12+ Home Crafted Vanilla and Spice inspired Gifts for the Solstice

Hello Dark Winter!

The night sky is showcasing Venus, Saturn and Jupiter this month and it’s an amazing sight to see. It’s amazing that is, until our toes turn numb and our noses start to run. Somedays in winter it’s cold, and we are forced to go inside. Since there is nothing we can do about the weather let’s try to enjoy the cold days by getting creative at home.

Here we have a whole day’s adventure in home-made gifting. Enjoy creating these three recipes to warm those long dark nights leading up to the winter Solstice. Oh those lucky stars! Once you are done creating, you will have made at least 12 gifts ready to deliver (15 if you don’t blow it by spilling wax or eating the goodies).

3 Simple recipes to make 12+ winter spice inspired Gifts.

1. Vanilla and Spice Scented Candles
2. Vanilla and Spice Infused Honey Syrup.
3. Chocolate covered cookie dough balls

Let’s start with the honey syrup as it’s the easiest of all.

Vanilla and Spice Honey syrup

What you need:

• Spices: 2 tablespoons of each of the following.
• Cinnamon
• Grated Orange peel
• Vanilla powder (One pod’s worth)
• 1 1kg jar x Miel’s D’Anicet Honey (It’s really the best and it’s certified Organic)
• 5 x 200ml jars
• 400ml water

Instructions:

1. Bring your water to a boil
2. Add Cinnamon, Vanilla and Orange.
3. Simmer until the liquid has reduced by 200ml leaving you with 200ml (about 30 minutes)
4. Using a tea filter to filter out the bits, add the spice tea to the honey and mix.
5. Evenly split the spiced honey into each jar

Vanilla and Spice Scented Candles

What you need:

• 1.5 pounds of bees wax.
• 5 x 100ml Jars
• Essential oils: 1 x 15ml Cinnamon, 1 x 15ml Orange, 1 x 30ml Vanilla. I would suggest buying these essential oils at the shop if you don’t already have a big selection at home you need to use up as I did.
• 5 wicks (3mm hemp wicks)
• 5 glass jars 100ml

Instructions:

1. Prepare the jars by putting a wick in each one, using a clothespin steady the wick so it’s sticking straight up.
2. Melt the wax in a double boiler, have patience as it takes time.
3. Once the wax is melted remove from the boiler and add your essential oils.
4. Carefully and I mean carefully, pour the wax evenly into each jar.
5. Set the jars aside and allow them to set-up and harden for 24 hours, cut the wick and replace the lid.

Cinnamon and Spice Chocolate Cookie dough balls.

What you need:

• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla, and salt to taste
• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips

Prepare the Cookie dough:

• Place everything but the chocolate chips in a food processor and pulse until a dough forms.
• Roll 50 balls of dough with your hands using roughly 1 teaspoon of dough per ball.
• Melt the chocolate chips
• Dip each ball into the chocolate with a spoon, then place onto a non-stick surface.
• Place the balls in the fridge and assemble the baggies to store them.
• Distribute the balls evenly in 5 bags. Or 4 if you feel like indulging on some delicious treats.

And there you have it. 12 Gifts to give.

Happy Solstice to everyone!!!