Gift Basket Ideas for a True Southerner

Are you from the South? Do you have friends and family from/or residing in the South? If so, then more than likely you have tasted southern cooking. Baking with a southern flair takes style, a love of butter and a stocked pantry. Here are some gift ideas that I, as a southern woman, would love to see presented in a gift basket form for a holiday or birthday present- or even just because. After all just because is also a very southern tradition.

1) Ritz crackers. Did you know they are great in casseroles? Crumble up some and mix with chicken, vegetables, and some butter. Who needs noodles? Have a hankering for tomato soup for dinner and that is all? Toss in some Ritz and it makes the soup more filling. No need for anything else for dinner, but there is always room for dessert. This brings us to Ritz angel pie. The crushed crackers are the crust. There is no end to what these crackers can create. A must in a southern home. I always have at least a box and a half in my pantry.

2) Cookbooks with humor and meaning. Those junior league and church cookbooks have tried and true recipes in them. As well as filled with personal anecdotes and humor. Or go one better, a Paula Deen cookbook. Now there is a southern cook with flair.

3) Pyrex cookware. Casserole dishes preferably. One can never have too many casserole dishes as in the South one is always preparing a casserole to take to someone or to some function. Not all are returned and sometimes accidents happen. To have extra dishes ensures a casserole can and always will be brought.

4) Wide mouth pint and quart mason jars. Although rest assured, a true southerner probably already has several stockpiled in the garage, one can never have too many. There are always jellies and jams to be made as well as gift jars to make.

5) Personal recipes. Now that is a gift. Is there a dish you make that your southern friend covets? Go ahead; present her the recipe on a hand written recipe card tied with ribbon to an already made dish of said recipe.

6) Cocoa, vanilla, and cinnamon are great fillers for a gift basket filled with dessert goodies. One of the best gifts I receive every year is homemade chocolate covered peanuts along with a jar of peanuts and milk chocolate coating. I look forward to it every year!

7) Baking utensils-we have plenty as any true southern baker will tell you. But we always welcome more baking supplies. Cookie cutters, pie plates, pot holders, and decorative towels will complete the basket.

I have presented you with some basics to get you started making that gift basket. Enjoy and know that no matter what you give, a true southerner knows it is the thought that counts. Moreover, be assured that whatever supplies you present in gift form will be reciprocated in a dish form at the earliest chance!