Whether you’re making these for your kids’ teachers to thank them at the end of the semester or the school year or if you’re sending them to a loved one or a family member to say: “having you in my life makes it brighter”. I think edible food gifts are some of the most intimate and meaningful gifts.
Homemade gifts are not only special because they are unique but also because you took the time to make them just for that special someone. Added to that, a homemade edible gift means that you know that person well enough to know exactly what they love and that is heartwarming
These are a few suggestions for easy recipes you can make in a couple of hours to bring sunshine into someone’s day.You don’t have to wait for a special occasion .There is no better time that NOW to show the special people in your life how much they mean to you.
1.Homemade granola and flapjacks
Homemade granola is really easy to make, tastes a lot better than anything you can buy, and it is free from all the nasty additives and preservatives. Yet the best part is, you can make it your own way. You can add the nuts, dried fruits and spices that you like and mix and match till you find the perfect blend.
flapjack, muesli bar,cereal bar, or granola bar , no matter what you choose to call it, is a great gift for those who are always busy in the morning and usually have their breakfast on the go.
2.Biscotti
Biscotti makes a great gift that you can make days and even weeks ahead of time. There are infinite possibilities when it comes to flavor combinations : honey and sesame, oatmeal and coconut (think anzac biscotti), pistachio and lemon,or date and oatmeal just to name a few.
3.Cookies
I say C you say cookies 🙂
Who doesn’t love a bag of homemade cookies?
4.Spice blends
If they love Middle Eastern recipes, make them a jar of Arabic seven spice blend , they’ll love it.As the name implies, there are 7 spices that make up this blend and give it its signature flavor that is used to add an irresistible middle eastern touch to soups, tomato sauces, rice pilafs, and couscous. You can also use it as a rub for meat and chicken.
Apple pie spice mix is obviously wonderful in apple pie but why stop there?
Apple pie spice is a great way to add some zing to your morning oatmeal, French toast, quick bread or simply, any recipe you would like to add some depth and warmth to. I love adding some in my cup of tea for a new and comforting twist on my favorite drink
You don’t have to be an Italian food fanatic to love this Italian herb and spice blend. Apart from many Italian recipes (like this heavenly Cannelloni) Italian seasoning is great as a marinade or dry rub for roast chicken, fish, and vegetables. It is also wonderful in dips,salad dressings and pizza sauces or added to pasta. Mix some with your bread crumbs and add a little Romano cheese for a delicious twist, you can give your croutons the same treatment to take your salad or soup to a completely new level
5.Crackers
Homemade crackers make a wonderful snack, the perfect companion for dips, you can play around with flavors by adding seeds, herbs, spices, nuts or different cheeses and the best part they are free of additives and preservatives and artificial flavors.
6.Cheese sticks
I usually make these with Nabulsi cheese and oregano (zaatar) but you can use any firm sharp cheese and any herb that you like. What we love about these sticks is that the cheese and herbs add enough punch to make them enjoyable on their own, yet they are not overwhelming to the point that you can’t enjoy the sticks with a dip, soup or salad. These sticks are great for packing in the lunch box with a healthy dip. You can also serve them as an after school snack, finger food in a party or as a replacement for regular bread with soups/ salads.
7.Labneh balls
Some call it yogurt cheese, others call it the Lebanese cream cheese but it is most commonly known as labneh. It is a staple on any breakfast menu, a great”healthier” replacement for cream cheese in dips, makes a wonderful sandwich with a few mint leaves or some pitted olives or better yet with a sprinkle of zaatar.
To put it simply labneh is strained yogurt, it is super easy to make and very tasty and the best part is, you can flavor it any way you like. Roll the balls in dried mint, oregano, sumac,or chili flakes just to name a few suggestions.Your imagination is the limit, better yet why not try a combination of flavors and find one that is all your own and then place it in a beautiful jar and gift it to your friends and flaunt your cheese making abilities
8.Chai tea concentrate
9.Homemade jam
No matter what your favorite fruit is, you can capture its flavor and preserve it in the form of jam that you can enjoy not only when that fruit is in season but all year round
10. Candied orange peel
Candied orange peel makes a perfect gifts for those in love with citrus sweets.You can enjoy them as such, you can use them to decorate cakes, or you can use them in baked goods.
Chef in disguise 