The Gift of Yum!
So, last week we looked at lovely Christmas Gifts that meant you didn’t have to rush out to the shops and part with lots of money. Heartfelt? Absolutely Costly to the Earth and your Purse? Absolutely not!
This week we’re sharing ideas and recipes for some easy to make food and drink gifts. If you’re a fabulous cook you’ll probably have your own Christmas repertoire and an awareness of who loves to receive what but for newbies in the world of food gift giving here are some ideas.
Top Tip
As lovely as homemade food gifts are, it's important to think carefully before making a treat for a loved one and make sure you know of any allergies.
If you're unsure if your family and friends have specific dietary sensitivities, tie a small tag on the outside of the package noting if the treat contains dairy, nuts, or gluten.
For the Biscuit Lover
CHOCOLATE CHIP SHORTBREAD COOKIE DIPPERS
To make this a gift that your recipients can bake for themselves when they want, wrap the logs of dough tightly in freezer paper to keep it from drying out; then roll it in patterned waxed paper and secure the ends with ribbon or twine.
Recipe: thetoastykitchen.com
For the one who likes Hot Stuff
For the Healthy One
HOMEMADE GOLDEN MILK MIX
Turmeric is one of the very best anti-inflammatory spices out there - and it’s readily available and reasonably priced. Mix the ingredients, pop in a screw top jar and voilà. You can even get printable labels on this website too.
Recipe: wholefully.com
For the Cracker Lover
THE LIFE CHANGING CRACKERS
Okay, so I know the name is a bit odd but this recipe has been one of my ‘go-to’ gifts for years and never fails to please.
You can make them any shape and take them down a sweet or savoury route by adding your own favourite herbs, spices, dried fruit etc.
They’re crispy, crunchy, flaky, seedy, and so tasty
Recipe: mynewroots.org
For the Cook
FLAVOUR SOME SALT, OIL OR VINEGAR
Quick and easy to make, impressive when nicely packed, these recipes for flavoured salt, oil and vinegar will impress any keen cook.
If you know their favourite type of food you can personalise the flavours too! Italian, French, Thai, Indian all have go to spices and herbs which you can use.
Salt Recipe: cookincanuck.com
Flavoured Vinegar: bonappetit.com
Flavoured Oil: thespruceeats.com
For the Chocolate Lover
CHOCOLATE SALAMI, MENDIANTS, TRUFFLES….
Be still my beating heart! There were just so many recipes I could have shared on the subject of chocolate.
Just click on the links and pick the one that’s right for you - I mean, your lucky gift recipient!
Chocolate Salami: goodhousekeeping.com/uk
Chocolate Mendiants: theguardian.com
Chocolate Truffles: sallysbakingaddiction.com
Vegan Chocolate Truffles: marthastewart.com
Orange, chilli & chocolate bark: nzherald.co.nz
For the one who’s in a pickle
PAM’S PICCALILLI
Known to River Cottage fans as Pam the Jam, it turns out Pam is no slouch when it comes to making that perennial Christmas favourite, a jar of Piccalilli.
Recipe: rivercottage.net