Foodie Gifts
Rachel guides you through easy home-made treats
N“Something that lasts for a little while is a must, and portability is key, too”
othing says Happy Christmas like a gift that’s come straight from the heart. And a gift that has been prepared with your own fair hands is well and truly downright awesome.
Edible presents are gifts that will literally keep on giving. You won’t fail to think of the giver every time you pop that sneaky piece of fudge in your mouth, or spread some delicious home-made jam on a piece of toast.
Everyone seems so time-poor nowadays, so the more personal and thoughtful gifts really are that extra bit special. While a general Christmas email greeting sent to your inbox is nice to receive, nothing beats a card, a phone call or even better, something divine to eat!
If you’re thinking of going down the edible-gift road this Christmas, have a think about what will work. Of course, something that lasts for a little while is a must, and portability is key, too. Preserves and sauces work well — nobody will refuse a jar of home-made salted caramel, chocolate sauce, or relish — and chutneys will be gratefully received, for enjoying with cheese and crackers.
I love giving (and getting!) little sweet bites. Wrapped up in pretty bags with ribbons or packed into festive tins, there’s a whole array to choose from.
This Turkish delight, right, is a smooth rosewater version, but if you like yours with nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts, feel free to chop up a handful of them and stir into the mixture before pouring it into the tin — and if you want to let loose with a few drops of food colouring, go right ahead. This Turkish delight keeps for ages and makes a particularly lovely gift — one batch will make loads.
The chocolate fudge recipe on page 42 is deliciously decadent and it will keep, well wrapped up, for weeks. Feel free to stir through some rum-soaked or whiskey-soaked raisins for the adults.
If you’re a little pushed for time but still want to give a gift from the kitchen (and the heart), then moist, gooey chocolate brownies made with boiled condensed milk (aka dulce de leche) make a great present. They’ll keep well, cut up into little squares and stored in festive bags or boxes. Swirl in some white chocolate or dried strawberries before baking them for even more indulgence.
And if you’re after a quick but delicious fix, dip pieces of candied peel in rich, dark chocolate, then allow them to set on baking parchment before packing them up.