What do you give to foodie friends who already have well-stocked kitchens? When good old strawberry jam or apple butter isn't going to cut it no matter how tasty those are? Here are some ideas for unusual homemade food gifts for those friends with gourmet tastes. Even if they already have store bought versions of these, they'll be impressed that you made them.
Pickled Ginger for sushi and sashimi is quick to make. Maybe put it into a gift basket with a package of sushi rice, nori, and a bamboo sushi rolling mat.
Olives are in season in late fall and early winter. If you can get some raw olives, it's easy to cure them at home using either the dry salt method or the brine method. Plan ahead though: if you start a batch of olives curing now, they will be ready around New Year's Eve.
Quince Paste (Membrillo) and Quince Jelly are lovely gifts for a friend with a sweet tooth. You can make the membrillo from the pulp leftover from making the jelly.
And if your friends love exotic flavors, a jar of Moroccan Preserved Lemons is a terrific present. Add a recipe that uses this colorful ingredient, and maybe some of the spices the recipe calls for.
Happy Holidays!
Photo ŠLeda Meredith
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