Exotic Spices on a Budget

Another great find in Milwaukee was the Spice House. Jars of the highest quality, hand-selected and hand-prepared spices and herbs lined the walls and aisles of this wonderful store. I also loved the labels containing the descriptions and history of every herb, spice and blend. I could spend hours roaming the store, absorbing the aromas and learning about the products.



One of my favorite parts of the store was their large selection of spice blend gift boxes. They were very unique combinations and there would be a blend for just about anybody. From the “Fisherman’s Seasoning Box” to the “Butcher’s Rubs Gift Box” and several “Ethnic Chicago” boxes featuring flavors from some of the historic Chicago neighborhoods.



This store is a great place to find gifts for anybody on your holiday list, or even get ideas to make your own spice blend gifts! With reasonable prices it would be easy to stay within a budget. Plus, as a “Budget Diva” I love that you can buy as little as one ounce of their exotic and difficult to find spices rather than shelling out much more money for a large jar at gourmet grocery store!



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Quick and Easy Edible Holiday Gifts

This time of year when we start making our holiday gift lists, it can be a bit overwhelming especially at a time when budgets are tight. I love to make edible gifts for many of the special people in my life. This afternoon I have an appointment with my hairdresser and I wanted to take him a little extra “thank you” for the holidays. This recipe was perfect because it looks impressive, sounds fancy and yet it is a super easy no-bake treat! I like to make a few batches and wrap them up in some pretty cellophane and tie it up in a nice bow.


GINGER CHOCOLATE PUMPKIN TRUFFLES

Here is a sweet treat that requires no baking, is easy enough to make with kids, and is sophisticated enough to enjoy at a holiday dinner party! Makes 48 truffles.

2 ½ cups crushed ginger snaps (about 12 ounces)
1 cup ground, toasted almonds
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted (one minute in the microwave)
½ cup pumpkin puree
¼ cup coffee liqueur

1) Separately, pulse ginger snaps and chilled, toasted almonds until finely ground in a food processor.
2) Combine ground ginger snaps and almonds, cinnamon and ½ cup of the powdered sugar in a medium-sized bowl. With a rubber spatula, blend in the melted chocolate, pumpkin and coffee liqueur. Let stand 10 minutes to firm up.
3) Shape mixture into 1-inch balls, place on wax paper-lined platter and refrigerate until firmed, about 20 minutes.
4) Garnish with chopped, toasted almonds just before serving.



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