Christmas treats from the kitchen

Enjoy a day in the kitchen and produce Christmas gifts for at least eight of your friends. Four batches of cookies divided into eight gift boxes equals eight times the pleasure of giving store-bought pressies. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.

This year I managed to find some cute little gift boxes marketed by American foodie icon, Martha Stewart. There being eight MYO boxes in the packet I set about to create enough goodies to fill the four divisions in each box.

However, there are many other gift boxes available from two dollar shops and specialty stores or you can make your own — there are hundreds of YouTube clips to view on the web.

Or use attractive jars or small bowls, or even just tie in clear cellophane — your home-made gifts will always be appreciated.

Other ideas from the kitchen include

• Frozen home-made dinners such as a chilli plus a bag of corn chips; lasagne plus some parmesan cheese; or coq au vin plus a bottle of wine. These are especially popular with people who live alone.
• Preserves: Make something different such as my Indian Strawberry Chutney and include the recipe on a tag in case they want to make it themselves.
• Candies: Many of the traditional fudges are still popular plus coconut ice. Or dip juicy pitted prunes in chocolate for a quick treat. These set very quickly in the fridge. Layer in attractive jars and tie with festive ribbons.

Try these recipes from Jan to create your own Christmas gift boxes