A book for people who like to make and give gifts

It’s a pleasure leafing through Elle Simone Scott’s new book, “Food Gifts: 150+ Irresistible Recipes for Crafting Personalized Presents.” Known for her expertise as a food stylist, author of “Boards: Stylish Spreads for Causal Gatherings,” and a cast member on PBS’s “America’s Test Kitchen,” Scott’s second book published by America’s Test Kitchen is full of clever ideas that advance the genre of homemade food gifting. A wide variety of recipes are included to craft small charming gifts, like sweet zucchini pickle chips or bacon jam packed into mason jars, Southern cheese straws, tea blends, Bloody Mary mix, sweet vermouth, and coffee liqueur, and boxes of sweets that might include biscotti, peppermint bark, chocolatecovered caramel, and pistachio-cherry torrents. From care packages for college students to comforting arrangements with recipes for soups, stews, and dumplings when someone is sick, you learn how to pick, assemble, and package the items. A housewarming, a wedding, a newborn — this book has ideas for every occasion. There’s also a curated list of places to buy gifting supplies in-store and online. Scott says in the book what she “most enjoyed about co-creating this book was discovering the ways that gifting food could be made personal, enjoyable, and — most important — approachable for everyone.” She adds, “Handmade gifts of food, with their personal touches, make people feel seen and, certainly, deeply considered.” Here’s another thoughtful gift idea: the book itself ($24). Available from booksellers after April 16.