for

Four ideas

Personalized holiday gifts can be especially heartwarming, particularly when they incorporate activities recipients enjoy. That is perhaps one reason why experiential gifts have become so popular in recent years.

Food gifts never go out of fashion. Homemade offerings of edible items may be particularly coveted because they are delicious and don't take up space. Food gifts require time to prepare and reassure recipients that they are worth the work that goes into this special offering. Those who have the time and talent to prepare homemade food gifts may want to explore these four options that can be especially meaningful to their recipients.

1. Granola

Granola is essentially a baked oats treat. Many varieties sold in stores offer the nutritional benefits of oats overshadowed by high sugar content. With homemade granola, cooks can customize the ingredients so certain flavors or health profiles may be prominent. Oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, and dried fruit can go into granola. A small amount of maple syrup or honey can be used to sweeten the granola before it is baked in the oven for around 15 to 20 minutes. Granola should be allowed to cool before packaging to enable the formation of clusters of oats and other goodies.

2. Frozen cookie dough

If people are always commenting on your delicious cookies, you certainly can gift them ready-made cookies in a tin. But homemade frozen or refrigerated cookie dough also makes a great gift. Follow the lead of commercial cookie dough companies and prepare your ingredients before rolling them tightly in freezer paper to store until you're ready for gifting. When it comes time for gifting, wrap the cookie dough log in patterned wax paper and secure the ends. Those on the receiving end can slice and bake according to the directions cooks provide on the tag.

3. Chocolate bark

Chocolate bark is simple to make and looks impressive when wrapped in tissue paper and packaged in a decorative box. Melt a favorite chocolate in a heatproof bowl in the microwave and then mix in various ingredients like chopped nuts, raisins, chocolate candies, dried cranberries - whatever you desire. Spread into a parchmentlined pan and refrigerate until firm. Break the bark into pieces and package into a gift.

4. Flavored salts

Use fresh herbs or fruit rinds to flavor salt for gift-giving. Process fresh herbs and kosher salt in a food processor for about 30 seconds, or until the herbs are well chopped. Spread the salt mixture on a baking sheet and bake at 200 F or 250 F for around 15 minutes. Let the salt cool and then scoop into small jars or other containers.

Edible gifts are perfect for showing the people you care about they are loved and appreciated.