By Beth Goulart

The holidays are really upon us now, but you've still got time to whip up one last edible Texas gift. Salty Texas Pecan Caramels showcase the state's number one horticultural crop - and they're festive and tasty, too.  A surprise twist of good flaky salt gives them a savory-sweet flavor that folks will talk about all year.

[recipe after the jump]

By Pamela Price

One of the great joys that the Hill Country offers is the opportunity to garden year 'round. And that means that garden-themed gifts are not only suitable but down-right desirable for the holidays!

By Beth Goulart

Nothing beats a homemade gift during the holidays. And whether your intended recipient is a party host or an out-of-state aunt, it's hard to beat Sweet-Hot Spiced Texas Pecans. This recipe hails from my mother's kitchen and takes only a few minutes to prepare. Alter the cayenne to taste, and make sure it's fresh. Cayenne loses its heat when it sits too long in the pantry, and its zing combined with sweetness is what makes these nuts special. To make sure you get Texas pecans, read the label before you buy. Pecans are our state's biggest crop, but you may find "foreign" ones in Texas grocery stores, too.

By Pamela Price

Last week, my son and I happened to be near El Mercado around lunchtime. So in we popped to Mi Tierra Cafe & Panaderia  for a quick bite on the patio alongside tourists and locals. While enjoying our meal, I spied a yellow flyer advertising the famed restaurant's Thanksgiving fare along with a note that "Orders To Go Given Special Attention." 

Many a cheerful soul has sought to "haul out the holly" in early December only to have their spirit fall upon spying that tangle of light cords lurking in the attic. This year, we offer a little advice on both how to light the perfect tree and organize your lights for next Christmas. 

1 3/4 cups raw peanuts

1 cup sugar

For their stylish shapes and wonderful aromas, we pick Circle E Candles  as our favorite holiday candle maker this year. With scents such as Chocolate Mint, Christmas Tree, Apple Strudel and Silver Bells, these square (yes, square!) candles are meant to be savored on a long winter's night.

Pack up the kids and head to the country for your fresh-cut tree this year!

Locally grown trees are more eco-friendly than those trucked in from miles away, and your purchase from a professional grower offers a boost to the regional economy. Plus, think of the memories that you'll create together in harvesting and trimming your own tree.

 The holidays are a magical time, but for families dealing with personal loss, there can be a painful note of sadness. In her book, The Santa Letters (Cedar Fort, Inc., 2008), Stacy Gooch Anderson touches readers' hearts with the remarkable story of one grieving family's rediscovery of the true meaning of Christmas. Several online reviewers have proclaimed the book as being on par with It's a Wonderful Life and other holiday classics.