I love to make gifts for Christmas. It's fun and usually very inexpensive. People enjoy getting homemade presents. I know I do. I will be posting some recipes that make great presents. Hopefully it will get your creative juices going and into the gift-giving spirit.

The recipe below is for delicious little cookies called Peppernuts. They are a little time consuming but it makes a huge amount. Plenty for multiple gifts. Beware: they are addictive.

1 Cup sugar

1 C butter or shortening, softened

2 eggs, well beaten

1/2 C light corn syrup

1/2 C honey or molasses

1/3 C water

6 2/3 C flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp pepper

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Mix all ingredients. Doungh should be stiff. Roll into long slender rolls, 1/2 inch in diameter.

Place on greased cookie sheet; seperate layers with waxed paper. Chill for 1-2 hours. Cut into small round pieces, place on cookie sheet and bake at 400 degrees until brown.

Note: They will be hard and crunchy but oh so delicious.