Jar of love

I popped into Mum and Dad's last night after a very successful Christmas shopping adventure.

I hadn't planned on shopping and had no presents in mind which is why I think I did so well.

Having said that, did rack up the first six purchases for the night just for me!

Anyway, Mum was busy in the kitchen when I stopped by and I was intrigued by her bench full of empty cookie jars.

She went on to show me the Christmas presents she'd prepared for her gym friends and I thought they were just such a good idea I had to share. 

How easy! I've done something similar for my friends before, but I especially loved the different textures used in this version . . .

And the best bit?

They have downloadable templates you can print off to make life so much easier!

See the recipe in the December issue of Australian Good Taste magazine and download the templates here.

We will remember them

Image and recipe from Donna Hay

ANZAC Day is a very special day on the calendar - especially for me personally ever since I experienced the magic of a dawn service at Gallipoli four years ago. Breathtaking. So I thought I'd better mark the occasion this year and hunt down a recipe for the traditional ANZAC biscuit.

Hot tip - I like my ANZAC biscuits chewy and soft, so tend to undercook them for that caramely taste. YUM! Another variation that my Granny swears by (and we are treated to every family catch-up!) is a jumbo sized biscuit that she covers with a layer of jam (apricot's the best), then slathers with cream, and then tops with slices of banana. Then you cut it into slices, like a pizza I guess! Don't knock it til you try it!