Gifts of Good Taste

Homemade treats are always welcome, especially during the hectic holiday season when all of us do a lot of last-minute entertaining. Festive jars of Sweet-hot Honey Mustard and Italian Parmesan Herb Mix are two easy-to-make favorites that you can use in dozens of different ways. Our gifts are packaged in recycled jelly jars; colorful labels made with inexpensive holiday scrapbook stickers from a crafts store identify the tasty treats. -MARY ALLEN PERRY

SWEET-hot HONEY MUSTARD

MAKES 4 CUPS

PREP: 5 MIN., COOK: 12 MIN.

This is a delicious complement to holiday ham and turkey. Spread it on a grilled chicken sandwich or over the crust of a quiche before adding the filling. Straight from the jar, it makes a bold and spicy dip for egg rolls. Look for bargains on packets of dry mustard at wholesale clubs and specialty markets, or order online at www.penzeys.com.

2 cups sugar

1 ½ cups dry mustard

2 cups white vinegar

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

½ cup honey

WHISK together sugar and mustard in a heavy 3-quart saucepan; gradually whisk in vinegar and eggs until blended.

COOK mustard mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, 10 to 12 minutes or until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat, and whisk in honey. Let cool, and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

CRANBERRY-PECAN CHICKEN SALAD: Stir together 8 cups chopped cooked chicken; 3 celery ribs, diced; 5 green onions, thinly sliced; 1 ½ cups chopped, toasted pecans; 1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries; 1 cup mayonnaise; and ½ cup Sweet-hot Honey Mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill up to 3 days. Makes 6 to 8 servings. Prep: 20 min.

ITALIAN PARMESAN HERB Mix

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

PREP: 5 MIN.

This is one of our most versatile seasoning blends. Toss with hot cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, or a bag of microwave popcorn. Sprinkle it over French bread and croutons; or dip frozen roll dough and biscuits into melted butter, and dredge with the mixture before baking. Combined with an equal amount of fresh, soft breadcrumbs, it makes an irresistibly crisp coating for pan-fried chicken cutlets and pork chops or a flavorful binder for homemade meatballs and meatloaf.

1 (8-ounce) container grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons dried Italian seasoning

3 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

1 tablespoon granulated garlic

½ teaspoon ground red pepper

STIR together all ingredients. Package mixture in airtight containers, and store in refrigerator up to 6 weeks.

HOLIDAY HERB BUTTER: Stir together I cup softened butter and ¼ cup Italian Parmesan Herb Mix. Makes I cup. Prep: 5 min.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2005
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