Every single holiday season I would help my mom make cookies to give away as gifts. She would dedicate several days (usually a few weekends before Christmas) to bake, bake and bake some more. I was always Momma's little helper and I feel as though I have an even greater appreciation for edible gifts now that I'm older.
My mom would make (and still does!) ten different kinds of cookies — all from scratch, of course. As the years have gone by, she's slowly but surely downsized the operation, but she still does it every year. Because this will be the first year I'll be hosting the family in my home, I was thinking of creating some edible gifts that they can take home with them. A little something to remember me and this holiday season by.
Luckily, I unearthed 10 fantastic edible gifts to share:
• 7 Edible Gifts in a Jar
• Break off a Piece! Barks and Brittles for Sharing
• Affordable Wines for Gift Giving: Red and Sweet Wines
• Gift Idea: Homemade Tea Blends
• Chocolate Toffee Matzo Candy
• Food Gift We'd Love to Receive: Whipped Brandy Butter
• Cake In a Jar
• Food Gift: Ethnic Spices and Recipe Ideas
• Savory Food Gift: Spiced Olives from Martha Stewart
• Spirited Gifts for Cocktail Lovers
What's your favorite edible gift to give?
Related: Holiday Gift Guide: Kitchen Gifts Under $10
(Image credit as linked above)
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So, this month's Martha Stewart has a huge section on all sorts of barks and brittles and cute ways to package them--I'm not always the most crafty, but I hope to give it a try. There is a pine nut brittle that looks especially good.
Thanks for the fantastic ideas. Last year I made hermit bars as gifts and the year before that I made peppermint bark. Maybe I'll try something new this year. Thanks for the inspiration.
Last year, I made homemade fleur de sel caramels, which were a huge hit, easy to package, and traveled well. But I'm thinking of mixing it up a little this year. Thanks for the great ideas!
I just made Smitten Kitchen's Pepita Brittle and it is divine. I'll have to make another batch to give away, because this one is not going to last long!
http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/11/pepita-brittle/
dear santa,
please send me one of each these edible gifts.
o.k. two of each.
Rose jam! Not that difficult to make and always unique and special. My aunts make this and send jars and jars to us from Iran and it's so special we try to barely use any so that it lasts as long as possible!
thorndale: if you are planning on packaging individual gifts, I use the cellophane bags from Target. They are in the gift wrapping aisle. Depending on how much you make, use either a bubble wrap envelope or a box with bubble wrap to transport. Keep it as unbroken as will fit when you wrap it so if some breakage does occur, you'll still have big pieces rather than crushed crumbs.
Ok, I'll be the grinch. With holiday parties at work, with friends, and with family...the last thing I want is more SUGAR loaded gifts!
Maybe a cute package with 4-6 cookies is okay - but please don't give me a dozen!
JenPDX- Im making all of my own gifts this year for my friends and family and they dont ALL have to be super sweet... for instance for my brother in laws im making a trio of granolas and for friends Im making little jars of pumpkin butter and some cute gallon jars with layered toffee blondie mix in them both of which they can enjoy well after the christmas sugar rush has worn off. Also, a simple vinaigrette is such a great hostess gift to receive for your post gluttonous salad for dinner.