Homemade Christmas gifts

Look no 
farther than your own kitchen when it comes to festive gifting — and come up with absolute winners

As it appro-aches that time of year, when the geese and the rest of us are getting fat, the pressure is on for many to spend money that ought not to be spent, trying to make gifts for family and friends. In fact, in recent decades, the spirit of communion, warmth and kindness of the period has turned into high drama, as we have believed the public relations hype turning “gifting” into “buying”. We have been spending more and more time trawling malls in frenetic and expensive gift buying. The sad part is that sometimes receivers do not even appreciate them and the only person who is really happy is the merchant, whose store you have just bought out.

Do not get me wrong. Store-bought gifts (if chosen well) are lovely, and I would be a hypocrite if I pretended that I do not enjoy receiving them. On my own wish list, I have an iPad, designer handbag, a watch, a food processor, fine cutlery, Le Creuset Dutch ovens and baking dishes but, in reality, who is to say I will get just the ones I want?

The specifications of the iPad may be off, the designer handbag may not be the exact one I had my eye on, the watch may not be my style, the food processor may not be the brand or size I want, the cutlery may not be heirloom quality or in the right amount and the Le Creuset cast iron Dutch ovens may just turn out to be the wrong colour for my kitchen.

Yes, it is hard to please people, especially those you care about, because they are often very picky 
as to what they like. On top of that, all of the items I have listed are pretty expensive. So in reality, it begs the question: “Can we afford the things that people really want?”

What if I told you that you can, and you may not have to wipe out your savings to do so? I bet I have your attention now!

You see, what all of us as human beings really want is to be loved and appreciated and for our company to be celebrated with sincerity. When gifts are given, we want a gift that says, “I have been thinking of you for a long time and I value you and your presence in my life.”

This is why in addition to having parties, dinners, brunches and home-cooked meals together, there are other things you can do to say, “Merry Christmas!” And the thing is that these gifts start in your kitchen and not in the mall.

Christmas Fruit Cakes

These can be done in large batches and can be wrapped 
and gifted for those whom you visit during the season. Because they stay moist, the can be done ahead 
of time.

Spiced Sugars

Get cute little jars and 
fill them with a mixture of sugar and different spices like freshly ground and sifted cinnamon, vanilla beans, or freshly ground nutmeg.

Seasoned Salts

In salt mills, combine coarse sea salt with different spices. Some can be with cumin, celery seeds and Schezuan peppercorns. Others can include spices such as cloves, star anise and allspice.

Jellies, Pickles and Chutneys

These condiments will go a far way in any home. If you cannot make them yourself, buy from small artisans like Baker & Spice or from www.facebook.com/PickleindMiddle who make them with fresh, seasonal ingredients and have the tasty and healthy homemade element to them.

Fresh Bread

Take freshly-made bread to the homes of neighbours or nearby friends for their Christmas breakfast.

Your favourite Spice Blend

Share your favourite homemade spice blend with those who have often delighted at your cooking.

Stitching Kitchen gear

If you can sew, make aprons, mittens, kitchen cloths in fabrics and designs suited for each person. If you cannot sew yourself, pick the fabrics and designs and employ the talented tailors and seamstresses in Meena Bazaar to do them for you. These are great for both adults and children.

Coffee, Tea and Drinks

Whether it be premium spiced coffee, Jamaican Blue Mountain, a collection of teas or a home brew from your own culture, share drinks as well. You can make your own spiced teas. The sky is the limit!

Handwritten 
Recipe Cards

Share some of your favourite holiday recipes with those who love to cook. You can adorn them with whatever art and crafts you wish. These are great for adults and children, just select more child-friendly ones for the children.

wknd@khaleejtimes.com

· Kari is a Dubai-based journalist and photographer of the food blog chefandsteward.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/ChefandSteward and contact her at:

· kari@chefandsteward.com

• Food and Dining