Food Gifts for Christmas and the Holidays
With six days left till Christmas, it's time to finish gift-shopping and make those edible gifts friends and family love.But didn't you hand out cookies in decorated jars last year?Newsnet5.com's resident foodie George Noleff will be on hand to provide tips, ideas and guidance for making edible gifts for anyone on your list.
-
-
-
We are talking about edible gift ideas today. Of course, cookies are part of the discussion, but there are a number of other easy to make options you can do. And they don't have to be expensive. If you have ideas, please feel free to share them. I'd like to hear your ideas, recipes, suggestions, and of course, your questions.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Rosemary oil is a basic infused oil. Try to find a good quality olive oil. Heat two cups of oil to 120 degrees in a pan on the stove. Once you hit that temperature turn the heat off and add a bundle of dried rosemary sprigs. Move it to a cool dry place and let it steep for at least two days, but a week or even longer would be better.
-
-
-
-
Here's another idea I've seen recently. You can give the gift of bruschetta. Buy a pound of mixed black and green pitted olives at the grocery store. A lot of places have olive bars now. If you want, you can buy a jar of roasted red peppers, or make your own. Chop those olives and peppers together (even add some marinated artichoke hearts, too, if you want!), hit that mix with a tablespoon of lemon juice or herb infused vinegar, and at least a tablespoon of grated parmesan. Put that mix in a clasp top jar or a canning jar and deliver it with a loaf of your favorite crusty bread to a friend. Or, you can save them a step and cut the bread into thin slices, hit it with a little olive oil and toast it crisp. Sprinkle some dried herbs over the toasted slices. Bag it up and take that along.
-
-
-
-
-
I'd do a really simpe preparation. I'd take shucked oysters, dip them in flour, dip them in egg, then dip them in flour again and deep fry them until the coating is golden and crispy. Serve them up with some cocktail or tartar sauce, maybe have some slaw or fries on the side.
-
You can also do baked or broiled oysters. Open them, but leave them on the half shell. Give them a sprinkle of black pepper and lemon juice. Bake them at 350 for 10 minutes or broil them. Hit them with a little salt and serve with hot sauce, melted butter, and/or cocktail sauce.
-
-
If you have a favorite breading recipe for fish or chicken, put some together, bag it up, decorate the bag and attach a hand written or printed note with instructions for how to use. If you don't have a favorite recipe, but like the idea, experiment in the kitchen until you find one you like.
-
-
-