My good intentions to make homemade gifts for family, teachers, etc. becomes reality this year! These homemade gifts share three traits: they include a local ingredient (which can be found at places like the Dane County Farmer’s Market, Willy St. Coop, or Woodman’s), they take less than 30 minutes to make, and they are simple enough that the kids can help.

Granola This is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with milk, yogurt or ice cream. This recipe features one of my favorite local products: Yumbutter. All-natural, made in Madison, and the company’s “Buy One, Feed One” mission will eliminate any guilt you might feel about eating it by the spoonful.

Simple Granola makes about 2 cups, enough for about 2 pint-sized jars

4 T. Dark Chocolate (Om)mond Yumbutter 3 T. agave nectar ½ t. cinnamon ½ t. vanilla 2 c. oats

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Lay a piece of parchment paper on a large cookie sheet. Combine Yumbutter and agave nectar in a medium-sized bowl. Microwave until Yumbutter melts (try 30-second intervals).  Add vanilla and cinnamon and mix well. Add oats and mix well. Spread onto prepared cookie sheet and bake 8-12 minutes. Let rest for another 10-15 minutes before putting into containers. You may have to break granola up into pieces a bit.

Facial Scrub This scrub features Driftless Organics Sunflower Oil, based out of Soldier’s Grove. The guys from Driftless Organics can be found at the Saturday Dane County Farmer’s Market—with more than sunflower oil! You can get the kids involved with making this but, if they’re like my kids, they’ll wonder why you’re cooking something that’s going on your face.

Ginger Sugar Scrub makes approximately 8 ounces 1/4 c. coconut oil 1 T. ginger, coarsely chopped 1/4 c. Driftless Organics sunflower oil 3/4 c. raw or turbinado sugar 1/4 c. kosher salt 1-4 drops essential oil (I used sweet orange)
In a small saucepan combine the coconut oil and ginger pieces over low heat. Continue heating for 5-10 minutes until ginger scent and juice has transferred into the oil. Remove from heat and press through a fine mesh sieve.
While the oil is still warm, mix together with sunflower oil. Stir to combine and allow to come to room temperature. Stir in sugar and salt. Scent with essential oils as desired. Pack into a container.
To Use: Massage into damp skin and allow to sit 2-4 minutes. Using a washcloth covered in warm water, steam over face or stand in a steamy shower for a minute. Using the wet washcloth, wipe excess from skin. Rinse and repeat until oil is washed away.

See the inspiration for this recipe at Food for My Family.

From-Scratch Vinaigrette Maybe a little unexpected treat in a jar, but it’s so easy to make! There are only pure ingredients, including Gentle Breeze honey from Mt. Horeb.

Vinaigrette Recipe makes about 2 cups, enough for about 4 small jars 1 c. apple cider vinegar 1 c. olive oil 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 heaping T. Dijon mustard 2 t. Gentle Breeze honey 1 t. salt 2 t. black pepper

Whisk all ingredients in a large bowl until dressing is emulsified. Pour through a funnel into small jars. Keep refrigerated.

Candice Wagener is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about parenting, crafting, travel, and anything involving food! She earned her degree in Journalism and English from the UW-Madison in 1999 and, after more than a decade working in the early childhood field, she is finally utilizing her degree and pursuing her dream of writing full-time. She is a mom to two busy boys and loves living in the Midwest, having officially crossed over to living in Wisconsin longer than she lived in Illinois! She is hesitantly entering into the new millennium by creating a blog, but she is still staying off of Facebook for as long as humanly possible. (Good luck Candice, good luck!)