Gifts from your kitchen, garden - and heart

Sunset, Dec, 1994 by Kevin Candland, Christine Weber Hale, Daniel Mahoney, Lauren Bonar Swezey, Dennis W. Leong, Linda Lau Anusasananan, Jeff Phillips

To use: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons potpourri, and lower heat to a simmer. Add water as needed. You can simmer the potpourri for a short time and reuse it later if you store it in the refrigerator between uses.

SOUTHWEST BONSAI

MATERIALS

Desert plants Black plastic mesh Bonsai pots Gravel Cactus soil mix Stick Controlled-release fertilizer Water Raffia

Southwest desert plants and the Japanese art of bonsai combine in these lilliputian plant gifts. By transplanting tiny cactus and succulents into mame bonsai containers (the smallest kind), you can create a desertlike landscape that fits in the palm of your hand. You should find all the materials at a well-stocked nursery.

First lay a square piece of black plastic mesh over the bonsai pot's drainage hole. Cover the bottom of the pot with a thin layer of gravel, then add a layer of cactus soil mix. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil from around the rootball.

Make a depression in the bonsai pot soil large enough to accommodate the roots. Place the plant into the depression, and tamp soil down around the roots. Poke a stick gently into the soil to remove any air pockets around the roots, and tamp soil again to stabilize the plant.

Add more soil to conceal roots. Sprinkle on a few beads of controlled-release fertilizer, then add a top layer of gravel. Spray soil with water. Finally, wrap the pot with a length of raffia to make a simple bow.

Plants will grow well in a warm, sunny window with only occasional light watering and fertilizing.

CHILI CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon ground New Mexico or California chili 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped Cayenne (optional) About 1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa

Have someone on your gift list who's crazy about chilies? Send them to chili heaven with these Western-accented holiday chocolates: creamy truffles spiked with chilies.

Look for packets of ground New Mexico or California chili (sometimes labeled chili powder) in Mexican markets and well-supplied supermarkets.

Combine cream and New Mexico chili in a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan. Stir over low heat until chili is blended and cream is bubbly. Add chocolate, and stir over low heat just until chocolate melts and blends with cream. Taste mixture; if not hot enough, stir in cayenne to taste. Pour into a small dish, cover, and chill until firm enough to shape (1 1/2 to 2 hours).

Scoop out rounded teaspoonfuls of the chocolate mixture and quickly press and roll them into rough 1-inch balls. Roll in cocoa to coat. Place balls slightly apart on a plate, then cover and chill them until firm. You can store the truffles airtight in the refrigerator up to 3 weeks. Makes about 18 pieces.

PERSONALIZED MAPS

MATERIALS

USGS topographic map Pens (highlighter and regular) Compass or pedometer (optional)

Remember that hike you took last summer, the one you thought your sister would like? How about that cross-country ski tour that you raved about to your friend? You can share your knowledge of the territory and create a welcome Christmas girl for as little as $2.50 by artfully publishing the details of your favorite outdoor experience on a personalized map.