Who doesn\u2019t like getting something to eat for Christmas?\u00a0 Whether it\u2019s homemade fudge or truffles, some shortbread, or a whole hamper of goodies, everyone enjoys receiving edible treats.\u00a0 I have a friend who makes pickled onions or shallots for me most years, usually from their home-grown supply, and it\u2019s one of my favourite gifts! In these days where people have everything they want and where you don\u2019t want to add to the mountain of potentially unused \u2018stuff\u2019 that fills the average house, food gifts are a great idea and sure to be appreciated.<\/p>\n
The good news is, you don\u2019t need to be a Jamie Oliver or Nigella Lawson to produce simple tasty fare for presents.\u00a0 I made hampers for family for many years when times were hard and I couldn\u2019t afford to buy expensive gifts for everyone.\u00a0 Tubs full of pickled onions, and jars full of chutney.\u00a0 My eyes still water remembering the onion peeling.\u00a0 My fingers smelt of onions for days.\u00a0 You certainly wouldn\u2019t want to be making chocolates after pickling onions!<\/p>\n
If you want to do a big hamper, you could make a few things and buy a few things from local producers.\u00a0 Choose a nice container and add coloured papers and pretty containers to make it look extra special. For less extravagant offerings, which will be no less welcome, a box of homemade biscuits, jar of chutney, bag of fudge, or even a mini cake would be good options.\u00a0 One year I made elderflower champagne in the summer and elderberry wine in the autumn.\u00a0 I\u2019ve also made homemade \u2018Limoncello\u2019 and \u2018Baileys\u2019 for friends and family who like a tipple.\u00a0 If you really can\u2019t face making something, you can always weigh out some ingredients into a Kilner jar, or other fancy airtight container, and include a recipe so the recipient can make their own cookies, or whatever it might be.\u00a0 This year I made up my Double Chocolate Brownie recipe, minus the eggs and butter, and loaded it into glass jars, along with the recipe.\u00a0 Labelled and decorated, they looked attractive and sold well as gifts.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll know what the people you want to give a homemade foodie gift to will like.\u00a0 Try and chose something fairly simple and make sure it will keep through to Christmas without special storage conditions if you don\u2019t want to be making your gifts at the last minute. Jarred goods, such as pickles, chutneys, marmalade and jam are always good as they keep really well.\u00a0 For a change how about kimchi, or chillies in oil for something with a bit of \u2018wow\u2019 factor for those who like a bit of heat?\u00a0 For the sweet toothed, jarred fruits in alcohol keep well and look pretty in a jar with a simple ribbon.\u00a0 Spooned over ice-cream, or added to a sponge, they make a versatile addition to the kitchen. Flavoured mustards and oils are also a straightforward.\u00a0 Look for pretty jars and bottles in charity shops or re-use glassware from gifts you\u2019ve been given, just make sure you sterilise* them prior to re-using them.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a proficient baker and fancy making a cake or a festive bread, there are lots of options.\u00a0 Cakes and plum puddings can be made well ahead, and some of the festive breads such as Stollen and Panettone keep relatively well.<\/p>\n
For straightforward options to make in bulk, biscuits are always a good choice.\u00a0 No special skill is required, and you can lovingly roll out a few dozen in half and hour (plus chilling time).\u00a0 Go for a rich butter biscuit or a savoury cheesy one.<\/p>\n