This is the season when thoughts of the family gathered around the kitchen and enjoying good food are on our minds. There’s something about homemade goodies that is hard to resist this time of year – even for those of us that rarely have the time during the rest of the year! All of a sudden, we are baking pies and cookies and spending much more time in the kitchen.

As a child, I remember times in the kitchen when my Mom would bake. There was always such a warm, loving feeling in the house. I worry that my children don’t get the same from me. Our lives are so terribly busy that I’m doing good most days if I get anything on the table for dinner at all! Many nights – I’ll put something quick together for the young ones, and the rest of us just fend for ourselves.

So, how do we manage to impart the same warm, loving environment to our kids that our parents did for us – and still live a modern life? I work two full-time jobs, unlike my Mom whose job was to stay home and take care of the family. So it only makes sense that I would not have the same kind of time that she did to care for my family.

I think that really, it comes down to loving your children and spending quality time with them. I may associate those feelings with food simply because that was where my Mom spent the majority of her time. Maybe my kids will probably associate those feelings with folding laundry instead! The point is that we all do the best we can with our time. If we love our kids and spend time with them – then they will feel loved and special regardless of what we are doing with that time.

The desire to make homemade goodies during the holidays is still there, but it has become increasingly harder to do as the years go by. This year, I’ll be sending home made goodies to some of my friends and family members, but they won’t be coming from my kitchen!

Susan’s Basket Store offers a variety of wonderful fresh baked goods that have that homemade quality. Mrs. Beasley’s muffins and cakes are a great choice. There are also lots of fresh baked cookie gift baskets as well as cookie arrangements.

Whether you are sending them as a gift or to yourself to help out during this busy holiday season, why not try the homemade goodness of these quality products this year! Bring a little warmth into your home without any effort on your part!

I grew up eating “comfort foods”. My parents were of the generation that did not know frying foods was bad for you. Or that there was any such thing as “too much” of anything! I’ll never forget playing outside all day and being called into the house for dinner – totally ravenous! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, buttery home-made yeast rolls and, of course, dessert with every meal!

So, it’s no wonder that those foods denote “comfort” for me. However, it’s certainly not a diet I can maintain these days without ever-expanding my waistline in the process. Comfort foods now must be enjoyed only occasionally.

What causes food to give us comfort? First, “comfort food” is generally defined as “food that causes a psychologically pleasurable state for a person. Studies have shown that what we define as “comfort food” is determined at an early age and caused not only by hunger, but also by conditional associations.

Gender differences also define what we consider comfort food. Men tend to prefer foods that their mother’s prepared for them, while women tend to go for treats like chocolate or ice cream.

A common thought is that we indulge in these foods when we are sad. However, the opposite is more likely true, we indulge when we are happy, and celebrating or congratulating ourselves. Our moods can also affect what we reach for – chocolate when we are depressed – or maybe popcorn when we are bored.

A specific trigger often causes the desire for a certain comfort food. If your mother always gave you chicken soup when you were sick – that could be a big comfort to you as an adult when feeling ill. If your Dad took you for pizza after winning a baseball game, then that may be your favorite way to celebrate an accomplishment as an adult.

Food can certainly be a strong trigger for memories, both good and bad. If you’ve ever gotten sick after eating a particular food, you know what I mean! My Father, who passed away some time ago, loved buttermilk. And although I don’t like it myself, the thought of buttermilk brings fond memories of him.

Since indulging in our favorite comfort foods is a wonderful experience for anyone, it makes a perfect gift. This is especially true during the holidays, when the wonderful memories of great food and loving families are all around us.

This Christmas, consider sending yourself or someone you love the gift of the ultimate comfort food!

What is "good taste" when it comes to gift giving? Basically, it’s when you give someone a gift that is truly loved and appreciated. Having “good taste” is a very subjective thing. But one thing that is sure to be considered a gift in “good taste” is a gift that “tastes good”!

And there are so many wonderful choices for this type of gift! One idea is to remind your loved ones of times gone by and send them something fresh baked. A delicious basket of mouth-watering muffins, chocolate chip cookies, or gourmet brownies will make them think Grandma is in town!

How about a delectable lemon or chocolate chip fudge cake? Or maybe mini teacakes or chocolate chip truffle bars would be a great choice?

Another idea is to send something that will supplement their holiday efforts. Sending a gift basket filled with gourmet goodies is just what is needed during the holiday season when we are all entertaining guests. When I visited my sister for Christmas last year, I knew it would be a big burden! She has 5 children and I have 3 – so we were going to have a packed house. In advance of our visit, I ordered a very large gift basket filled with chocolates, sausages, cheese, crackers, cookies, smoked salmon, truffles and wine.

Everyone was extremely happy to see that gift arrive at the door! We all nibbled away on it for days and it made a great appetizer while waiting on the main meals.

If the occasion is more of a romantic one, why not send a lovely gift basket of wine and champagne? Romance begins with great food!

Fresh fruit gift baskets make a delicious choice for the health conscious friend or relative. At Susan’s Basket Store, there is even a great choice for the carb-conscious person on your Christmas list. The Low Carb Selection gift basket features a variety of tasty low-carb treats! Sure to please!

Whether your choice is fresh baked foods, gourmet delicacies, or wine and cheese, make your gifts this Christmas tasteful!