So Much to Give

Show up to the next holiday party with a perfect gift for the host: Ina Garten’s homemade treats.

It’s that time of year again! Everyone is having a holiday party, and it’s always nice to bring a gift to thank the host. (We all know how much work goes into planning a party!) Sure, you can bring a bottle of wine, but I think it’s so much nicer to arrive with something special. My only rule is to never bring anything the hosts feel obligated to serve with dinner; what if your food gets more oohs and aahs than theirs?! Instead, I like to bring a homemade treat that can be served after the meal or saved for another day. My go-to gifts are Salted Caramel Nuts, which are crunchy, salty and sweet; Rum Raisin Truffles for chocolate lovers; and my particular favorite, White Chocolate Bark— big shards of sweet white chocolate studded with dried fruit and salty nuts. I package everything in clear cellophane or glassine bags, tie them up with festive ribbons, and I’m ready to be the perfect guest at anyone’s party!

SALTED CARAMEL NUTS

ACTIVE: 20 min l TOTAL: 30 min MAKES: 8 cups

1 cup each whole roasted salted cashews, whole large pecan halves, whole unsalted almonds and whole walnut halves (4 cups total)

1½ cups sugar 

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 

2 teaspoons kosher salt 

1 teaspoon fleur de sel

1. Preheat the oven to 350° 

2. Combine the nuts on a sheet pan, spread them out and roast them for 7 minutes, until they become fragrant. Set aside to cool.