Have Your Gift and Eat It Too

Do-it-yourself gift ideas for those with an appetite

Finishing salts made with lime, cumin, and rose petals are the perfect way to finish any meal.

Image credit: Photo by Rahim Packir Saibo via Creative Commons

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Gifts by the Glass

By: Molly Burke and Emily Cain

It’s easy to head to the department store and grab something for that special someone. In fact, it’s too easy. This season, consider giving that special someone a personalized gift that shows them how caring – and crafty – you truly are.

All week, we'll be featuring DIY gifts we’d be happy to hand over. Today’s selections are for the food-lover – and the food-beggar – in your life

What: 3-piece finishing salt set

Why: Because finishing salts can take every meal to the next level.

Supplies you’ll need:

Matcha and Lime Salt

+ 1 teaspoon matcha (green tea powder)
+ 1-2 dried lime wheels, broken into small bits
+ 2 tablespoons grey sea salt or regular coarse sea salt 

Orange and Cumin Salt

+ 2 dried orange tangerine wheels broken
+ 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted in a dry pan
+ 2 tablespoons grey sea salt or regular coarse sea salt

Persian Rose Petal Salt

+ 2 teaspoons dried edible rose petals
+ ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
+ 2 tablespoons grey sea salt or coarse sea salt

The Process

1. Combine all ingredients in spice or coffee grinder until evenly blended.
2. Store in jar with lid.
3. Label neatly.
4. Tie a ribbon around the jars (festive holiday color preferred).
5. Give the gift of culinary deliciousness.

More info: kitchenbutterfly.com

What: Holiday Dog Treats

Why: Because the family pooch deserves a little holiday cheer too.

Supplies you’ll need:

+ 2 cups white flour
+ 1 cup whole-wheat flour
+ 1 teaspoon molasses
+ 2 tablespoons peanut butter
+ 2 tablespoons canola or vegetable oil
+ Festive cookie cutters (optional)
+ Mason jar or gift bags (optional)

The process:

1. In a medium bowl, mix flours together
2. In a large bowl, mix molasses, peanut butter and oil together
3. Slowly stir the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until smooth.
4. Roll dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
5. Flatten the balls and decorate them with a crisscross shape or for a festive touch, use holiday cookie cutters to shape dough into fun images.
6.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
7. Package treats in a Mason jar or cellophane gift bag.

Total cost: Under $10 – those ingredients have got to be in the back of your cupboard somewhere!

More info: Pawlux.com