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

SCOTCH BONNET & MANGO HOT SAUCE

The supermarket shelves are fully of hot sauce but it’s extra special when you make it yourself. Just tie a tag around the neck of the bottle and if it’s large enough why not write the recipe on the reverse?

Recipes: BBC Good Food - Mango, or regular Hot Sauce


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


Well, we could go on but by now you’ll get the idea.
Any food made with a little care and a lot of love is always well received.

You’ll find more inspiration here, here, here and here

Let us know how you get on.

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SWICS (See What I Can See)

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Christmas Gifts With A Bit Of A Difference