ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Holiday shopping poses some unique challenges each December. The “perfect gift” can be elusive, particularly when shopping for loved ones who seemingly have it all. When confronted with such conundrums, holiday shoppers are urged to keep a familiar and reliable option in mind to save themselves the frustration of finding the perfect gift.

Food makes a great holiday gift, especially when it’s homemade. Baked goods might prove particularly irresistible gifts this holiday season, and those with a knack for baking can gift a batch of these “Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies” courtesy of Lines+Angles.

Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies

Makes approximately 16 to 18 cookies

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 small eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 11/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Melt the butter in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, pour into a large bowl and add the brown sugar.
  3. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla, and continue to mix until incorporated.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, spices and oats. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix well. Add the cranberries and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
  5. Drop scant tablespoons of the batter onto the cookie sheet, spaced apart. Press down slightly in the centers.
  6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until golden and set. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before moving to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

This story is sponsored by the Brü Avl beverage of the month

(Courtesy: Layla Neuroth)

“Espresso Martini” by Layla

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce vodka
  • .5 ounce dorda chocolate
  • .5 ounce Baileys
  • .5 ounce orange liqueur
  • Double shot espresso

Directions

  1. Pour espresso over ice.
  2. Add remaining ingredients.
  3. Shake and double strain into martini glass.
  4. Garnish with coffee beans and zested orange.
  5. Serve and enjoy!

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