We

Kim, here are two more ideas for the lemon, one that you still have time to do as a gift this year, the other that will have to wait.

thanks so much :)

Oils are similar, but I'd recommend using only dried herbs or dried aromatics, unless you plan to keep it refrigerated and use it relatively quickly.

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.

Infused vinegars and oils make great salad dressings, marinades, and are wonderful for adding flavor and brightening a variety of dishes.

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.

Sun dried tomatoes would work in that olive mix, too.

are a tradition on Christmas Eve in some regions of the mid-Atlantic and the south.

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.

Cold!