I have a confession to make: I just can’t get enough of whole grains. But hey, you probably already knew that! This holiday season, I prefer to give my family and friends the gift of whole grains and I’m going to get creative! Last year, the tree was trimmed with whole grain popcorn, the stockings were stuffed with pre-packaged oat bundles tied with festive red ribbons, and cases upon cases of whole wheat pastry flour were happily tucked under the tree. 

This year though, I don’t want to just give whole grains, I want to the give the gift of deliciously versatile whole grains; I want to wow everyone with the many ways you can use whole grains and inspire them to get creative as well!

Are you asking yourself: but how, oh how can I get a little fancy with my whole grain elf-ing? This year I will be giving two different whole grain goody extravaganzas; one sweet, one savory. 

For the sweet, I will be making an oatmeal cookie mix (cookies for Santa, perhaps?), layered in mason jars. To make the cookies, simply mix together ½ cup brown sugar with ½ cup white sugar, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt (also feel free to add any spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg!). Layer the flour mixture at the bottom of the jar making sure you press down after each addition. Add 2 cups of oats and then top the jar with mix-ins such as chocolate chips, dried raisins or cranberries, and nuts. Close the jar, tie a wooden spoon around the lid with a festive bow and attach a note with baking instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Empty the jar of cookie mix into a bowl and mix in ¾ cup softened butter, a beaten egg and a teaspoon of vanilla.
3. Drop by the spoonful on cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, cool on racks, and enjoy! 

For my more savory-inclined friends and family, I will be creating a whole grain chili mix. The fun thing about making a chili spice is that you can personalize it. Your mom likes things extra hot? No problem, add a heaping tablespoon of chili powder! Your cousin has a thing for smoked paprika? Just add an extra shake to his or hers. 

Fill your mason jar half  way with farro, quinoa, millet, barley, or wheat berries. Make a basic chili spice mix: 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and then anything else you’d like to add such as paprika, chili flakes, dried cilantro etc. Combine spice mix, put into a small plastic bag, simply place on top of the grains and close the jar! If you’re feeling really creative, you can include several tags for different ways to use the spice mix. For example, you could use the chili spices for a basic chili, or a tortilla soup with whole grains or whole grain chili tacos! For a basic vegetarian chili, include the following instructions:

1. Cook your grains separately, leaving them “al dente” (look up cooking instructions for whichever grain you choose and include instructions!).
2. Saute one medium onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the onion is soft, add the spice mix, cooking 2 to 3 minutes. Add in any meat or veggies (including beans if desired) you would like to use. Add 2 cups of chicken or vegetable stock, 1 can of crushed or diced tomatoes and let simmer for 45 minutes.
3. Add in cooked grains and allow to simmer for an additional 20 minutes. 

If you’re strapped for time, as we all tend to be during the holiday season, whole grain stocking stuffers are a great idea too. I love to portion out quick cooking oats in small bags and add cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, etc. These are a great quick and easy breakfast for people to have on hand — your friends and family will appreciate it, I promise!

Do you have any creative whole grain gifting ideas this year or will you be featuring any special whole grain dishes in your holiday meals? We hope you’re all enjoying the holiday season and taking some time to get your whole grains! (Mallory)