Gifts from the heart are the best gifts of all. Gifts that fill the stomach and heart are even better!
Candies, jams, flavoured vinegars, cookies, and cakes all fit the bill for this time of year. The best news of all is that you don’t have to start months and months early like some would have you think.
Fruit Cake
Now now, I know what everyone says about fruit cake – but you haven’t had fruit cake until you have tried this fruit cake from Marrinon Cunningham and the Fanny Farmer Cookbook, make sure you go for the brandied version – it needs a few weeks – but is totally worth it. The best part of this recipe is it makes two cakes – one for you and one for a great edible gift. Make sure you have a good cheese cloth to wrap it in as it ages.
Candies
Who doesn’t love a tin of homemade confections to get into the holiday spirit!
Here is a toasted coconut marshmallow from the Barefoot Contessa! It is so easy and so good. Take them to a friends party and they and you’ll be a hit! You’re going to need a candy thermometer, but that’s okay because you’ll need it for this easy peanut brittle from Martha Stewart.
Jam and Jellies
This preserving book from America’s Test Kitchen is handy to have year round. But around the holiday’s make sure you pull it out for the spiced apple cider jelly or the excellent red pepper jelly! Both are tasty, simple, and make great gifts! Grab some jars and you are ready to gift!
Cookies
Shortbread and sugar cookies are my go to cookies this time of year. When it comes to sugar cookies we agree with Alton Brown – make one dough and two cookies. Linked is the basic version to try if you’re short for time. Linked here is the amped up chocolate peppermint pinwheels.
A simple shortbread gives you many options. You can add in nuts, dried fruit, candy or icing as you please. Of course plain is delicious on its own too. Here is a recipe for tender and tasty shortbread from Anna Olsen (my personal favourite). Get a cute tin from amazon and you have the perfect gift! I just picked up these ones.
Flavoured Vinegar
This is the lowest calorie option on our list, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t great. Flavored vinegars give you so many options for salad dressings and sauces and they are easy to make. Pour them into a pretty bottle and they make great gifts. Here are three options from Martha Stewart.
If homemade gifts aren’t your thing, check out my list of cookbooks that are perfect for giving this season!
