DIY Presents For Foodies
Whether you’re involved in culinary arts programs or just buying presents for someone who loves food this holiday season, there are plenty of do-it-yourself projects that are both tasty and thoughtful. Try one of these gift ideas this holiday season for the people who are still on your shopping list.
Chocolate covered pretzels: Simply melt some chocolate in the microwave and dip your pretzel rods about 2/3 of the way into the chocolate. Feel free to use milk, dark or white chocolate, and decorate the dipped rods with sprinkles, nuts, coconut or any other fun toppings. Refrigerate the pretzels overnight, making sure they aren’t touching. Package with wax paper in between rows of pretzels in a cute box tied with a bow.
A cupcake kit: When you bake someone cupcakes, the recipient must eat them all within the week or they get stale. Why not give your friend a cupcake kit that he or she can use at leisure? Supply baking cups, sprinkles, frosting and mix along with a cute spatula all in a retro tin lunchbox or a decorated shoebox.
Chocolate almond clusters: Some like that you never know what you’re going to get in a box of chocolate, while others find it a nuisance to have to pick through all of the weird flavors for a simple caramel cream truffle. Ensure that the person who’s getting your present will like all of their candies by making homemade chocolate almond clusters. Just mix melted chocolate and roasted salted almonds. Put a little dollop into festive mini muffin cups and let them set in the refrigerator overnight before packaging them up.
A grilling kit: Sure, they may not be grilling until the snow melts, but they’ll still appreciate a grilling kit complete with a bottle of gourmet barbecue sauce, a dry rub, a basting brush and skewers. You can buy these at the store, or if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make homemade barbecue sauce and dry rub. This kit will be sure to come in handy this summer.
Infused vodka: This is perfect for the people who love a good craft cocktail. You can infuse with candy, tea, fruits or even horseradish. This is more thoughtful than a bottle of flavored vodka off of the liquor store shelf, and it can be presented in cute, festive bottles that people will save even after the liquor is gone.
A s’mores kit: There is nothing simpler or more beloved than a s’mores kit. Get three small gift boxes to fill with some gourmet chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. Stack them up and tie with a big red bow.
Flavored sugars and salts: These flavored sugars and salts will add a pop of flavor to anything. The coarse sea salts are complemented with flavors like chili lime and sriracha and taste great on any dish you want to add some spice to. The sugars, like citrus and sugar & spice, are good additions to the rims of cocktails or your oatmeal.
