Vanilla Scented Sugar

Anyone who’s ever hosted a party knows that a lot of work goes into it. It doesn’t matter the occasion, every hostess deserves a little token of your gratitude.

Summer is often a time for entertaining. This month for the Eat Well, Spend Less topic we thought we’d focus on ways to make that fun, inexpensive, and memorable. You’ll definitely want to check out what the other ladies are sharing (links at the end of this post).

Because it’s so hot right now, we haven’t been doing a whole lot of entertaining, or even spending much time outdoors, so I thought I’d share some tips and ideas on Hostess Gifts.

With back-to-school and holidays sneaking up on us before we know it, keep this post in mind to refer back to next time you’re in need of a holiday gift or treat for your child’s teacher.

Inexpensive Hostess Gifts

Hostess gifts don’t have to be extravagant, expensive, or even store bought. Check out these simple and inexpensive make-at-home ideas next time you need a little something extra to tell someone “thank you.”

Edible Gifts

It is always wise to ask your hostess if she needs any help with the food or drinks. Many hosts appreciate extra hands and help, but some prefer to run the show themselves. If your hostess declines your offer, consider treating her to one of these delicious recipes instead.

photo via My Baking Addiction

Any of these fun recipes can be neatly packaged in cute, inexpensive containers to serve as a hostess gift. Some, like the canned homemade salsa, scented sugar recipes, and homemade pancake mix can be made ahead and stored for when the need for a gift arises.

• Caramel Sauce
• Cinnamon Honey Butter
• DIY Pink Grapefruit Marmalade
• Fresh Bread
• Fresh fruit or vegetables from your garden.
• Greek Cucumber Tzatziki
• Homemade Marshmallows packaged with Chocolate Bars and Graham Crackers
• Homemade Pancake Mix Jars
• Homemade Salsa – fresh or canned
• Homemade Vanilla Extract
• Hot Fudge Sauce
• Lemon, Lime, or Grapefruit Curd
• Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
• Scented Sugars
• Spiced Pear Butter

Vanilla Scented Sugar

Yield: 2 cups

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Additional Time: 23 hours 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 day

Vanilla Scented Sugar is a great way to get another use out of leftover vanilla bean pods.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 - 4 whole vanilla beans, empty pods work too

Instructions

1. Layer sugar and vanilla beans (you can slice them in half for smaller jars and for stronger scents) in a jar. Let sit for at least 24 hours for the sugar to become scented.
2. Sugar can be used in baking, tea, or anything else you'd want a lightly flavored sugar for. Makes a perfect, simple and inexpensive gift.
3. Variations: Use citrus peels, herbs or rose petals for other scented sugar options.

Notes

Adjust the number of vanilla bean pods you use to make the vanilla sugar to vary the strength of the vanilla scent.

Recommended Products

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• 
  Vanilla Beans
• 
  Sugar
• 
  Weck Tulip Jelly Jar, SET of 6

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 32 Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 49Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 0gSugar: 12gProtein: 0g

GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.

Did you make this?

I’d love it if you let me know what you think! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram at @goodlifeeats with the hashtag #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can see what you’re cooking up in your kitchen!

Other Thoughtful Gifts

Often times the focus of party preparation can easily become directed at the food, drinks and guest list. If you’re hostess has all of that covered, look for another way to show your appreciation.

Entertaining takes a lot of energy. Sometimes something as simple as fresh flowers or something to soothe the body show your gratitude. Try some of these gifts to treat your hostess to some pampering.

• All-Natural Moisturizing Kitchen Hand Scrub
• Rosemary Mint Sugar Scrub
• Bath Salts
• Homemade Lip Balm or Gloss – this Kool-Aid Lip Gloss looks fun
• Painted Glass Bottles – Flowers to add to the table are great. Look at these gorgeous homemade painted vases! These bottles would be a beautiful homemade gift to include with fresh flowers and something that your hostess can enjoy long after the flowers have wilted.