Some of the best homemade presents are homemade food gifts, not only are they quick and easy but they are also budget-friendly gifts that can cater to all ages.
With some nice ribbon or Christmas-themed decorations, your best recipes can quickly become an amazing gift.
Let’s look at some of the best homemade food gifts, there is something for everyone.
Apple Butter
Ingredients (For An 8 Ounce Jar):
- Pinch of salt
- 6 large apples (any sweet-tart variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
Combine Ingredients:
Place the chopped apples, apple cider, sugars, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt in a large pot (or slow cooker if you prefer).
Cook on the Stovetop:
Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and caramelized.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
Cook in the Slow Cooker:
Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or until apples are very soft and the mixture has thickened.
Blend and Thicken:
Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) and blend until smooth. Continue cooking uncovered on low for 30 minutes to 1 hour if you want it thicker, stirring occasionally.
Cool and Store:
Let the apple butter cool, then transfer to airtight jars or containers.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Cinnamon Rolls
Everyone loves cinnamon rolls and they are easy to make.
Find a recipe that works for you whether it’s a No Knead recipe, sourdough, or a traditional Cinnamon Roll recipe.
Box them up like a bakery, add a cute tag and you have a great gift that people will drool over.
Cinnamon Recipe
Chilli Oil
Chilli Oil is one of the best quick homemade Christmas gifts that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
For extra style find vintage bottles at a thrift store to present the oils in.
Alterbuivkt you can make garlic oil the same way just replace the other ingredients with garlic and you have a great gift for anyone who loves to cook.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil like canola or grapeseed)
- 1/4 cup red chili flakes
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, sliced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
Add-ins (optional for extra flavor):
- 1 small piece of kombu (dried seaweed) for an umami flavor
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns (for a tingly, numbing spice)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (for added nuttiness)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (add to oil after cooking for a bit of umami)
- Dried orange or lemon peel (for a citrusy note)
Instructions:
Prepare Chili Flakes:
Place the chili flakes in a heatproof bowl, along with any optional add-ins like sesame seeds or Sichuan peppercorns, if using.
Infuse Oil:
In a small saucepan, add the oil, cinnamon stick, star anise, shallot, garlic, and ginger (along with any other add-ins you prefer like bay leaves or dried citrus peel).
Heat the oil over medium heat.
Cook Aromatics:
Let the aromatics cook in the oil for about 5-10 minutes, adjusting the heat as needed so they bubble gently but don’t burn.
The oil should become fragrant and slightly golden as the flavors infuse.
Strain:
Remove the oil from heat when the aromatics are golden brown.
Strain the hot oil directly over the chili flakes in the heatproof bowl, pouring slowly to prevent splattering.
Cool and Store:
Stir the chili oil, let it cool, then transfer to a clean jar. You can add a little soy sauce at this point for added umami.
Store in the fridge for up to a month.
Sourdough & Starter
Whether yours a baker who loves to make sourdough bread or the people you know love the taste of sourdough, this is one of the best easy homemade presents.
Bake loaves of sourdough to gift to people and add a bit of your starter in the jar with instructions to someone you know would love to have their own.
Add festive flavors like cranberries or pumpkin and herbs for something different.
You could also go to your local farmers market or bakery and find some good artisan sourdough bread from a micro bakery.