We all have that one person on our Christmas list that is impossible to shop for. I have many. Lucky me. This year I decided not to let the stress of gifting frazzle my very last nerve. Instead, I chose to find a gift that is meaningful to me and also puts some good vibes out into the world we live in. A few months ago I stumbled upon these whimsical spatulas. Not only are they absolutely adorable, but also a portion of the sale of each one goes to help end child hunger in the United States. I don’t think I could have discovered a better gift to give to the hosts and hostesses of every holiday party we have been blessed to attend during this holiday season. I packaged each one with a gorgeous jar of custom-blended sprinkles and a small card to the gift receiver to make them aware of the love and thought that went into their gift.
No Kid Hungry: Share Our Strength
All across America, families are struggling with hunger and children are among the hardest hit. No Kid Hungry is working to end hunger in the United States. This is a limited-edition spatula designed by Stephanie Izard, a Chicago-based chef and the winner of Top Chef 4. A percentage of each spatula purchased will be donated to No Kid Hungry.
This holiday season I wanted to give back in little ways whenever it was possible to do so. So instead of just another candle, bottle of wine, or holiday trinket given to the host at parties we attend, I have decided to give a gift that means something to me. This spatula is a gift that is dear to my heart. Spatulas are the most used and loved item in my kitchen, and the fact that by using this one, you are helping to end child hunger in the United States, my heart is literally singing with joy.
The colorful sprinkle mix included in this gift bag has been custom-blended by me, because what is a cookie without a little dazzle-yumminess on top? We wish you a wonderful holiday season, filled with great friends, good food, and overflowing joy. Thank you for sharing your home, friendship, and love with us.
Colleen, B.O.B. Bob, & Lady Brenna of Fairfax
Since it is the last week before Christmas I felt like many of you would surely be feeling the pressure of finding the perfect gift for at least one person in your life. I’m here to tell you that you need to take a breathe, relax, and think about giving a gift that will show someone a special part of your own personality, while also making the world a better place. If you have a gift with words, perhaps you could give a wrapped letter letting someone know just how special they are to you. If you are an animal lover, you may decide to give the gift of a day spent with a close friend volunteering at a local animal shelter. You get the point. Determine what is special to you, and then find a way to turn that passion into “The Perfect Gift.”
In my rush to package my special holiday gift bags, I somehow managed to overlook including a recipe. Hand hitting head moment, right? Me, the person who spends so much time developing recipes and writing about them, forgot to include a recipe. What was I thinking? Thankfully there are so many on Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck to choose from.
- Irish Butter Sprinkle Cake with Ganache
- Rainbow S’moreo Cookies
- Reese’s Birthday Sprinkle Brownie Cheesecake Bars
- Rainbow Sprinkle “Crack”
- Almond Sprinkle Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, Room Temperature
- 1 1/2 Cups Granulated Sugar
- 2 Eggs, Room Temperature
- 2 Tablespoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
- 3 Cups All-Purpose Flour
- 4 Teaspoons Corn Starch
- 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 2/3 Cups Rainbow Sprinkles
Directions:
- Cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed for 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing them until well incorporated.
- Add the vanilla and vanilla bean paste, and then mix for an additional 3 minutes on medium speed.
- In a medium size bowl, sift together the flour, corn starch, baking soda, and salt.
- Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture on low speed; mix until just incorporated.
- Use a rubber spatula to incorporate the rainbow sprinkles into the cookie dough.
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form the dough into balls. Place each dough ball on a cookie sheet lined with waxed paper, and then gently pat down the top of each cookie till even.
- Cover the cookie sheet tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to rest for 3 minutes before carefully moving them to a baking rack to finish cooling completely.
- Store in an airtight container.
