DIY: Thanksgiving Hostess Gift (Spice Kit)

Thanksgiving is my holiday to host.  I'm not sure how that came to be, but I can't really remember not holding Turkey Day at our house.  So, seeing that I don't venture to someones home for the meal, or travel out of town, I don't need to worry about a hostess gift.  But if I was to go somewhere I think this DIY spice kit would be my gift of choice this year.

Made up of three homemade seasonal seasonings (that's a tongue twister), this kit is incredibly easy to assemble, and I can't imagine that the recipient wouldn't find a use for all three items in the coming months. And if she wasn't likely to make chili or mulled wine, you can bet she will now that you've given her the most essential ingredients for both creations. And the pumpkin pie spice, well that's a pantry must-have this time of year, isn't it?

Thanksgiving Hostess Gift: Spice Kit

Pumpkin Pie Spice:

• 4 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 4 teaspoons ground ginger
• 3 teaspoons ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder

1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight, lidded container.

Chili Spice:

• 2 teaspoon paprika
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoon oregano
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

1. In a small bowl combine all ingredients and store in an air-tight, lidded container.

Mulling Spice: 

• 3 strips orange rind
• 2 strips lemon rind
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves
• 1 tbsp whole allspice, smashed
• 1 whole star anise, smashed
• 4 cinnamon sticks, smashed

1. Arrange lemon and orange rind on a rack; let stand until dry and brittle, about 24 hours. Break into 1/4-inch pieces into bowl. Add cloves, allspice, star anise and cinnamon; stir to combine.

2. Make a spice bag from 2 to 3 layers of cheese cloth. Put the spices in the center of a 6 inch cheesecloth square and tie cloth shut with kitchen twine. Use one bag to every 2 quarts of apple cider or wine.

Comments

[Marla@familyfreshcooking.com]

Hi Jan, love this idea for a hostess gift!

[Julie]

What a brilliant and simple idea! Love it!

[Paula]

Great hostess gift but I think I'm going to make myself some too!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Paula.  I made one for me too!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Julie!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Marla!

[Allison]

What a great idea!!
I just found your blog by way of Simple Bites - LOVE!

[Jan Scott]

Thanks, Allison.  Im glad you stopped by!

[Gail]

Well, another great idea. I am crusin your blog, girl, you are givin me some inspiration for sure, thank you for sharing these.

[Julia]

I just added it to my 'gifts to give' Christmas list. Seriously, I'm giddy with excitement over how simple, but incredible of an idea this is!

[Jan Scott]

Oh, great!  Thanks for letting me know that you liked the spice kids.

[Supra Shoes]

Lots of love from down under Australia, love you articles, with you all the way, with one BUT, and that is it is CHRISTMAS TIME and not holidays, and season Greetings.

[Missy B]

I am making all of my Christmas presents this year so this is a great addition. Thank you so much.