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It’s YHJ day! Did you remember? We’ve got a special episode today at 2pm ET. And, tomorrow, we’re on at 6pm ET. On Friday, I shared two DIY Christmas décor ideas that you’ll see on today and tomorrow’s show. But what recipes are we making with the holiday season in mind?

In today’s show, we’re featuring two. And, technically, they could double as DIY projects! We’re making a homemade vanilla extract and mugs of hot chocolate you can use as gifts for this upcoming season. I just love food gifts…they’re often not expensive to make, but they seem to send more of an “I care” message than more store-bought gifts. Now, I’m sure you’ve all received a jar full of sugar cookie mix, but cookies are a’plenty at Christmastime. Imagine the look on your recipients’ faces when you hand them homemade vanilla extract!



DIY Vanilla Extract  
Makes 2 gifts
 
Ingredients:
2 vanilla beans, slit down the middle
375ml vodka (any kind you like)

You'll also need:
Tall glass bottle or jar

Directions:

Pour the vodka into your glass bottle or jar. Place 2 vanilla beans into the vodka and let sit for about 2–3 weeks. The vanilla beans will infuse the vodka with flavor and after soaking, you'll have homemade vanilla extract.



And who doesn’t love a cup of hot chocolate topped with sweet marshmallows? With a little ribbon and biscotti, you can make a simple drink seem like a gourmet treat.

DIY Hot Chocolate Gift
Makes 2 gifts

Ingredients:
1–1/2 cups powdered hot chocolate (or about 14 individual packets)
2 cup mini marshmallows
2 packaged biscotti

You'll also need:
Mason jar mugs
Ribbon
Scissors
 
Directions:

Divide the powdered hot chocolate mix evenly between the two mason jar mugs. Next, pour the mini marshmallows over the hot chocolate. Replace the covers on the mason jar mugs. Tie the biscotti to the mug with your ribbon, and make a bow. Add a label of your choice and you’re done!

Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without cookies. So tomorrow’s featured recipe is one of my favorites. I’m sure it will earn you some brownie points with your friends, loved ones, and even Santa, himself.



My grandma always called these Sweet and Salty Shortbread Cookies...I think she did this so as not to reveal the fact that there are potato chips in the ingredients! Easy and yummy. And, these freeze well!

Sweet and Salty Shortbread Cookies
 
This recipe is prepared with the KitchenAid® Deluxe Edition 325 Watt 10-Speed Tilt Head Stand Mixer (K33708).
 
Ingredients:
 
2 sticks butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1-3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup plain potato chips, crushed
1-1/4 tsp vanilla
1 cup powdered sugar (for dipping)
 
Directions:
 
Preheat oven to 350°F.
 
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Slowly incorporate the flour, a little at a time, until incorporated. Fold in the potato chips by hand.
 
Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto cookie sheets. (These cookies spread a little during baking, so keep them spaced a bit.) Bake until the edges of the cookies are barely brown, about 8–10 minutes. (These cookies burn quickly, so keep your eye on them!)
 
Cool the cookies just enough so you're able to handle them, then coat each warm cookie with powdered sugar.

Don’t those sound yummy? What are your favorite Christmas cookie recipes? Thanks for taking the time to read my blog! I’m off to prep for today’s show…see you at 2pm ET.

From my home to yours,
—Jill