Edible gifts are perfect in every way. They can save you money. Their perishable nature means they won’t end up collecting dust on a shelf somewhere (we hope). Likewise, there won’t be a newer, trendier version to purchase while relegating the out-of-date version to the storage closet above your ThighMaster and VHS player. But perhaps the most important reason to incorporate homemade gifts into your gifting repertoire this season is to bestow an overwhelming sense of importance upon the recipient (and impress them, of course).
The Seaside Baker has created four festive recipes perfect for the holidays and appropriate for all skill levels. So whether you are a seasoned maker of homemade goodness or just making your inaugural run at culinary crafting, you’ll be sure to delight everyone on your gift list with these goodies. She has even provided labels for you to garnish your packages, making it that much more difficult to pass up this opportunity!
If you have a slow cooker, a knife and a spoon, then you are officially equipped to make this first homemade gift. Don’t let the simplicity of this recipe deceive you into trying something more complicated for the sake of added effort. The hours in the crockpot transform the brown sugar and apples into a decadent mixture with intense flavor and luscious texture. If you have never had the pleasure of enjoying apple butter, definitely consider saving yourself a jar. You might be tempted to slather it on everything. And that is completely acceptable.
Kids of all ages will enjoy making AND receiving these decadent gifts. What sets these caramel apples apart from the rest is your creativity and personalization. Homemade caramel is relatively easy to make and adds an extra layer of love. The combinations really are endless when you think of all the different candies, sprinkles, and nuts that could potentially embellish your apples. Tip: we recommend using our organic apples for this recipe as they are unwaxed and will save you a step.
If you are tempted to move on to the next idea due to the word “jam,” we strongly recommend against it. Yes, this recipe requires slightly more active time than the apple butter, but it can be made in a much shorter timeframe. There’s nothing demure about this fruitful preserve. The tartness of the cranberries balances the sweetness of the apples, while the winter spices add a festive warmth to the jam. One of our favorite things about this gift is just how beautiful it is- the rich garnet adds a vibrant pop of color to any holiday feast. Hint: Use this on leftover turkey sandwiches.
It’s fantastic to receive a pie. But what if everyone you know gave you a pie this Christmas? Suddenly, it’s pie overload (assuming that’s a thing)! Now, imagine if someone gave you the fixings to make a pie in, say, March when you’re starting to crave that warm, flaky crust and cinnamony apple goodness again. By giving your loved ones this homemade filling and pie crust mix, you’ll be providing them with almost everything they need to make dessert at their convenience. And they might even show their gratitude by offering you a slice. So really, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Pair it with a festive pie dish and server for an added touch of thoughtfulness.
