AA Gifts & Baskets Idea Blog

Posts Tagged ‘gift baskets’

If you’ve ever bitten into a decadent, molten, sweet and gooey truffle, you know how rich this favorite gourmet chocolate treat is. You may have thought you could only get them in specialty shops or at a fancy restaurant. But the truth is that you can make truffles at home very easily. In fact, it’s even simpler than some cookie recipes. You’ll start making them all the time and experimenting with flavors. You’ll give them as gifts and start dreaming about different toppings and versions.

Consider packing your truffles into Chinese takeout-type boxes that you can get in a craft store. They stand up straight and the sides will be stiff enough to ensure that they don’t get smashed on the way to the recipient. Anyone would love to receive these delicious dessert gifts!

Here are some recipes to try. You will laugh at how easy it is to make a treat that looks and tastes over-the-top gourmet.

Ghirardelli® Dark Chocolate Truffles (from allrecipes.com)

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 10 Minutes

Ready In: 2 Hours 45 Minutes

Servings: 30

"These impressive candies are so easy to make, and are a stunning addition to a dessert tray."

INGREDIENTS:

1/3 cup heavy cream

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

2 cups Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

1/3 cup Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the chocolate chips. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and pour into a shallow bowl.

2. Cool, cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, at least 2 hours.

3. Using a melon baller or small spoon, roll the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the cocoa or nuts. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Chocolate Truffle Recipe (from famousfrenchdesserts.com)

Truffes au Chocolat… Divine Pleasure Source!!! This is the basic recipe; you will find all variations at the end of the recipe.

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients (for about 1.5 pounds):

1 cup Crème Fraîche (or heavy cream)

14 oz. Dark Chocolate (use very high quality, 70% cocoa, chocolate - or very high quality unsweetened baking chocolate)

8 oz. Additional Dark Chocolate

1 1/2 cups Cocoa Powder (the highest quality you can find)

3 tbsp. Butter (optional)

How to Make It:

Batter (Ganache):

1. Break chocolate into small pieces and put in a large bowl.

2. Bring cream slowly to a light boil.

3. Pour boiling cream over chocolate and keep stirring until all the chocolate has melted and the batter is homogenous.

4. If you want to add butter, do so now, before the batter cools, and thickens.

This batter is called ganache and is the base for all French truffle recipes!

When the ganache is warm, it is very creamy. You can thicken it

1. by whisking it (the oxygen causes it to thicken) or

2. by putting it in the refrigerator.

You want the ganache to be just thick enough to easily form the truffle balls…

Forming Truffles:

1. Using two spoons (or a baking sac) form even and round balls. Place them on parchment or wax paper.

2. Melt the rest of the chocolate in a bain-marie (double-boiler).

3. Dip each ball in the melted chocolate and then roll it in the cocoa powder.

Voilà!

Homemade gifts are the best, and there can be nothing more delicious for a variety of occasions than popcorn balls. These crunchy treats can be made to satisfy a sweet or savory craving, and they are popular with kids and adults alike. Who can resist popcorn? Not Americans, it seems. We eat billions of quarts of popcorn a year, and assembling our favorite treat into another form just adds to the fun. Popcorn balls aren’t hard to make, are perfect for snack baskets and they are always crowd-pleasers: that is a recipe for success!

Traditional Popcorn Balls, courtesy of AllRecipes.com

You need:

• 2 cups unpopped popcorn

• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup molasses

• ½ teaspoon salt

Put one tablespoon of oil in a saucepan, and heat. When the oil is hot, add ½ cup of popcorn kernels. Keep the saucepan moving – just like you would if you were popping Jiffy Pop. When the kernels stop popping, remove from heat. This recipe calls for you to continue doing this ½ cup at a time until all the popcorn is popped; if you want to do it all at once, go for it. If you have never popped in a saucepan before, you may want to go at the gradual pace to avoid burning.

Butter a bowl, and put the popped corn in it. Put this to the side, and melt your butter in a saucepan. Stir in the sugar, molasses, and salt. Boil this mixture on medium heat, and insert a candy thermometer. When it reads 260^o, you’re done. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, just wait for the mixture to boil. Pour the syrup over the popcorn, and make sure all of the corn is coated. Butter your hands, and shape the popcorn into balls.

There are other variations, which call for corn syrup that you may want to try.

Caramel Popcorn Balls, from Cooks.com

• 1 can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 3 cups unpopped popcorn kernels

• ¾ cup white Karo syrup

• ½ cup butter

Start by popping the kernels and picking out those “old maids,” or unpopped kernels. Put the popped corn into a bowl and set aside.

Mix all the ingredients, save the popcorn, in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil this for about five minutes. Pour the syrupy mixture over the popcorn, making sure to coat it evenly. This mixture will be hot, so be careful. This recipe calls for you to dip your hands in cold water now and then to prevent burning and sticking. Other recipes, such as the one above, recommend buttering your hands. Experiment and see which works best for you. Shape the popcorn into balls, and enjoy!

Rocky Road Popcorn Balls, from AllRecipes.com

This variation adds a touch of sweet to these excellent treats.

• 3 cups mini marshmallows

• ¼ cup butter

• 8 cups of popped popcorn

• ½ dry roasted unsalted peanuts (but if you use salted, we won’t tell)

• ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Start by putting the marshmallows and butter in a saucepan on medium-low meat. Keep stirring them to keep them from burning. When they are melted and smooth, which should take about five minutes, remove from the heat. Working quickly, stir in the popcorn and peanuts. Stir them gently and make sure the popcorn is as evenly coated as possible. Stir in the chocolate chips. Butter your hands or grease them with a bit of oil, and shape the mixture into balls.

If you’re not going to eat or serve these immediately, wrap them in plastic. They make wonderful treats around Halloween or Christmas, and you can always customize the ingredients to add a little holiday flair: try red and green M&Ms instead of chocolate chips for the Rocky Road recipe, for instance. Whatever the flavor, these are a perfect item for gift baskets for kids of any age.

Are you looking for the perfect housewarming gift? People who are moving into a new home have an endless list of things they need, but one thing that they could really use is relaxation. Moving is stressful, and a wonderful italian food gift basket can be just the right balm. It will also make their new house feel more like home to have a delicious, savory, aromatic meal. Here are some ideas for assembling an Italian dinner basket. Perfect as a house warming gift, or any occasion, this basket is certain to be appreciated.

As an appetizer, include fresh focaccia or you can add a jarred bruschetta, which will last longer in a basket. Focaccia crisps are also great additions; these are small Tuscan-style crackers that will be excellent on their own or with cheese and fresh tomato slices. If you can deliver the basket yourself, do put in fresh foods to make the foods that much tastier. Another idea is to just include a baguette, a small jar of olive oil, and some dipping herbs.

If you have ever eaten in Italy, you know that there is far more to this country’s cuisine than just pasta and pizza! There are so many wonderful tastes that it can be difficult to know where to start. Start at the beginning; pastas are very popular, and they make great, filling, and easy to cook meals.

Get some special gourmet or handmade pasta or try a variation like sun-dried tomato or spinach. Getting fresh ravioli or tortellini adds a nice, robust feel to the basket. You can add a good marinara sauce, or opt for a pesto sauce. You may want to get both as pesto does not always appeal to everyone – especially children.

You could also do pizza as the main course. Start by getting an Italian pizza mix or assembling your own. You can put the ingredients for the dough into a jar, along with recipes for making the dough. Italian pizza tends to differ from America’s pizza in that they are mostly “white.” This means that they don’t have marinara or red sauce. Instead, a light layer of olive oil is put onto the dough, followed by cheese, and toppings. Include a small jar of olive oil as well as the fixings, which can be very simple. For instance, you may add fresh mozzarella (or bagged shredded), tomatoes (or sun-dried tomatoes), and basil. Other toppings include mushroom, brie, pesto, artichoke, parmesan, gorgonzola, and percorino cheeses, and grilled onions.

Time for dessert! Choose biscotti, cannoli, amaretto truffles or cheesecake, tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, or just simple Italian cookies. You can pick these up at the bakery or just get a mix from the grocery store. If you want to give a homemade treat, biscotti are very easy to make, and it stores exceptionally well, so they can enjoy it after dinner or with their morning coffee.

Your meal is not complete without a wine gift to complement the food. Reds are a good choice, but try to go with the preference of the recipient. If they do not drink, include soda or sparkling water and some espresso to enjoy with dessert.

Italian food is among the most beloved cuisines in the world, and for good reason. Nothing will make you feel more at home than the smell of delicious food cooking.

Aromatherapy has been around for a long time. It’s simply the use of scents to target benefits like relaxation, sleep, well-being, headache relief, etc. If you want to give an aromatherapy gift basket, it’s really easy to make one yourself.

The first thing you should do is choose a scent. If you’re not sure what scent your friend would like, do some thinking. Have you smelled candles burning in her home? What scent and color were they? Does she wear a certain perfume? What does it smell like? These are some clues into some of the scents she may like. If you still don’t have a clue, go with something like vanilla or buttercream which just about everyone likes.

Once you have chosen your scent, choose a vessel to put it all in. Often times inexpensive baskets work well, but you can also place everything in a decorative hat box or other display box that she can use again. If you want to make her a travel basket, put it all in a large cosmetics pouch that zips so she can take it with her on the road.

Aromatherapy baskets can include just about anything. Most include relaxing elements designed to help the recipient de-stress and unwind. Candles with strong but pleasant scents are nice as is incense. You do have to be careful to choose a scent that is meant to relax, like lavender, if you intend it for stress relief. If you give a basket full of peppermint or spearmint scents, the opposite effect will occur. Your friend will be much more alert instead of relaxed. Peppermint makes a great gift to give as an aromatherapy pick-me-up basket for someone at work who always hits that 3:00pm slump.

Arrange all your items on some sort of packing material. This can be shredded paper, recycled Easter basket grass, or even just tissue paper. The idea is to make each product stand alone in its own little spot so the basket doesn’t look thrown together. Include a simmering pot for spices or a candle warmer, which allows wax to be heated without a flame. Great for the office or around kids.

You might want to include soap and a soap dish, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, a neck pillow, or an herbal pillow filled with buckwheat that can be used hot or cold for neck pain relief. There are hundreds of scents and thousands of products to choose from. So your options are limitless when putting together an aromatherapy gift basket. Include natural bamboo towels and face cloths, slippers, or a robe.

Tie it all up with a big ribbon and present it. Your friend will absolutely love getting a basket filled with products she can use right away to change her mood and her day. Whether it’s relaxation or alertness you are going for, research the different scents and what each one is thought to enhance. There are so many out there that you will definitely find one for the lady in your life. Don’t settle for the first one you find. Do some sensory research. You’ll have fun doing it and just may relax yourself, too.

Gift baskets could possibly be the perfect gift for just about anyone on your list.  When you need to get a gift for someone you don’t know well, a gift basket comes to the rescue.  When you want to provide a variety of little treats for a friend, a basket full of goodies is always welcome.  And when you’re shopping on a budget, yet again the gift basket comes to the rescue. You can always customize gift baskets based on the recipient’s tastes and interests, but if you need a good all-purpose basket, here are the top ten foods used to make them.

Baked goods. Cookies and brownies are almost universally loved. There are times, though, when you want to avoid indulgent treats like these, such as when you know the recipient is on a restricted diet and cannot have sugar.  In general, though, cookie gift baskets are great because even if the recipient is cutting back on sweets, her family, coworkers, or friends will certainly be willing to share!

Nuts. Anything from a simple package of peanuts to exotic, and beautiful, brazil nuts can be used for a gift basket. Pistachios, macadamias, almonds, and walnuts are all excellent choices.  There are endless varieties of mixed nuts in the stores, especially around the holidays, and you can also order more unusual gourmet nuts online.

Cheeses. Cheddar, camembert, chevre (or goat cheese), blue cheese, brie, Swiss, and other cheeses are nearly always a favorite.  From a simple basket with pepperoni and cheddar to a gourmet basket with herbed chevre and wine, cheese is an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of foods. You can also find organic, kosher, and reduced fat cheeses to suit your recipient’s tastes. A cheese knife and cutting board make thoughtful additions to this gift basket.

Crackers or Bread. If you are giving the delicious gift of cheese, you need to give something to enjoy with it! Light water, cracked wheat, organic, or flavored crackers are a great idea. Bagel crisps or pita chips may also be a nice touch.  If you like, get a small loaf of artisan bread.

Meats (Sausages). Another popular food item for gift baskets is meats, in the form of sausages, which do not spoil. Summer sausages are a great idea because they slice easily and can be eaten with the cheese you so thoughtfully gave. Pepperoni is another good choice.  For something a little different, try jerky. It can be beef, but you can also find more exotic varieties online, including elk, bore, alligator, caribou, moose, and venison.

Wine. Try finding a bottle of your local wine to put into a basket with cheeses and other treats.  Wine doesn’t have to be expensive; in fact, there are several excellent brands to be had at your grocery store.  When we think of wine, we usually think of California, but several states have high quality vineyards.  Vermont’s cold climate, for instance, produces more sweet grapes, which can be found in wines like Vermont Ice. Try something a bit unusual for your wine gift basket.

Fruit. Fruit is safe. Fill a basket with bright oranges and multi-colored apples and oranges to make a luxurious fruit gift basket.  Choose fruits that have a bit of longevity in them! Bananas, for instance, can quickly become overripe. You can fill in the gaps with cheeses, chocolates, or other goodies.

Teas, Coffee, Hot Cocoa. Another safe bet. A basket with delightful flavored coffees, teas, or hot cocoas will be appreciated, especially if you are giving a gift in the winter.  Again, try something a bit different. For instance, you could buy several loose teas and a tea ball to filter it. All your recipient has to do is put the tea in the ball, close it, and submerse it in water for wonderful tea.  .

Pasta or Soups. Dry pastas and soups can be great for a gift basket. Make a colorful bean soup mix, for instance, and put it in a jar. Simply tie a ribbon around it and write the instructions for making the soup. You can then fill around it with cheeses or other foods that convey the same sense of warmth as soup. You could also put different types of colored pasta into your basket, with great tomato sauce, extra virgin olive oil, and a small bottle of red wine. You can even put this into a colander to make your Italian gift basket even more practical and special.

Organic Foods. Organic gift baskets are growing in popularity and are perfect, especially for the health-conscious people on your shopping list. Fill a basket with organic cheeses, wines, beers, cookies, chips, dips, sauces, and pastas.

Gift baskets are wonderful for any occasion because they are so versatile. You don’t have to buy a pre-made basket; try making your own. You may save money, and you’ll certainly create a more beautiful, personalized gift basket.

Speaking of Italian... is Biscotti an Italian Cookie or Cake?

If someone has just sent over a new client to your business, chances are you’re thrilled. You want to thank your business associate for the referral, but may not know how to do it. What’s appropriate? Should you send just a note? Is that too little?

It’s never a bad idea to say thank you in a number of ways. You may have thanked your colleague on the phone or in person, but another good way is to send a gift basket along with a note.

You need not go overboard. Depending on the situation, you’ll want to decide just how much to spend. If you can afford to do more, do it. But if you are just a start-up business with little working cash, it’s ok to go small and elegant.

What do you put in a thank you gift basket to a business associate? Think about the recipient. How do you know him or her? Is it purely business, or do you also know them from socializing outside of work?

If you know the recipient’s personal interests, tailor the basket contents to them. If he’s an avid golfer, include golf balls, a new set of golf gloves, tees and maybe a gift certificate to a meal at his country club. If she’s a high-level executive, give her a spa basket to relax with. Include a gift certificate to a spa for a manicure and massage. Include a terrycloth headband, face mask or nice soaps. You can include high-end items, but be sure not to get too personal. It’s all in the way you present it. If it looks like you just flung some items together, it may seem inappropriate. But if your gift looks like it came from another business, then it’s perfectly acceptable.

Remember, business people have personal lives too. So they love to receive items that are fun and perhaps they can share with their families. That’s when a tin of popcorn and some of the latest DVDs or a coupon for rentals is fine. If you know they have young children, tailor the gift to what they might enjoy doing as well like passes to a zoo. It will show you care about their family life as well as your work relationship.

Err on the side of caution. Anything liquor related should be left out as well as cigars or anything that could be considered in poor taste. This is not the time for gag gifts or off-color humor. Think high-end. If you’re at all uncertain, ask a store clerk to help you select items that are appropriate for business people and have her make the basket for you.

Order baskets premade online to be sure that you are selecting items that are meant to go together. Online gift basket sites have already done the work of collecting all the items for you. Select by category like coffee, candy, etc. It’s much easier to narrow your choice down and then just hit send than to run around looking for the contents yourself.

Be sure to include a sincere thank you note on nice stationery in your own handwriting. This is not the time to use a printer. Be short and sweet about it.