Homemade gifts for snacking

Every year we ask ourselves the question: What should I give my loved ones? Something bought or maybe something homemade? Let's be honest, we have (almost) everything we need, and therefore it is becoming increasingly difficult to give others a gift. It's all the easier to inspire someone with culinary delights and bring joy with small gifts from the kitchen. Jams, spice blends, granolas and homemade sweets like cookies or chocolates make perfect gifts. They are very easy to make yourself and give far more joy than store-bought gifts.

Today we have Christmas gift ideas from the kitchen that are sure to go down well as an edible gift at Christmas or even as a gift to take home. On the programme: chocolate-coated fruit - my absolute favourite - and a Christmas speculoos granola for all cinnamon and speculoos lovers.

THIS IS NEEDED:

• 400 g chocolate coating (plain or whole milk, depending on your preference)
• 500 g dried fruits, e.g.: Apricots, dates or plums

AND THAT'S HOW IT WORKS:

Melt the couverture over a water bath. As soon as the couverture has melted, remove from the heat and dip the dried fruit into it. Place the chocolate coated fruits on a baking paper, allow to cool or set. Then fill the chocolate-coated fruits into a glass or a gift bag.

THIS IS NEEDED:

• 150 g coarse rolled oats
• 50 g fine oat flakes
• 100 g sliced almonds
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 pinch of grated nutmeg
• 100 g speculaas biscuits, chopped and crumbled
• 100 ml maple syrup
• 60 ml sunflower oil

AND THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE:

1. Preheat the oven to 170°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Mix the rolled oats, sliced almonds, crushed and crumbled speculaas biscuits, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in a bowl.
3. Add the dry ingredients maple syrup and sunflower oil and mix everything well.
4. Spread the granola evenly on the baking tray and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Stir the granola every 10 minutes.
5. Allow to cool and fill into glasses or gift bags.