There is nothing people like more at Christmas that giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones. Given these hard financial times however, you may be put off buying too many presents, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some lovingly created Christmas treats at home. Here are two of the easiest tasty treats from IWOOT.

Fudge. You’ll need:
• A heavy non-stick large saucepan
• A candy thermometer
• Some oven-proof trays
• 1lb fine white sugar, ½ pint semi-skimmed milk, 2oz soft butter, 14oz condensed milk.

Method: Whilst frequently stirring, mix and melt all the ingredients in the pan slowly. When it reaches 115oC on the candy thermometer it should change colour and turn a lot darker. Remove from the heat source and keep stirring as the mixture cools down until it becomes too tough to continue. Dispense the mix into a couple of trays and leave for a good couple of hours to cool. When set, cut into cubes and enjoy

Chocolate Chip Cookies. You’ll need:
• Mixing bowl
• Grease-proof paper
• Oven Proof trays
• 4.5.5oz flour, 2.5oz butter, 1 egg, 2oz brown sugar,2oz caster sugar, 4oz choc chips, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method: Add flour, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and bicarbonate of soda into a bowl and mix together well with your hands or a spoon if you don’t want to get mucky. Add the egg and continue mixing until the mixture is doughy and a little sticky. The mixture should then be separated into balls the size of a squash ball and laid on grease proof paper-lined oven trays. Leave a good couple of inches between each ball as they will spread out and expand. Heat in the oven at between 180-200oC for around 12 minutes, but it is best to keep an eye on the cookies as ovens vary in cooking speed. Let the cookies cool down for 20mins before taking a bite. For more gift ideas and treat recipes visit the I Want One of Those blog.