Recipe ideas for Christmas Gifts?

I am after something different I can bake or make and present in a gift basket as gifts this Christmas. Any ideas ... I have the regular shortbread, rocky road type of ideas but am after something different! Many thanks!!!
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Coconut Ice: 340g desiccated coconut 340g icing sugar 400g tin of condensed milk Optional food colouring Cooking Directions For Coconut Ice: 1. Place the condensed milk into a bowl and add the icing sugar. Beat well then mix in the desiccated coconut. The mixture will get firm and difficult to stir but persevere until everything is all combined. Maw Broon from the Sunday Post has published a cookbook full of her favourite Scottish and family recipes. Read More About It! 2. Divide the mixture into two (add optional food colourings to each) and spread into an 8inch square tin giving two coloured layers and allow to set overnight (time for a wee dram!) 3. Cut into small cubes and spread on a sheet of greaseproof paper to dry slightly. OR Mincemeat Ingredients For 6lb mincemeat: 12oz (350g) seedless raisins 8oz (225g) sultanas 8oz (225g) currants 4oz (110g) cut mixed peel 4oz (110g) chopped dried prunes 12oz (350g) soft brown sugar 1lb (450g) cooking apples - peeled, cored and grated 8oz (225g) shredded suet grated rind and juice of 2 oranges grated rind and juice of 2 lemons 2oz (50g) chopped almonds 2oz (50g) chopped pecan nuts 1 tbsp (15g) mixed spice 1 tsp (5g) freshly grated nutmeg 5fl oz (150ml) brandy Method 1. Mix all the ingredients together, except half the brandy in a large ovenproof bowl and cover and leave to stand overnight. 2. The next day, preheat the oven to 110C/225F/Gas ¼, cover the bowl with foil and place in the oven for about 3 hours. 3. Allow to cool, then mix in the rest of the brandy and put into sterilised jars.
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how do i keep my bread from falling?

I have a bread basket like this one: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/item… I can rise bread in it but when i put it on a baking sheet to bake the bread falls and i end up with a smoshed loaf... how do I keep it rounded? I've tried letting it rise with the basket upside down on the sheet but when i pull it off the flattens...
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When using the brotform, (bread form) you need a stiff whole wheat or rye dough. Also, dough very easily de-gases or collapses after the second rise, so you must handle it very gently. Very gently, roll the dough from the basket onto the baking sheet. It should slip out gracefully, without deflating. if it deflates totally—a small settling is OK—simply form it into a smooth ball, put it back in the basket, and let it rise again (only this time not quite as high). As you experiment with your recipe, remember that the day's weather, quality of the yeast, type of flour, and quantity of whole grains used can greatly influence the final rise of your bread. Do not use the Brotform basket for baking the loaf. Use it only for the rising. Here's a recipe from King Arthur Flour http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/c… This site shows the baker putting the brotform directly onto the peel http://www.artisanbreadbaking.com/discus…
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I need help IDing a flower I received as a gift!!!?

Here's what I can tell you about it! *I think it's an annual *Came in a hanging basket *Small, purple flowers with yellow centers *Each flower has 5 petals around only half of the center making it appear like a fan *Small, oblong green leaves THANKS!
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Sounds like a Scoveola Aemula or fan flower. Google fan flower and look at images to make sure
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Let me run this by you!?

I want to do gift baskets for Christmas, because we're just starting out and really low on funds. For my in laws we're going to do a basket including 2 movies ($5 each Wal Mart), popcorn kernels, oils, season shakers, fuzzy slippers for him and her, 2 mugs w/ cocoa packets stuck in them, a warm throw, and some homemade cookies. Same for my mom! For my brother we're all pitching in and getting him a wii and guitar hero (do they make that for wii?) For my husband.... I'm thinking a waterproof watch? What kind of watches can you take w/ you to Iraq? And some massage gadgets from Wal Mart he's had his eyes on! Do you have any other unique gift basket themes I can use?? Thanks!
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a basket full of chocolate! i love it..
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making my own baby business?

I graduate from college next year and I'm looking to maybe start my own business. I would like to start off making my items and selling them online and then working up to my own store. I was thinking about doing baby items. Do you think this is a good field? What items do you think would sell well? Clothing? Slings? Gift baskets? anything else you can think of? I of course would try out all my stuff with my own kids and friend's kids first before I tried selling to the public. I also want to make things affordable. I always see people trying to see baby gift baskets for tons and tons of money! I found one today that was $150!! Of course all my items would be new but I would find great deals on them. I'm excellent at finding deals. i might do some consignment too. thanks for your help. oh and tell my mom's what r u looking for when you look for a gift or deals? thanks.
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your product has to appeal to your audience so it doesnt matter if you have them on sale or cheap if it doesnt catch theyre eye they wont come in maybe you can start of small maybe ebay or etsy.com then if you get a following then you can start or get a store thats how we started we have 3 sites http://www.babyshower4u.com http://www.modpapers.com http://www.jjclothing.com and now we are looking to upgrade to an actual store well goodluck to your new venture
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Are the favors a waste of money?

I am helping my daughter 19,(the bridesmaid) and the MOH 22, throw a bridal shower for my other daughter who is getting married in August. So another words, I am planning, paying for it, but their names are on the invite as the hosts and will get all the credit. Anyways... my question is... since most people feel that favors are a waste of money and get left behind at weddings, does the same apply for the showers? There will be 9 gift baskets given away between the games and door prizes, as well as there are 42 small items that will be given away during her gift opening (when the timer dings whoever's gift she is opening will be allowed to choose something from the basket of trinkets). So are additional table favors needed? What are some of you doing or have seen at showers you have attended?
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considering you are doing so many other gifts i don't think you HAVE to do favors.... if you do favors, something edible is always great... i did a "tea party" shower and the favors were a packet of tea and biscotti, whoever doesnt' drink or eat those things just passed it to someone else. but at another shower we did "bath confetti", and i know for me, that stuff always ends up in the garbage. so if you do a favor and want to know it will be used- go with edible. much more likely it will be used! but with all those other gifts, you could skip it i think.
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A small gift for the neighbor who mowed my lawn?

My neighbors have lived next door to me for 4 years. I do not know them well. They know I am ill often. Because of a few conversations over the years. My lawn mower broke and have not been able to get it fixed for almost 2 weeks.(the other side neighbor borrowed it and broke it and did not offer to fix it uggg) With the heat index of over a 100 or raining No one has been able to come fix it that I know. Today it is very nice out. Without asking the good neighbor came over and mowed my very high grass. I was to sick to go out and tell him thank you or anything. I want to go to our local grocery store and get them something to say thank you if I feel better tomorrow. Which would be a better gift with a thank you card? A fruit basket? A BBQ basket with steak, hot dogs and potato kind of basket? They are in there early 50's. And have a pool and grill out often. But is a steak basket to strange?
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A Fruit Basket would be the best with a thank you card in it!
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Should I put the brownies in a heart shaped bowl or plate?

I made my valentine's day date some brownies as a gift since I don't know him well enough yet. It will only be the third time seeing him. How should I present the brownies to him? I have a sturdy plastic red heart shaped bowl, a regular paper plate, or a beige woven basket lined with red tissue paper. I have clear gift wrapping to tie it up with (the kind used for gift baskets) and some red and/or curling ribbon. My bro's friend told me that it depends on what kinda guy my date is. From what it seems so far, he's really shy, sweet, and sensitive. He's 30 years old.
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I like the basket with red tissue paper. It says Happy Valentine's Day in a third date kinda way. Not too much or too little.
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Family Christmas gift idea?

I am spending this Christmas with my aunt and her grown children and their families. This means a present for 3 couples, 2 single women and several kids. The gift ideas for the kids and the single women isn't a problem but for the 3 couples it's a little harder. They all have one thing in common. Anything they want, they get. My budget is not a large one either. I was looking at the coffee grinders and thinking of making each couple a basket with a grinder, whole beans and a flavored coffee syrup. Does this sound ok or just another useless gift? If you have any other ideas, they would be greatly appreciated.
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If you have photos of them, you could think about caricatures of each couple. These are fun, and are a great talking point not only when given, but for them for years to come. They are not that expensive either.
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FACEBOOK, TWITTER, MYSPACE OR?

what is your favorite? Facebook, Twitter, Myspace or??? www.DSCGOURMET.COM best Gourmet Gift Baskets in all of LA!!!
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I like myspace, then twitter.
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What gift to give my nice neighbor?

My neighbors have lived next door to me for 4 years. I do not know them well. They know I am ill often. Because of a few conversations over the years. My lawn mower broke and have not been able to get it fixed for almost 2 weeks.(the other side neighbor borrowed it and broke it and did not offer to fix it uggg) With the heat index of over a 100 or raining No one has been able to come fix it that I know. Today it is very nice out. Without asking the good neighbor came over and mowed my very high grass. I was to sick to go out and tell him thank you or anything. I want to go to our local grocery store and get them something to say thank you if I feel better tomorrow. Which would be a better gift with a thank you card? A fruit basket? A BBQ basket with steak, hot dogs and potato kind of basket? They are in there early 50's. And have a pool and grill out often. But is a steak basket to strange?
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Heck no! I would be flattered you paid enough attention to notice I love to grill. I would even make sure to invite you over to enjoy the spoils. You sound like a awesome neighbor to have. Can I live next to you? I have a son, he loves to help. LOL! P.S. Tell them that when you give them the steak basket, "I noticed you like to grill a lot and I wanted to say thanks."
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Is this legal (regarding raffle)?

A store was having a raffle from some gift baskets and had the retail value marked on each one. My mom bought some tickets for an $850 one and won it. When she got home, she looked up the stuff on google and even going by the most expensive price for each item, it only totalled around $150. Is it legal to lie about the worth of an item to get more people to buy tickets?
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Yes, it is. How entitled you must be to feel it's not.
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Help with a craft business name!?

So, I am looking to start up a in home business selling my homemade cards and gift baskets. I am having a hard time coming up with a name for my business and was wondering if anyone had any ideas. I don't want to use my name or any different spelling due to it being tacky but any suggestions would be great!
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A good name would have to be something that helps tell the theme of what you will be selling. If I knew that, I could be more helpful. I use the name Teddy Dragon Bear when I sell my Fairy Houses and other Fairy items. I hope that this helps Take Care, DreamSweet and Let Your Heart Shine ~ milton
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help with VAT please????

right I make gift baskets/sets & am registered for VAT, I have got the hang of most of it. But I am not sure about the rates for vairous items that goes in,,, example Pencils, Bath Bomb, Glitter Hair Spray, Body Breeze, Sweets, Make-Up ETC...... Is the a default list anywhere that will make it easy for me. thanks
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Try this link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/act…
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Ok..... you guys are in for a surprise!!!?

What I'm Cassie!!! And I've been online answering questions and asking them as well. And you know what, some of you won't get gift baskets and others will.Did you guys know that, no!!! Email me for more details.
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What are you talking about? Gift baskets?
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late christmas gift for a girl?

is a basket full of lotion, shampoo, shower gel, etc and a teddy bear with perfume in a box a good gift that a girl would like?
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If you need help finding the girl a present just go to this site http://www.geocities.com/rulerofun . there are plenty of good cheap ideas to give your girl friend or your girlfriend.
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Packing for college?

I'm planning a gift basket for a girl I know who is going to college this fall. I'm trying to think of the things that I wish I had known to take with me my freshman year, but it's been so long that I know I'm not remembering everything. What are some things that you remember wishing you had or things you are glad that you had with you in school?
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Tons of pens, pencils, and markers - they disappear quickly. I also agree with the change idea - especially rolls of quarters, since a lot of us would go do our laundry off campus. Also, hooks for hanging pictures, preferably the peel and stick ones, since a lot of dorms frown upon students nailing things into the walls. A message board for the door, an extra blanket (for going on picnics, sitting on the floor, etc.), glue, paper clips, duct tape, scrunchies, and slippers.
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easter gift ideas?

i want to get my gf sompthing nice for easter...she says shes getting me a basket. she says she wants sompthing "fun" wel be going out for a mounth on easter. i need some ideas for a gift for her
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yes, because commemorating Jesus' sacrifice and gift of eternal salvation with sex toys is a great idea. Turd.
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Dodger Themed Adult Party Ideas?

Can anyone help out with some ideas for a Dodger themed gift basket and table setting? Any and all ideas are welcomed.
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Try these: http://partythemeplace.com/category/arti… http://www.gotparty.com/dodgers.htm http://www.partypro.com/powersearch.asp :-)
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golf presents for my boyfriend what a good site?

he really loves golf im thinking of maybe making him a golf gift basket or something
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I'd highly recommend this website: http://www.iznadgolf.com/ They actually already have pre-made gift baskets. Good Luck! Thanks, TheWriter
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Best friend Graduation Gift(College)?

My best friend is having her college graduation party this Saturday and I need a good present to give her, she is going to become a cop. I was thinking of making her a little basket with plastic handcuffs and a fake walkie-talkie, etc. as a joke gift and then something a little more serious. Please help me if you have any ideas!!! I don't know what is appropriate or expected for a graduation gifts!!
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I love the gag gift idea! It would even be funny to get soem cuffs from the sex store. For a more serious gift get her a nice pen and get it engraved with something sentimental. Then write on a card "think of me every time you write a ticket with this"
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what are some things I can add to a hot chocolate mix for different flavors?

One of the things I am making for Christmas gifts is Homemade hot chocolate. I was thinking it might be nice to make a few different flavors and give everyone a basket with each with some mugs and marshmallows. But does anyone know how to add the flavoring or what would be good in it? I was thinking of using a bit of instant coffee for a mocha flavored one but what else?
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you can always add whatever sounds good to you. i suggest: finely crushed peppermint candies, finely crushed caramel or toffee candies, instant coffee, flavored powdered creamer, cinnamon, different flavored hot cocoa mixtures, i've even had a coffee drink with slivered toasted almonds on the side... when you add them to a really hot drink, the almond oil makes it so aeromatic and amazing! really... it's up to you! be creative. you also may want to consider adding some peppermint sticks to stir with and some grahm crackers or other complimenting treats. enjoy.
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Does the flower girl get to keep the flower basket?

My niece has the flower girl basket and i kinda want it back for sentmental reasons i want to keep it will the kit i got for it. I bought her dress as a gift but didnt realize i was giving her the basket would it be wrong to ask for it back? It would mean a lot to me to have it and she is 3 if that makes a difference
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As a former flower girl (ouch, that was ages ago, thanks for making me remember how old I am lol) I would have felt very hurt if they had took that pretty red and white basket I had had back. You could always casually mention to her parents that you had wished to keep it with the set, but I wouldn't demand it back or expect it back even if you casually mentioned it.
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Gag gift for new mom for baby shower - she's a good friend so i can be risque?

she is having a boy. we are doing a basket of "essential" items for a new mom. we could also call it a "mommy survival kit" On the list so far: condoms earplugs clothespin (for the nose) vodka rubber gloves (toxic diapers) face splash guard (for wee-pee) a sign that says "get the hell off me"
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get a t-shirt for the baby that says "All mommy wanted was a back rub" that would be funny
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