1. Vanilla Extract
Home bakers know that vanilla extract is an essential ingredient to have on hand, and imitation vanilla just won’t do. Vanilla extract can be pricey, and while it is worth every penny, there’s something special about a homemade variety. To make homemade vanilla extract, pour one cup of vodka (or liquor of your choice) into a canning jar. Slice three to six vanilla beans in half lengthwise, then put them into the jar, making sure they are completely covered by the vodka. Seal the jar tightly and store in a cool, dry place. The longer it can infuse, the better. Recipe here!
2. Herby Olive Oil
It seems that extra virgin olive oil is the hottest foodie gift this season, and commercial products with trendy labels are a great but expensive gift. You can make your own infused olive oils at home, just take care to acidify herbs with citric acid to make sure your resulting oils are safe for consumption. Learn how to do so here!
3. Flavored Vinegar
Vinegar can be infused with so many sweet or savory flavors, and it makes a gift that will bring a fresh, bright flavor to any dish. Like with infused olive oils, you’ll need sterilized equipment and extra care to keep the food safe. Follow these instructions for making flavored vinegars with fruit, herbs, peppers and more.
4. Seasoning Blends
No meal is complete without the right seasonings, so make your own blends to package up and gift to everyone on your gifting list. Make baking spice blends with warming spices like cinnamon, powdered ginger and nutmeg, or make a perfect blend for chili with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cinnamon, smoked paprika and chile powder. You can completely customize a wide range of blends that are far better than any store-bought mixes, and go the extra mile by grounding whole spices yourself for a special touch.
5. Infused Liquor
For anyone on your list who likes mixing up cocktails, homemade infused liquors are a thoughtful gift that will upgrade even the simplest boozy beverages. Add fruit, hot peppers, vanilla beans or culinary-grade flowers into a clean canning jar with liquor, ensuring the infusing ingredients are completely covered. Leave them in the booze for 1 to 3 days, then remove and strain the alcohol until it is clear of any sediment. Learn how to infuse liquor (and find some recipe inspo) here!
6. Dry Baking Mixes
If everyone is always asking for your chocolate chip cookie or birthday cake recipes, give them the greatest gift: the recipe, plus an easy-to-combine mix of the dry ingredients. Like a store-bought mix, but 100 times better, you can create a dry mix of ingredients that just need a few added ingredients, like eggs, milk or butter, to turn into a classic cake, brownies, cookies or other treats. Add a stylish label or recipe card to the gift to complete it.
7. Dried Fruits
Dried fruit and nut baskets are a classic holiday gift, but you can level up by making your own with fresh, local produce for the best flavor. Choose one type of fruit or make a variety of dried fruits using these steps. Then, store in a vacuum-sealed package to preserve the fruit for 4 months up to 1 year. You can pair the dried fruits with nuts and seeds for homemade trail mix or local cured meats, cheeses and a wood board for a charcuterie board gift set.