
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, December 1, 1993                   TAG: 9312010350
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: 3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By ALMENA HUGHES STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

GIVE GIFTS FROM YOUR KITCHEN

There is just something so special about a gift from your kitchen. And there are a lot more possibilities than breads and cookies, although holiday bakers "kneading" help may find it at the Land O'Lakes Holiday Bakeline (800) 782-9606; Fleischmann's Yeast Baker's Helpline (800) 777-4959; or Mott's Bake Lite Line (800) 225-3548.

For example, there's candy, which need not be tricky to make, according to Berndes Cookware and Kaiser Bakeware. They suggest using a heavy-gauge, non-stick aluminum, stainless steel or copper saucepan and a clip-on or instant-read candy thermometer with two-degree markings for accuracy. To salvage overcooked caramels, fondants or nonchocolate fudges, stir in 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of water to lower the temperature and start again.

Clear Toy Candy, which originated in Southeastern Pennsylvania in the mid-1800s, is impressive looking but relatively easy to make because neither portions nor temperature are crucial. However, you've got to work fast with this quick-setting Pennsylvania Dutch favorite that was originally given along with fruits and nuts as typical holiday gifts for German children. The Cake and Kandy Emporium in Lancaster County, Pa., (800) 577-5728, carries all supplies needed for these toy-shaped, crystal-like concoctions, which also make great tree ornaments. The Emporium also sells finished pieces.

Candy-making moves into the microwave in peanutty treats from the Texas Peanut Producers Board. Nuts also star in quick and easy munchables from the Almond Board of California.

Quick, easy and inexpensive describe two special sugars from the delightful compilation of recipes, crafts, gifts and music, "Ruth & Skitch Henderson's Christmas In the Country" (Viking Studio Books). Another simple-to-make pantry addition is the classic vinegar-based basting sauce from William Woys Weaver's "Pennsylvania Dutch Country Cooking" (Abbeville Press).

Finally, what would gifting be without the perennial favorite, fruitcake? Here in Southwest Virginia, you may have to substitute Glenlivet or another brand for the Macallan Single Highland Malt Scotch Whiskey the Mitcalfes of Craigellachie, Scotland, use in their family recipe.

A few almonds prepared to perfection can make an excellent holiday gift.

Recipes for:

CLEAR TOY CANDY

DIXIE PEANUT BRITTLE

TIGER BUTTER

FESTIVE BLACK OR WHITE PEANUT CLUSTERS

SPICY CAJUN ALMONDS

ALMONDS MOCHA

PARMESAN-HERB ALMONDS

VANILLA or CLOVE SUGAR

MITCALFE HIGHLAND FRUITCAKE

BLACK VINEGAR SAUCE

ORANGE POMANDER

by CNB