Every autumn I try to brainstorm shareable holiday gifts I’ve never made before. This year, I decided on recipes that I never knew were so simple to make.
1. Homemade Crème de Menthe
Last December I went to several liquor stores before I finally found Crème de Menthe. Little did I know, you can make it at home in about 15 minutes with five simple ingredients. I’ll never buy it again!
Homemade Crème de Menthe Recipe
2. Spicy French Mustard
Intrigued by the entire mustard process, I picked up mustard seeds and ground mustard, plus a handful of other ingredients to make an authentic Spicy French Mustard in my very own kitchen.
Spicy French Mustard Recipe
3. Red Pepper Jelly
Believe it or not, this is my first attempt at a true jelly, so I went with a crowd-pleaser, Red Pepper Jelly. Don’t let the liquid pectin scare you off from this recipe. If it doesn’t set the first time, you can always boil it again—as I did! So don’t rush or panic during the boiling process—it’s going to be just fine.
Red Pepper Jelly Recipe
4. One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
For the kids, I loved the idea of a One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread. It requires little cleanup and yields a tasty sweet for any time of day.
One-Bowl Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
5. Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers
It wouldn’t be the holidays without some type of cheesy bite to set out during cocktail hour. The Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers package up nicely in an antique bowl for gifting. Search estate sales, flea markets, or your own house for a dish that you think your friend would like as a keepsake.
Southern Pecan Cheese Wafers Recipe
Holiday food gifts you make for friends and family are not only meaningful but what the season is all about—giving thanks and sharing some joy.
