I have worked on umpteen shoots this year revolving around the theme of Edible Christmas Gifts, I guess it’s recession friendly and pretty fun to get stuck into. One thing worth bearing in mind is that some of it takes a little pre-thought and planning. So here I am furthering the hypocrisy of the last post by shoving some more Christmas related goodies down your cyber-waves. Here are a few ideas that could work as Christmas presents then nearer to the time you could get to work on fudges / toffees / biscuits and the likes. All you need to do is wrap them up in nice little boxes / bottles / jars and tie some pretty ribbons on and hey presto, a bunch of edible Christmas Presents.
Infused Gins / Vodkas - you could use anything from damsons to sloes to satsumas – I think I even remember someone at university making a Skittles vodka (however I don’t recommend this).
Flavoured Oils - this link is to basil oil, but you could equally do it with chillies, rosemary, garlic, mint or what ever the lucky recipient likes!
Spiced Nuts - delicious and simple
Flavoured Vinegars -similar to the oils and equally versatile. They add a really great flavour to salad dressings and the likes.
Crab Apple Jelly - i’m not sure there are many crab apples left out there, but there are plenty of other things you can make delicious jellies from (normal apples for a start) and I guess you could get into a bit of jam making too.
Spiced Apple Chutney - any old chutney makes a delicious present.
I love this – I did loads of research last year as I was also feeling recession-y and would also recommend chocolate bark (easy to make and pretty), sugared as well as spiced nuts, and poached pears in wine which make a great dessert.
Can you do a recipe for edible baubles / tree decorations pleeeease? x
ooh, i like your ideas jenny! when we get our tree (on the 11th December), i’ll certainly work on some edible decorations for you x
We were up to our ears in edible presents too this year. Biscuits, brownies, truffles, cookie mixes in jars. It makes me feel so Martha Stewart!
Oh so Martha Stewart! I’ll look out for yours in your mag – I like the cookie mix in jars idea, one I haven’t come across!