‘ Tis the season for a shit-ton of holiday parties + gatherings. So I thought I would share some of my hostess gift ideas for this year. Always something homemade, always. And something semi-homemade. Like you didn’t really make shit, but you wrap it up with twine and fresh greenery to make it look extra cute.
First up, semi-homemade. Love a cute board. You can use them all over the house. With a festive kitchen towel. Found this gold spoon and had to have it. It’s extra long and would be perfect for making fancy cocktails or coffees. Some simple gold velvet ribbon + greenery and you’re set. This costs around $25 to make. Would make for a great teacher gift. Girlfriend gift. Or favorite things exchange too!
You can pick up everything for this easy gift at Target! Place an order for drive-up and make your life that much easier. Oh, and add a bottle of wine. It’s always good to drink while you work 🙂
Next up, homemade. I have been promising this Romano’s Macaroni Grill Rosemary Bread recipe since last year? I think? Sorry friends. So for those fellow Macaroni Grill lovers, here ya gooooo! It’s easy. No fail. Always delicious. It does rise better in the warmer months, but who has time for that.
{rosemary bread}
{Rosemary Bread}
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, a little more never hurt anybody
- coarse salt
Here’s what you do:
Place yeast + sugar + water in large bowl and allow mixture to become bubbly. I use the glass bowl of my Kitchenaid Mixer.
Mix in 1 tablespoon butter + salt + 2 cups of flour + 1 tablespoon rosemary.
Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or with the dough hook on the mixer for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Add more flour if necessary.
Loosely cover bowl with a towel.
Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled. Sometimes I leave it longer too.
Punch down dough and divide in half. Allow to rest about 5 minutes.
Line cookie sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper.
Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves + sprinkle remaining 1 Tablespoon of rosemary. Press lightly.
Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes. I know – it takes FOR-EV-ERRRR!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes, until lightly browned.
Remove from oven + brush with remaining butter + coarse salt.
ENJOY!!!
Once the loaves have cooled, I like to wrap them in wax or parchment paper and add a sprig of rosemary to make it festive AF!
Serve warm or room temp. With dipping oil. A couple tablespoons of olive oil + dash of balsamic vinegar + sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes and you will feel like you’re sitting at Romano’s Macaroni Grill all over again!
Karissa – I PROMISE I’m dropping off a loaf to you before Christmas!!!
Remember, you can print the recipe. “Pin” to your Pinterest board for safe keeping. If you decide to give it a shot, pretty please – tag me. Text me. I can’t wait to hear what you think!! 100% makes my day ♥
xoxo stacyb
