Savory Gift Ideas for the Holidays
It's little surprise that the Fine Cooking staff looks to the kitchen when it comes to gift-giving for the holidays. Presenting a homemade gift is more personal, less expensive, and more likely to wow than anything you can buy at the store.
But don't think this means we spend all our weekends over the stove, churning out batch upon batch of cookies. (Well, some of us do, but only because we really like to-we're a bit odd that way.) We may love cooking, but the hectic reality of the season has us looking for shortcuts and simple ways to deliver homemade goodness, just like everyone else. Here, then, is our go-to list of fast and simple gifts:
1. It doesn't get any easier than mixing up a spice rub. No cooking is required, just stir together the ingredients and pour into a jar or bag. Add a ribbon and label with suggestions on how to use the rub. Two of our favorites: Memphis Spice Rub, a spicy, peppery blend ideal for ribs or chicken; and Moroccan-Style Spice Rub, delicious on roasted vegetables (perfect for your vegetarian friends).
2. If you've got a food processor, you can make a tapenade. Two that never fail to please are our Basic Tapenade, a garlicky black olive spread, and the more unusual Green Olive & Almond Tapenade. If you've got time, make a batch of Toasted Pita Chips to give alongside.
3. Homemade granola is a favorite, not just for breakfast, but over ice cream, in yogurt, or just by the handfuls. Three that look inviting packaged in a mason jar are Maple Walnut Granola with Dates, Honey Almond Granola, and Crispy Sweet Pecan Granola.
4. Sour Cherry Vinegar, Three-Herb Olive Oil, Pear-Ginger Chutney, and Brandied Mustard are among the additional savory recipes you'll find exclusively at FineCooking.com in our article "Make It, Wrap It, Give It." You'll also find plenty of recipes for cookies, quick breads, savory crackers, and candies that have all been tested and tasted by the Fine Cooking staff. Not only are they gifts we feel confident in giving, they are also the very things we'd love to receive ourselves (hint, hint).
KimmyDarling on December 02, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Laurie, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the tapenade idea! You have just solved my gifting dilemma for quite a few people-- especially some folks with whom my husband works. Thank you for that!
I do have a question, though. What do you recommend, in terms of refrigeration, once the tapenade is jarred? Is it something they will need to refrigerate only after opening, or should they store it in the fridge when they take it home? Any advice you can offer would be great.
Thanks!
Kimmy
Laurie Buckle on December 09, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Hi Kimmy--It’s best to store the tapenade in the refrigerator at all times. Glad you enjoy the gift ideas! --Laurie