A handmade gift always means so much more than something bought in the shops. It really shows you care enough to give up your own precious time to create something just for that special person.
I always remember my Mum telling me this while I secretly hoped she wouldn’t do it for me as I so very much wanted a new outfit for Barbie, forgive me folks, I was only ten at the time.
The gift of food is the most basic we can give, it is the gift of sustenance, so a handmade foodie gift really is the best of all.
Regular readers will know that Larder Love is packed with preserves from jam to seasonings, pickles to salts and curds to jellies. There are also liqueurs, infused oils, biscuits, nibbles and cakes galore. I thought I’d do a wee round-up here of 20 quick and easy fabulous foodie gifts you can make at home.
Just read on and click on the recipe title to zap you instantly to that particular recipe post here on Larder Love.
PEACH AND MANGO CHUTNEY
Gorgeously colourful and full of flavour, this will add some fruit and fire to your sandwiches, curries, salads and baked potatoes.
IRISH CREAM LIQUEUR
Who doesn’t like a little glass of that famous Bailey’s liqueur at Christmas time? This superfast recipe will have you whipping up a batch in a few minutes ready to give right away. Make sure you make this one just before giving as it only lasts 1 1/2 weeks in the fridge, hell, I’ve never known anyone even keep it that long it vanishes in moments!
FIG AND LEMON MARMALADE
A real treat for your toast in the morning and also perfect for serving with cheese later in the day.
ALMOST INSTANT LEMONCELLO
This light, zingy and refreshing liqueur is like sunshine in a bottle. The true taste of Italy where it is sipped both as an aperitif and a digestif. So easy to make and ready to drink in just 48 hours max!
CHOCOLATE SALAMI
A great gift for any chocoholic, this is a mixture of rich chocolate, juicy dried fruits and crunchy biscuit, oh so very, very morish!
STRAWBERRY AND LAVENDER GIN
Bring some summer sunshine into the depths of winter with this stunning liqueur. Drink it seriously chilled as a shot, in a tall glass with tonic or in a fun and fabulous martini.
VEGETARIAN MINCEMEAT
Nothing beats a good mince pie at Christmas time and this veggie mincemeat is the perfect filling. You can also serve it slightly warmed alongside a really good quality vanilla ice-cream for a super easy festive dessert.
CITRUS SUGAR
Make these quick and easy flavoured sugars as the perfect gift for any budding baker. Just use to recipes as you would normal sugar and get the heavenly flavour of citrus thrown in, wonderful for shortbread and cookies.
PEPPERS PRESERVED IN OIL
A colourful array of tasty peppers preserved in oil makes a great gift. Serve with sausages, sandwiches, salads and cooked meats, or simply as part of an antipasti platter.
CHEESY SHORTBREAD BITES
A wee touch of Scotland here with traditional shortbreads but with the savouriness of cheese. They make a great gift and are a good alternative to crisps/chips with dip at festive parties.
ITALIAN STRAWBERRY JAM
Italian inspired strawberry jam is rich and packed with flavour. The addition of fresh basil and balsamic vinegar makes it just that little bit special.
SPICED RUM
Warm yourself up on a chilly winters night with this tasty tipple.
HOT SALT
Super quick and easy to make, this Hot Salt makes a great gift for those who like to spice up their dishes with a little heat.
LAVENDER COOKIES
Add a little touch of French style to your holiday gift baskets with these delightful cookies. They are light, crisp and with just a hint of heavenly lavender, a true touch of oooh la la!
PLUM AND WALNUT JAM
A really rich and robust jam that tastes just as good with a cheese platter as it does on scones, crumpets or toast.
GINGERBREAD HUSBANDS
You may well know these as gingerbread men, but here in Scotland, they were traditionally called Gingerbread Husbands. Go grab yourself a mate this Christmas!
HERB GARDEN VODKA
Infused hooch is so easy to make and this herb garden vodka can be made with almost any combination of fresh herbs. Serve ice cold on the rocks or as part of a cocktail.
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS CAKE
giving a little cake at Christmas is an age old tradition. While most Christmas cakes benefit from a long lead up time, this one is ready in a trice and tastes perfect.
CLEMENTINES IN BRANDY
What could be more festive than these beautifully colourful and tasty clementines suspended in brandy infused syrup. Truly a Christmas gift for your favourite foodie friend.
CHRISTMAS SPICED OLIVES
For those who prefer something more savoury in their Christmas stocking try these festive spiced olives, they are sure to tickle the taste buds.
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So there you have it folks, a quick round-up of 20 fabulous foodie gifts to make at home for your family and friends this Christmas. So go on, head for the kitchen and get crafting some festive fun!
Check out my books page for some great ebooks to learn how to make lots more foodie gifts for Christmas.
Karon x
Karon
Discovered your web site today and absolutely love it. So much I can relate to. I’ve been looking for crème de cassis recipes and then found your site – Wonderful.
I’ll be having a go at so much and I look forward to doing so. Have a great Xmas 2015
Thanks Don, hope you enjoy the Cassis recipe. There are lots of other great boozy recipes on the blog too.
K x
Read what you wrote under Citrus Sugar…made me laugh but you might want to change it! Hope you have a great show, Happy Thanksgiving to you!!
haha well spotted, have changed ass to use!
Kx
I love your recipes; I hope you don’t mind me using them in my jam making workshops, especially the “lovers jam”.
I’m sorry, you really should have asked me first before using my recipes. I’m not very happy about other people using them in classes they are making money from. I sell recipes for that.