edible holidays

Edible DIY Gifts for Friends

By Elizabeth Howes | Last Updated November 22, 2011
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“It is the act of bringing sustenance or sweetness that communicates caring—and something larger. It cements our bonds, the chemistry of flour and eggs, butter and sugar making not just a cake, but a community.”

—M. Kayal

Thanks to the cooking and baking prowess of my vivacious mother, I learned this lesson early on. Among other things, she was well known for the edible homemade holiday gifts that would churn out of her kitchen like the Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory each year. Needless to say, my brothers and I were very popular among teachers, bus drivers and coaches during the holiday season.

When I was old enough to reach the counter with a step stool, I was gladly on holiday gift duty beginning as early as late November. Those memories of handcrafting unique edible treats are the reason I still believe there’s nothing better to give or receive.

Here are a few ideas emphasizing local ingredients intended to inspire you to create something festive for your friends. After all, while a shiny new iPad is nice, nothing truly speaks of your love and appreciation more than something delicious you’ve created with your own two hands.

Happy holidays!

Medjool Dates Stuffed with Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese, Rosemary and Lavender

Medjool Dates Stuffed with Point Reyes Original Blue Cheese, Rosemary and Lavender
The perfect gift for the wine and cheese lover on your list, these little seasonal gems are simply pitted and filled with a luscious mixture of award-winning Point Reyes Original Blue, dried local...

Sage and Brown Butter Roasted Nuts

Sage and Brown Butter Roasted Nuts
Roasted brown butter, sweet local honey, crispy sage leaves and sea salt collide in this highly addictive treat. So simple to make, they are a welcome addition to any holiday party or just as a hearty...

Citrus, Earl Grey Tea and Vanilla Bean Compote

Citrus, Earl Grey Tea and Vanilla Bean Compote
Deep amber in color and ultra-rich, this compote is delicious drizzled over yogurt, freshly made ricotta cheese, ice cream, waffles or a very tall stack of pancakes. You may also consider serving it...

Salted Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Bars with Apricots, Cranberries and Pistachios

Salted Dark Chocolate and Cinnamon Bars with Apricots, Cranberries and Pistachios
Simply put, these are lovely to look at. Even better, they’re equally delicious and can really be made with any combination of ingredients that you (or the recipient) like. Dark chocolate and...

Petite Spiced Pear Galettes with Honey Cream

Petite Spiced Pear Galettes with Honey Cream
“Galette” is a term often used in French cuisine that refers to a flat, free-form, flaky tart. A rustic dish, it can easily be filled with either sweet or savory ingredients. In this version,...
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