Hostess gift / dish conundrum!

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whipappeal

Guest
A dear friend has her entire family arriving from the U.S. for the holidays and has invited me over to meet them shortly after they arrive. I want to bring something (edible or not, I guess) that can be shared by the whole (jetlagged) family, but the friend is a far better cook and baker than I am! (No false modesty, here--she is incredible at both.)

As much as I would love to go splurge on goodies from a great deli or patisserie to take to them, my splurge funds are all tied to Christmas. So I need something relatively economic and quick to bring. I'm just stopping by, but would still like to leave something they can all enjoy. My only idea so far is champagne. smileys/frown.gif

Help, please...! What would you do, assuming you had limited funds and very limited time?

Many thanks for your ideas!

Erin

 
do you own (or are you) a breadmaker? what about a tray of fresh cinnamon rolls>>

or if you have refrigerated rolls in your dairy section? if so, maybe check out Mary's Monkey Bread in the Stupidly Simple section of the T&T Hall of Fame

 
Erin, Several suggestions - A beautiful picture frame that can be used for a photo

of the entire family. A lovely box of chocolates are always enjoyed.

Gourmet coffee, tea, cocoa.

Hope this helps and stays within your budget.

 
How about taking Gay's suggestion for a picture frame one step more...

Take your camera and snap several photos of the entire family together. If you have access to a printer, or can print photos from your home, choose the best pic and put one in a frame for each family. Surely you wouldn't need more than 4-6 inexpensive frames. Put them in a pretty bag and drop them at your friend's house in the next few days. Not only will you make yourself unforgettable... you will capture a rare moment in this family's life.

As for a gift-in-hand, how about some spiced nuts, or candy which is specific to your culture?

 
maybe a cheeseball or spread with crackers and some of those lovely European paper napkins

that are practically works of art. I remember my grandma sending us packages from Germany and including the loveliest paper napkins for the holidays.

 
I love the photo and frame idea, Angie; as for spiced nuts/candy.....

I'm American, so anything goes. smileys/smile.gif Czechs aren't that big on candy, now that I think about it. I think I'll do the photo--perfect idea! Thanks!

 
Thank you all for the great ideas. smileys/smile.gif They're exactly what I was looking for!

 
Paula Deens Sweet Chicken & Bacon Wraps - Easy

I brought these to a Xmas Party on Tues. Everyone loved them. Me too.

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps Recipe courtesy Paula
Deen

1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 4
breasts)
1 (1-pound) package sliced bacon
2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons chili powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cut each bacon slice
into thirds. Wrap each chicken cube with bacon and secure with
a wooden pick. Stir together brown sugar and chili powder.
Dredge wrapped chicken in mixture. Coat a rack and broiler pan
with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken wrap on rack in
broiler pan. Bake 350 for 30 to 35 minutes or until bacon is
crisp.

Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 to 15 appetizer servings
User Rating:

Episode#: PA0702
Copyright © 2006 Television Food Network, G.P., All Rights Reserved

 
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