Thursday, December 22, 2011

~~~~CHRISTMAS CONFECTIONS for 2011~~~~ Almond Brittle Gifting Once Again

 ~SIMPLE for 2011~

For the past couple of days I've been working on special little gifts for my neighbors and friends.  For years the tradition around my La Chaumière has been to make either Almond Brittle or Sugared Pecans for the people that mean the most to our family.  I decided to whip up three batches of the yummy Brittle this year (it's really a fabulous toffee-type candy).  I finished wrapping them all up on Tuesday and now I'm all done for 2011!
~LOVELY GLASS JARS~

If you'd like a last-minute, easy to make treat you can check out my previous posts for the Brittle (from 2010) and the Pecans (from 2009) by clicking on the links. These fabulous Christmas and Holiday time confections will not disappoint!  They are more than delicious and are always a big hit!
 ~PRETTY LACY BAGS~

This year I decided to use both Jars and Lacy Bags to hold the Brittle.  With my Mr. AGPMan in school we didn't do as much junkin' and slummin' as we have in past years so I didn't collect as many jars as I normally do.  The bags I used are dense poly-type bags (brown-bag style) and all I did was turn down the top and place a folded doily over the turned down top edge.  Two holes were punched through all the layers and a sheer mist ribbon and custom made tag from a vintage graphic was added.  This year I decided to keep everything simple!  I actually love how the bags came out and I'm going to keep this idea in mind for future gifting!
~BACK VIEW of BAGS~

Since so many of these gifts are given to my hubby's co-workers (and they are all men) I didn't want them to be too girly-girl so  I used a cranberry colored ribbon instead of pink.  The bags were easy for my guy to carry and no fear of breakage, too!
~VINTAGE GRAPHIC~

This old Christmas wreath graphic is a keeper!  I didn't do anything to it but change the background color (it was blue) to white and add a thin-line border in the color of the ribbon I used.  Store bought To/From Tags can easily be used as well if you aren't familiar with working with computer altering programs...
 ~BRITTLE for 2011~

Here's a picture of our Almond Brittle for this year!  I only tasted a tiny bit because I have a tendency to put on a few extra pounds during the Holidays and this year I'm trying my best not to!  It's all that over indulging on Fruitcake...Fruitcake...FRUITCAKE (and cookies, candy, pies, cheese balls and cakes!) that causes all the problems...  That said...a little never hurts!!!!
~BRITTLE BACK SIDE~

Tonight I'm adding ribbons to our wrapped packages and then I'm done with our gift-related things for the year!  Tomorrow I will ready our kitchen for our Christmas Day meal and enjoy my hubby being off from both work and school...  

I'll be back tomorrow with a few thoughts...  Hope your Thursday is beautiful and blessed.

Love to you...

19 comments:

Jill said...

Your presentations of your gifts are just stunning! Those bags are beautiful!

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hello sweet Rebecca,
What a lovely idea! I used to make almond bark and peanut brittle every year for Christmas. Haven't made either for a while now and after seeing yours, it makes me want to make some again.
It's lovely to give as gifts and your presentation is wonderful. Thank you for sharing all your beautiful ideas. From my blog to yours ~ Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Love,
Sandi

Donna said...

Rebecca,
Your gifts are lovely! You can see the thought and love you put into your packages!
Have a Merry Christmas!
Hugs,
Donna

KatyDidStitches said...

Yummers! I'll bet everyone looks forward to your Christmas gifts, Rebecca. I know I would!

I gotta tell ya...could be the eggnog talking...but the caption "brittle back side" made me giggle. Yikes...be careful on the ice!

Kathy

Antiques And Teacups said...

Mouthwatering! And I love your bags. Just beautiful! Antone would welcome that gift!
Merry Christmas my friend! May you and your family have His blessings overflowing!
Ruth

Julie Marie said...

Hi Rebecca... everything is just beautiful!... I am not posting till after Christmas, as this week is my "gift of time" to myself and my family... your little bags of goodies are just beautiful... and I wanted to stop in and wish you all a very Merry Christmas!... xoxo Julie Marie PS I hope the little package I mailed to Miss K arrived in time!

Marilyn said...

This is such a good way to share during this holiday season! Any way you fix it is GREAT!! In 2012 I need to learn how to work some of these altering programs. What would you recommend--since I'm not a nerd? Although Alex could teach me, Sarah has NO patience with her mother, and they live in Denver, so most times I muddle along...I need to be busy. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas!! Love to you from frosty Colorado.♥♫

A Rose Without A Thorn said...

Rebecca, you never cease to amaze me with all that you do. I love the idea of the brittle and it looks delicious also.

I hope that 2012 is a fantastic year for you and your family, blessings and hugs, Maureen.

Jean Knee said...

looks so pretty, and delicious

Kit said...

Wow these look wonderful! Very nice way to give a present. I will keep your great ideas in mind for next year. Merry Christmas! Kit

NanaDiana said...

I don't think there is anyone out here that does things anymore beautifully than you do, Rebecca. What a gift you are to your neighbors and friends...the little packages you give them are just the proverbial "icing on the cake"...you being the cake!'>) xo Diana

Rita said...

How very fortunate your neighbors are! Your gifts are always so stunning, just lovely to look at and I am sure very good to taste! I wish you a wonderful and very Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

your little bags of goodies are just beautiful Merry Christmas

Theresa said...

Yummy! I love brittle but have never tried the almond brittle! Your bags are soooo pretty! Have a blessed day my friend, HUGS!

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Hi Sweet Rebecca......

Oh yes... that brittle looks sooo yummy. Yep, that's why I don't bake... if it's here I think I might need "just a little taste"... my little tastes can get me into BIG trouble.

Big Christmas hugs to you and yours!

xoxoxo
Spencer

Dolores said...

Your gifts look and sound delicious!
Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas....hugs,

Tara said...

What a thoughtful and delightful gift to receive! I really like what you did with the little bags. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas Rebecca and Happy New Year!

Kerri said...

I love your almond brittle idea and the bags with tags are gorgeous!!! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve and be careful for the crazy last minute drivers!

xoxo
Kerri

Victorian1885 said...

Wonderful gifts my friend! May the Magic & Wonder of the Season amaze you.. Merry Christmas to you & your Family!

Hugs
Wanda

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