"I am in the habit of looking not so much to the nature of a gift as to the spirit in which it is offered."
~~Robert Louis Stevenson
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| To print a larger view of this recipe right click "View Image" and then enlarge the image before printing. |
I've been putting together a few Frugal Feasts for the Gift Pantry to give as token gifts to neighbors, friends and hosts/hostesses. It's pretty simple, as you can see from the photos! I take a collection of different types of beans and lentils, mix them nicely in a big bowl and then package them in pretty vintage or recycled jars. Sometimes I make homemade chile'/taco seasoning and put three tablespoons of it, along with a dry bay leaf, in a small cellophane bag. I've also used the taco seasoning mix I buy in bulk at Costco for this gift, in a pinch. I'll carefully fold this packet, seal it with a small sticker, and place it atop the beans before I close the jar. Other times, I'll simply include a store bought packet of chile seasoning: Slipped inside an appropriately sized envelope and hung like a tag along with the recipe (you will find the printable above) it creates a pretty presentation. There are numerous variations of this gift, of course, depending upon my time and resources. Sometimes the Calico Chile' is included as part of a larger gift basket that also offers side~dishes such as cornbread (a mix or freshly~baked), a small jar of honey butter and a bottle of sparkling cider. Sometimes I'll include vintage silver spoons and/or servers (as in the picture above) and line the basket or box with a pretty table cloth or set of hand towels... or ... ! Quite often it's imagination and resources that make the decision. It's all about using what's inexpensively and easily available to you at the time!
Sending love and good thoughts to all, as always!
Warmly,
Tracey and Family
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