and kitchen? We’ve collected some of our favorite recipes that would make a gorgeous gift basket for all of the teachers in your life. The best thing about these recipes? Your little ones can lend a hand with these easy and delicious recipes, and all of these recipes can be doubled to make enough for all of those hard working teachers. So go ahead and show your teachers how much you love them!

Flavored salts:
A delicious addition to salads, fish or even popcorn. Gift them in little glass jars with a handwritten tag.

Smoky salt
• 1 tsp. each, ground black pepper, dried oregano, dried cumin
• 1/4 C. smoked paprika
• 1 C. kosher salt

Lime-Ginger Salt
• Zest of 3 limes
• 3 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 cup kosher salt

Sun-dried Tomato and Basil Salt
• ¼ C. sundried tomato flakes
• 3 tsp. dried basil
• 1 C. kosher salt

Flavored sugar:
Who doesn’t love a little sweetness to brighten your morning? These delicious flavored sugars are the perfect addition to a cup of coffee or tea. Pack them in in a pretty glass jar with a lid, and don’t forget to add a sweet handwritten label.

Vanilla sugar- Combine 2 C. sugar with 1 whole vanilla bean split in half lengthwise.

Citrus sugar (orange, lemon, lime)-Combine 2 C. of sugar with the zest from 1 orange, lemon or lime.

Ginger cinnamon sugar- Combine 2 C. sugar with 2 Tbs. caramelized ginger and 1 tsp. cinnamon.

Homemade Granola
Your teacher will always have a healthy snack on hand. We like to package these in small unbleached wax paper bags. Make a batch of this delicious and fruit filled granola for your family too!

4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups slivered almonds
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
1 1/2 cups small diced dried apples
1 cup small diced dried figs
1 cup dried cranberries

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Toss the oats and almonds together in a large bowl. Whisk together the oil and honey in a small bowl. Pour the liquids over the oat mixture and stir with a wooden spoon until all the mixture is coated. Pour onto a 13 by 18 by 1-inch sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even, golden brown, about 45 minutes.

Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool, stirring occasionally. Add the apples, figs, and cranberries. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container.

Homemade Cracker Jacks
Have your child write a little note to your teacher and hide it in the box! Here’s a link to order popcorn boxes. http://www.popcornsupply.com/p/48/popcorn-boxes-closed-top
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for baking sheets
3/4 cup corn kernels
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
2 cups lightly salted shelled peanuts
2 cups packed light-brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Butter 2 rimmed baking sheets; set aside. Place corn kernels and oil in a large pot over medium-high heat; cover. Once kernels begin to pop, shake pot frequently; when popping slows to about 3 seconds between pops, remove from heat; uncover. Transfer to a large bowl. Add peanuts; toss.

Cook sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring, until it reaches 255 degrees.

Remove from heat. Stir in extracts and salt. Pour over popcorn mixture; toss to coat. Divide between prepared sheets. Bake, stirring occasionally for 30 minutes. Let cool on wire racks and package in containers.