We all know homemade gifts taste best. And while cookies always hit the spot, we have plenty of other sweet and savory treats that are perfect for sharing with friends and family this time of year. Here’s a roundup of our favorites!
 Spiced Rosemary NutsThe combination of rosemary, cumin and cayenne pepper lends an irresistible flavor to toasted nuts. Pack these savory gifts in small decorative tins or in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. |
 Marinated Goat CheeseMarinated cheese is a welcome departure from holiday confections, for your friend who lacks a sweet tooth! Pack the cheese in glass jars and tie with a decorative ribbon, then attach a card on top with suggestions for serving. |
 Lemon Zest ShortbreadCrumbly, rich and buttery shortbread is a classic treat with coffee or tea after a meal. Pack these cookies in pretty tins or boxes, or wrap them in a package with a personalized mug. |
 Candied Grapefruit PeelTake this old-fashioned sweet to the next level by dipping the candied peels into melted bittersweet chocolate. We love how they look in miniature glasses tied with a Christmas ornament or other embellishment. |
 Meyer Lemon JellyCapture the fleeting sweet-tart flavor of Meyer lemons with this jelly, which is wonderful on the breakfast table. Give it in sealed jars wrapped with a ribbon or bow. |
 Dijon-Style MustardFrance’s famed Dijon mustard is easy to make. Our version is smooth, creamy and not too hot — perfect for everything from vinaigrettes to sandwiches. Bundle it with another pantry staple, such as marinated olives. |
 Blood Orange MarmaladeVibrant blood oranges make a gorgeous marmalade. Bake some shortbread cookies to go with this homemade spread for a sweet afternoon snack. |
 Caramel Sea Salt TrufflesUsing coarse sea salt crystals on the caramel gives added texture and a burst of flavor to these candies. Place them in cupcake liners for a pretty party favor. |
 Pistachio BrittleAlthough brittle is usually made with peanuts, this recipe calls for pistachios, which add a vibrant green color; you can swap in chopped walnuts or pecans as well. The brittle will keep well for several weeks stored in a dry, airtight container — like a cookie tin! — with each layer of brittle separated by parchment paper. |
 Dark Chocolate Bark with Toasted Almonds and Dried BlueberriesBelieve it: this nutty, fruity chocolate bark is also healthy! Wrap it in a cellophane bag and give it to someone who appreciates a tasty treat that’s still good for them. |
 Chocolate Frangelico TrufflesThese truffles have a double dose of hazelnut flavoring, in the liqueur and in the nut coating. They can be prepared up to 2 weeks in advance, but keep them in the freezer as long as possible. Bring them as a hostess gift to a party, where you can stick them in the freezer when you arrive (and your host will have something special to look forward to). |
 Classic Southern PralinesThese bites of caramelized sugar and pecans are simple and fun to make. You can store them between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container for up to 10 days, so they’re great to give as gifts. |
See more gifts from the kitchen here.
4 comments
They all look amazing! I’d love to be there as most of them are made. It’s nice to see that people are going back to making pastries & candies by hand again. It’s becoming a lost art & should be revived. I think I’ll get started this week.
[…] We all know homemade gifts taste best. And while cookies always hit the spot, we have plenty of other sweet and savory treats that are perfect for sharing with friends and family this time of year. Here’s a roundup of our favorites! […]
Nice post ! I’m gonna try the blood orange marmelade and see if I can try to decorate it in a funny way !
[…] Spiced Rosemary Nuts The combination of rosemary, cumin and cayenne pepper lends an irresistible flavor to toasted nuts. Pack these savory gifts in small decorative tins or in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon. Marinated Goat Cheese Marinated cheese is a welcome departure from holiday confections, for your friend who lacks a sweet tooth! Pack the cheese in glass jars and tie with a decorative ribbon, then attach a card on top with suggestions for serving. Lemon Zest Shortbread Crumbly, rich and buttery shortbread is a classic treat with coffee or tea after a meal. Pack these cookies in pretty tins or boxes, or wrap them in a package with a personalized Read The Full Story […]