edible gifts

gifts from the kitchen.

a pinch of: default herbs.

04/12/2008 | 4 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food.

I love these herbs. I mean, really. You know how I love default dinners? Well, if ever there was a pile of herbs at my side, ready to join the ranks of my tomato sauce and creamy soups, roasted vegetables and hand-made meatballs: here they are. The herbs on my hip. I should probably invest in a holster. I now make them in bulk. Yes, I use them that… [more]

the gamut on granola

01/29/2008 | 5 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food., recipes, snacks

Gamut is a great word. On June 19, 1999 it was the official word of the day. Did you know there was an official word of the day? The word originally referred to the full musical scale (1529); later it was used to explain a range of colors/hues in a similar way. Now, we use it to describe a full range—or reach—of things from human emotion,… [more]

A slinky, a birdhouse, a pile of rocks and a plate of cookies.

12/24/2007 | 5 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food., holidays, recipes, snacks

It is Christmas time. And my [extended] family, probably not unlike others, struggle year upon year about whether to give big gifts or little gifts, pile grab bag gifts or make homemade gifts. Are the gifts getting too expensive? Is the family getting so big that we still buy gifts for everyone? How about an exchange? Couple gifts? Family gifts? No gifts? What does your family do? And yet, it… [more]

a spoonful of sugar… a spoonful of special.

12/14/2007 | 4 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food.

You have seen them out there: individually cellophane wrapped chocolate covered nut-sprinkled spoons. But for the price of $10 each, I figured it worth my time to make my own. Besides, it isn’t that difficult to melt chocolate and cover a spoon. And if you do—and present it as a hostess or teacher gift—you will certainly gain accolades. Oh, it was nothing, you will say. They will be impressed… [more]

things to do today: make eggnog

12/10/2007 | 17 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food., libations, recipes

Things to do today: buy Christmas gifts for kids’ coaches & teachers, buy packaging tape and boxes, call eye doctor, clean out email in box, make eggnog. Top priority: make eggnog. When I read Brandon Eats‘ message to make your eggnog now or it is too late, I knew I had to put it on top of my ‘to-do list.’ It takes a minimum of three weeks for… [more]

coveted, frosted sugar cookies

01/01/2007 | 13 Comments | Topics: dessert, edible gifts, food., holidays

I have hidden, sneaked, stuffed and murmured this recipe. I have not shared it. In fact, to this day I recall being asked for it and conveniently ‘forgetting’ the request. It is so good, such a shoo-in for hitting hero-like status—that one does not want to share the spotlight. I made this recipe this Christmas for Santa, along with my kids who were decorating fiends, because the existing cookies… [more]

Loving Peppermint: BARK, ice cream & cake

12/01/2006 | 12 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food spotlight, food., holidays

I love peppermint! I was so glad to find Megnut's recommendation for Peppermint Cake; it is already on the docket for this year's Christmas dessert.

Ginger Sugar Pecans

11/05/2006 | 6 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, food., snacks

I have to eat these in private because I cannot get them in my mouth fast enough (the resulting fist-in-mouth can be quite embarrassing). If you make enough to share, these ginger-infused pecans are awesome for pre-dinner munching with cocktails. I sometimes package them in cellophane with twine, colorful ribbon or handmade labels for a nice hostess or holiday gift. I would tell you they keep well for a week… [more]

Blueberry Chutney (and pork chops)

10/17/2006 | 3 Comments | Topics: edible gifts, entree

I forced myself to attempt canning this year. I am intrigued by all the canning, preserving, drying and curing that were so critical to survival not too long ago. People figured out ways to make their food last, to use methods to keep food not only safe but sweet and/or savory. It impresses me that the chemistry and artistry of food culminates so inherently in the act of canning. I… [more]

Simple Syrups

10/11/2006 | 6 Comments | Topics: dip, sauce & syrup, edible gifts, food.

Simple Syrups are easy-squeezy to make, and the number of flavors you can concoct are endless. Pictured here are a raspberry, blackberry and a combination of blackberry blueberry. My first venture into the world of simple syrups was my impatience for a great mojito. I wasn’t about to waste any rum on a bad mojito, and I wanted to get the ratios just right. So came the… [more]