Tasty & Thoughtful Homemade Holiday Food Gifts
If there's one holiday gift everyone loves, it's food! Whether it's rich and decadent desserts, canned and fermented goodies, or something warm and cozy to sip on, you can't go wrong with a homemade food gift because it's thoughtful and delicious, too!
So, if you want to show your love through food rather than stuff, we've got some great ideas to check everyone off your list!
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Chocolate Glazed Nut Brittle
Brittle is the perfect home-baked gift because it keeps well, you can make it in a big batch, and it can be easily broken up into individual gifts.
This brittle has a base of roasted peanuts, sugar, and butter, and is topped with a thin layer of dark chocolate.
Before the chocolate hardens, add some more pieces of peanuts and maybe drizzle on some white chocolate for a flavorful snowflake effect.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Preserved Lemons
If you've never enjoy preserved lemons, you're in for a treat!
This tangy fermented condiment of sorts has a depth of flavor that adds a punch of flavor to salad, casseroles, and hummus.
Make a batch of preserved lemons and pour them into festive mason jars for a bright and cheerful homemade food gift.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Homemade Hot Toddy Kit
In the winter, a hot toddy is the perfect warm and cozy adult beverage to enjoy while the weather outside gets its fright on.
With just a little bit of prep work, these DIY hot toddy kits c0me together quickly and are totally adorable.
Pair your hot toddy kit with a mug that reminds you of the person you're gifting it to and a cute recipe card.
Photo Courtesy of Feasting at Home
Fermented Hot Sauce
On your next grocery trip, make sure to swing by our Produce Department and grab a bunch of peppers and try out this fermented hot sauce!
Hot sauce can be used on basically everything, making it a thoughtful and useful food gift for the spice-lover on your list.
Transfer your hot sauce to squeeze container, an old dressing bottle, or a fancy jar like the one pictured here!
Photo Courtesy of A Pumpkin & A Princess
Peppermint Brownies Mason Jar Mix
Pull out those mason jars and your baking supplies and mix together these DIY peppermint brownie mix gifts!
This recipe calls for a handful of standard baking supplies that probably live in your pantry, making this an easy last-minute gift solution.
If you wanted to make this a more well-rounded gift you could pair your mason jar mix with a baking dish and a whisk.
You can always head up to our Mercantile for cute home and kitchen goods.
Photo Courtesy of Co+op
Walnut Fudge
Growing up, my great aunt always made homemade fudge for Christmas Eve. And every year it felt like such a treat.
Fudge is deceptively easy to make and can be made with any of your favorite nuts, though walnuts, in particular, add a nice airy crunch.
Once it's cool, cut your fudge into small pieces and add them to a tin box for gifting.
Photo Courtesy of Wholefully
Mason Jar Soup Mixes
If you want to go the savory route with your homemade food gifts, consider these simple DIY soup mixes!
Soup mixes are easy to make in a big batch for the whole family, and you can find a lot of the ingredients in our Bulk Department.
Chose from Italian Barley, Split Pea, Coconut Curry, Five Bean, Chicken Noodle Soup, and Spicy Black Bean.
Photo courtesy of Table for Two
Salted Caramel Sauce
This salted caramel sauce can be used on everything from ice cream to coffee and is easy to toss together with just a few simple ingredients.
Head to our 2nd floor to grab some decorative jars to put the perfect finishing touch on the final product.
Give these as-is for stocking stuffers or add them with a DIY ice cream sundae gift basket with an ice cream scoop, some bowls, and fixings like sprinkles.
Photo Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
Homemade Simple Syrups
The cool thing about these simple syrups is that they're a great choice for both those who drink and want to mix their syrup with alcohol and those who prefer an alcohol-free beverage like syrup and club soda.
This recipe includes directions for pomegranate ginger, cinnamon spice, vanilla chai, and cranberry-orange simple syrup.
Make all 4 for a gift set or just one for a stocking stuffer. Pair the syrup with cute and informative tags with suggestions for how to use them.
Photo Courtesy of The Pioneer Woman
DIY Infused Salts
Infused salt is something that your family members might not own, but could probably get some good use out of.
Infused salts can be used for everything from cookies to meat, depending on what flavors you chose to infuse them with.
This recipe includes all sorts of flavor combinations you can try for your salt, but feel free to get creative and make your own blend!
Photo Courtesy of The Chicken Coop
Homemade Orange Marmalade
With winter citrus in season, a homemade marmalade is a no-brainer when it comes to food gifts.
Marmalade can be used on everything from English muffins and toast to ice cream and savory dishes like chicken stir fry.
Use whatever variety you like to make this orange marmalade, and pack it in resealable jars with a handmade label.
Photo Courtesy of Julie Blanner
Hot Chocolate Bombs
If you aren't familiar with them, hot chocolate bombs are essentially a big ball of chocolate that you pop into warm milk to make hot chocolate.
Not only do kids (and adults) get a kick out of their novelty, but they're fun to make, too!
Pair a couple of hot chocolate bombs with a mug, some of our handmade marshmallows, and sprinkles.
Find the full recipe at Julie Blanner
More Homemade Food Gifts to Consider
Cranberry and Orange Granola from Bon Appetit
Chocolate-Pistachio Orange Slices from Woman's Day
Citrus-Marinated Olives from Good Housekeeping
Chocolate-Almond Bark with Sea Salt from Bon Appetit
Gingerbread Cookies from Welcome to the Table
Homemade Limoncello from Welcome to the Table