Christmas is the season for giving and the personal touch makes all the difference. Gifts from your kitchen are always special. A day spent creating culinary treats can provide a dozen or more thoughtful surprises for lucky family members and friends.
Well priced, attractive containers are readily available. All you need to do is fill them with some homemade baking or sweets and tie with a ribbon. Or fill with a dry muffin mix (with instructions to keep it in the refrigerator plus how to add the milk and egg). You could also include a muffin tray.
Pomander balls make fragrant gifts. Medieval herbalists used pomanders — mixtures of aromatic dried herbs and spices in cloth bags or perforated boxes — to ward off illness or bring strength and good fortune. A festive version is firm oranges studded with whole cloves either all over or in a diamond or circular pattern. As the oranges dry they release a delicate spicy fragrance. For a stronger aroma they can be rolled in a mixture of ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Leave in a bowl or hang from festive trees. Mmm — the aroma!
Capsicum and chilli jam
Delish with cheeses or meats. Get the recipe
Christmas bliss balls
Simple as and gluten-free. Get the recipe
Apricot muffin gift mix
