Christmas is undoubtedly a time for indulgence and the sharing of gifts. However, given the global recession, buying gifts is the last thing that many people want to do right now. But not all gifts have to be purchased you know, making delicious treats are a great alternative. Here are two of the easiest tasty treats from IWOOT.

Fudge. This is what you will need
• A heavy non-stick large saucepan
• A candy thermometer
• Multiple baking trays
• 1lb granulated sugar, ½ pint milk, 2oz butter, 1 tin condensed milk.

Method: Heat all the ingredients in the pan very slowly, stirring constantly. When the thermometer displays around 110oC, the mixture should begin to darken and look more caramelised. Take the fudge from the heat and as it cools continue to stir so that the mixture crystallises. Keep stirring until it becomes too viscous to stir by hand. Pour mixture into the baking trays, smooth out and leave to set. When cooled, divide into squares and share out

Choc Chip Cookies. This is what you will need
• Bowl for mixing
• Grease-proof paper
• Oven Proof trays
• 4.5oz plain flour, 2.5oz butter, 1 egg, 2oz brown sugar,2oz caster sugar, 4oz choc chips, ½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method: Add sugar, flour, bicarbonate of soda, butter and vanilla extract into a bowl and mix together well with a spoon or using your hands. Add the egg and continue mixing until the mixture is doughy and a little sticky. Roll the mixture into golf sized balls and places them onto the baking trays which you have pre-lined with grease-proof paper. Leave a good couple of inches between each ball as they will spread out and expand. Heat in the oven at between 180-200oC for around 12 minutes, but it is best to keep an eye on the cookies as ovens vary in cooking speed. Leave to cool for 15mins before eating. For more gift ideas and treat recipes visit the I Want One of Those blog.