This Homemade food gift recipes Because holidays include the sweet, the savory, and the unexpected. So go ahead and borrow these ideas for making gifts that your friends and family will covet or that your hosts will love… and that you’ll likely be requesting next year.
It is said that it is better to give than to receive. A proverb that often struck me as highly suspicious. Because if we’re being honest, it feels damn good to get it, doesn’t it?
But this time of year we all give in a little. It could be the weather – nothing gets me in a good mood like a nice snowstorm. Maybe it’s looking back at the year that makes us grateful for the people in our lives. (Or, for the bad guys among us, the satisfaction of blowing people away with our crazy cooking skills.)
Whatever the reason, food gifts — especially ones you’ve made yourself — are a grand gesture and an even bigger tradition of the season.
PS If you are wondering what to get Me For Christmas, one of these sweet treats below will do. I’ll send you my address.
Nice holidays!
rum balls
These gorgeous rum balls made with walnuts, chocolate, powdered sugar, and butter are a Southern classic. A nice homemade Christmas present.
Recipe
These rum balls were so good! In fact, it was hard not to eat them all at once. I made mine with walnuts and rum following the recipe. So tasty, almost like fudge and not like a cookie.
Elizabeth
Classic shortbread biscuits
These classic shortbread cookies are made with just 5 ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, vanilla and a pinch of sea salt. A simple, perfect take on a beloved Scottish tradition that makes a perfect Christmas cookie.
Recipe
stollen
A traditional German Christmas bread with a rich history, Stollen is a sweet yeast bread with dried or candied fruit and marzipan and is far more elegant than the traditional dense fruitcake. And much nicer to receive.
Recipe
Homemade Irish Cream
This Homemade Irish Cream recipe is an easy Baileys Homemade Irish Cream recipe that you can make at home using whiskey, coffee, cream, milk, cocoa, sugar and Irish Luck. Tastes just like the store bought stuff. Applause.
Recipe
Caramel popcorn
Caramel popcorn is a sweet and salty snack that almost everyone loves. Buttery brown sugar, popcorn and peanuts will make you feel like a kid again.
Recipe
I made this amazing popcorn for my 12 year old’s sleepover. I doubled the caramel topping and the result was perfectly coated popcorn! I will definitely do this again.
Maria
Candy cane bark recipe
This festive candy cane crust is made with chocolate, crushed mints and lots of love. A popular meal gift that’s also quick and easy. You can create it on the fly…maybe for those dedicated website editors you forgot to add to your list. (Hm!)
Recipe
Meyer Lemon Curd
Just try to resist eating that Meyer Lemon Curd out of a jar with a spoon! Pack the lemon curd in jars for gifting, but save a jar for yourself and spread over toasted brioche or oven-warm scones.
Recipe
I made this Meyer Lemon Curd recipe five times for gifts last Christmas. Incredibly great recipe!!!
Lisa
vanilla syrup
Made with vanilla beans, sugar and water, this vanilla syrup is great for pancakes, coffee, cakes, cocktails and many other uses. And just think how much time and money you’ll save by making your own vanilla lattes.
Recipe
FAQs
Most people enjoy homemade food gifts, so they’re a great option for hostess gifts or holiday gifts for co-workers, friends, or your kids’ teachers.
Ideally yes. Especially if you’re unsure about the dietary restrictions of the benefactor of your generosity. List them on the back of your gift tag or make stickers to attach to the bags or bottles.
It is a pleasure to receive homemade food gifts, especially if the recipient really enjoys them. Take some time to think about who you are gifting and what they love. So saying goodbye to these DIY meal gifts will be as pleasant as receiving them.