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I have to be the world’s worst gift selector. When a loved one’s birthday or holiday rolls around, picking something out from a department store fills me with dread, because nothing ever seems very personal or appropriate. So I started giving small, no-big-deal food gifts, ones that don’t take much time or effort, yet seem to delight anyone who gets them. Homemade gifts like this -- especially if you tell them what to do with them -- are deeply appreciated by people, who much prefer something made with time, love, and attention to a quick store-bought purchase. Try taking something you’ve made to the host of party instead of or in addition to the usual bottle of wine.
So what can you make and give away? Try these ideas:
- For the garlic-loving friend: Garlic confit makes a wonderful gift. Make two batches while you’re at it; keep one and give one away. Get some nice jars from Ikea or Cost Plus or wherever, and maybe put a simple label on it, maybe not.
- For the salt aficionado: Make some flavored salts. Just mix up some ingredient -- green tea, smoked paprika, rosemary, lavender, kaffir lime leaves, dried tangerines, saffron . . . the list is endless -- into a coffee grinder along with about a quarter cup of sea salt (sel gris, or gray salt, which is rather moist and thus holds flavors together wonderfully), and whir it. Transfer to a pretty little glass jar, and you have a fabulous gift.
- For the ginger lover: A small jar of homemade pickled ginger makes a lovely gift for people who like bright, vibrant flavors.
- For the lover of surprises: Take a shot at making this remarkable zucchini bread, and you’re sure to change the recipient’s ideas about it!
- For the sweet tooth: How about some jasmine biscotti? Use your favorite biscotti recipe, except substitute three tablespoons of ground jasmine tea for three tablespoons of however much flour is called for.
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