~CANDY CONFECTIONS ALL WRAPPED UP~

SUGARED PECANS
(A Family Favorite!)

As most of us know, homemade confections and goodies make wonderful gifts! With a little imagination and some easy planning they can make very special Christmas and Hanukkah presents for a neighbor, a hostess or a friend.

~JARS FROM ROSS~
Jar on Left was an Estate Sale Find

Many years ago when my Mr. AGPMan and I moved into our La Chaumiere de Briarwood we began the simple tradition of sharing home baked goodies with those we love. Little has changed over the past seventeen years, unless of course you want to talk about the price of chocolate and sugar...

~ALL WRAPPED UP~

(And Soooo Yummy, Too!)

During the Spring and Summer months, when I'm out junking about in my town, I'm always on the hunt for neat little jars and glass containers to hold our yummy holiday gifts. I love it when I can find them for about a quarter, but if the truth be told that is rare price these days. Usually they are about a dollar, maybe two. Because this was lean jar-finding-year I was forced to purchase a few at ROSS (3 for $11.99). Overall they were still VERY inexpensive when you consider what a crystal container might cost! Through the years I've used small baskets, boxes, canning jars, thrift store plates and even little tins to hold our tasty offerings. Even brown paper packages tied up with string (especially sweet with rubber stampings, glitter, etc.) make a sweet presentation! :) You can package your treats as simple or as elaborate as you wish! After all, they are from YOUR HEART! ~>>><3>

~SELF PRINTED TAGS~
(My Favorite Part!)

This year I decided to make Sugared Pecans for our friends, neighbors and Mr. AGPMan's co-workers. Earlier today I snapped a few pictures of my finished jars for you and I'm also including the very SIMPLE recipe in case you want to try them out for yourself. If you are a NUT-LOVER :) I think you will love them...

~ROSES-MY GARAGE SALE FIND~
(Remember? Shared With You Before!)

I always wrap my jars with clear cello wrap (skip the dollar store stuff...not enough on the roll for the money). I used regular Christmas Ribbon (the kind you might put on a Tree) for the bow and added tiny springs of garland, berries and one of the roses I found on those garage sale baskets this past summer! If my calculations are right the larger finished jar above cost me about $5. The smaller jar (junk store find) cost me about $2.

The best deal I've found this year on Pecans was at SAM'S. They were about $9.88 for 2lbs.

~RIGHT OUT OF THE OVEN~
(Easy-Peasy~ I Promise)

Here's the recipe I used:

SUGARED PECANS
(Makes 1 pound)

1 Pound Pecan Halves
1 Egg White
1 tsp. Cold Water
1 Cup Fine Sugar
1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. Salt

Preheat Oven to 250 degrees. Beat Egg White with water until fluffy (soft peaks). Fold Egg White into Pecans until well coated.

Mix together Cinnamon, Sugar and Salt. Fold coated Pecans into Sugar Mix. Bake on un-greased cookie sheet for 1 hour. Cool. Serve. EAT. :)

I told you it was simple!

Blessings to you as you give gifts from your kitchen, birthed from your heart...Rebecca