Make A Gift

Blackberry Whiskey

2011-07-25T15:12:00.003+01:00

Fill a container (any size) with blackberries. Pour over sugar, it will fill the cracks and bring out the juices of the berries. Top with whiskey. It does not have to be a good whiskey, in fact there is no point using an expensive whiskey as it will take the flavour of the blackberries anyway.

According to River Cottage, this is a drink you will love even if you don't love neither whiskey or blackberries!

Leave for a minimum of 2 months before drinking, although it will only get better with time after the initial 2 months. Shake regularly for the first month to dissolve the sugar.

If you really want a recipe, try this:

600g (21 oz) Blackberries

300g (10oz) Raw Cane Sugar

1 litre of Scotch Whisky

You can replace the whiskey for Bourbon if you prefer.

Bon appetite!

Flavoured Finishing Salt

2011-04-14T12:17:00.007+01:00

My mother gave me a gift last year that was completely genius. She gave me two tubs of home made, flavoured salts. One with chilli, the other with herbs.
As it turns out, this is the easiest thing ever to make - and it'll save you a small fortune. Not to mention what a nice gift it makes! I won't tell you how much of what ingredient to use, as I think this should be up to you. You might want a hint of flavour or very strong flavour salt. Here is a guideline however:
If you use herbs (fresh or dried), mix 2 tbsp herbs to 1 cup salt. For chilli, smoked paprika, lavender etc, use 1 tbsp of flavouring per cup of salt.
However, you can safely use a quarter cup of seasoning to every 3/4 cup of salt.

You want the salt to be coarse, not fine. So you have two options: Buy Maldon salt which already has that perfect, flaky consistency - or buy rock salt and give it a whizz in the food processor.

Suggested Flavours:

Mixed herbs: buy a selection of herbs, such as basil, thyme/lemon thyme, oregano, sage (be careful with rosemary. You can add a little, but it can be very overpowering). Clean the herbs and pat them dry. If you are using rock salt, put the herbs in a food processor, then add the salt and pulse to break the salt into smaller bits. Transfer mixture to a baking tray. You can either dry the herb/salt mixture in the oven (100C for an hour, stirring occasionally) or you can air dry it. The salt will suck the moisture out of the herbs in no time. If you are using Maldon salt, mix the chopped herbs with the salt, but don't put the salt in the food processor.
When dried, transfer to a jar with a lid.

Chilli: Chop fresh, red chillies (with or without seeds) and mix with the salt. Dry as above.

Lavender: Add dried lavender and salt to a jar with a lid. Shake to mix and leave to infuse. Great with salad, tomatoes and avocados.

Lemon: Using a potato peeler, peel lemon zest off the lemon. Make sure not to cut into the white, fleshy bit, it is very bitter. Whizz it up to a fine consistency in the food processor, then add salt (see above). The oils from the lemon makes the salt really fragrant and is delicious with all seafood, vegetables and grilled chicken. Air dry mixure for a couple of hours, then transfer to a jar.

Rosemary Sea Salt:

1. In a large, high-sided saute pan, combine salt and rosemary. Place over medium heat, and warm through, about 10 minutes. Transfer salt and rosemary mixture to a container. Let cool 5 minutes, uncovered; then cover with an airtight lid. Let stand at least overnight.

2. When ready to fill containers, discard old rosemary. Fill desired containers with salt, and garnish top with a fresh sprig of rosemary; seal containers.

Source

Have fun with this - experiment with various flavours! Let me know how you get on.

Matching lantern/ tea light holder and matchbox

2010-08-25T14:57:00.001+01:00

Matching lantern/ tea light holder and matchbox
Originally uploaded by Elin B

To make this adorable, matching set of lantern and matchbox, all you need is a pack of matches, a tin can (who doesn't eat tinned tomatoes?), some paint, PVA glue and a napkin!

Step 1: clean them
Step 2: paint them with a base paint
Step 3: smear decoupage glue all over them
Step 4: cover with a pretty napkin
Step 5: iron out creases with a paintbrush
Step 6: cover with varnish to harden

and viola - you have a completely original present with a personal touch!

Bandana cushion

2009-08-05T21:48:00.008+01:00

Buy 2 bandanas and sew them together to make a cushion!

Infused vodkas

2008-12-17T16:24:00.004Z

Suggested flavours:
Cranberry
Vanilla (tap the pods a little to release flavour before adding to the vodka)
Mango
Pineapple
Chili
Lemon (use unwaxed, organic fruit - you don't want all those chemicals to dissolve in your drink!)
Lime
Pearl Onions and Olives
Lemon grass
Ginger
Honey and Oat
Basil
Mint
Grapes
Tangerines
Pomegranate
Lavender

If infusing fruit, use 1-3 good sized pieces.
If infusing herbs, use 1-2 fists filled of the herb (depending upon the potency of the herb).
If infusing berries, use 2-4 fists filled with the berries. You may also want to bruise (squish a little) them first.
If infusing peppers, use as many as you want. The more you use and the longer you infuse, the spicier the vodka will be.

Source: click here for more tips!

Kahlua Spiked Pecans

2008-12-17T15:47:00.003Z

Thanks to Joe

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg white
3 tablespoons Kahlua
4 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 325

In a small bowl, whisk together sugar, cinnamon and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg white and Kahlua. Add pecans and stir well to combine.

Sprinkle half the sugar mixture on top - mix well. Pour the rest of the sugar on top and stir until completely combined. Scoop the mixture onto a large baking sheet lined with foil and coated with nonstick spray. Spread the pecans to an even single layer.

Bake until pecans are lightly toasted and browned, stirring every 10 minutes - about 20 to 25 minutes total. Remove from the oven and scoop the hot pecans onto wax or parchment paper to cool completely.

Chocolate-dipped almond toffee

2008-12-17T14:48:00.001Z

Thanks to Anne:

"It's a very soft toffee (so it won't pull out all your fillings) and you can coat it with any chocolate you'd like. I chose milk chocolate here, but a nice, dark chocolate would certainly make it less sweet."

Chocolate-dipped almond toffee

4 tsp cocoa powder
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
100 g butter
100 ml (about 0,4 cups) flaked almonds
200 g sugar
4 tbsp golden syrup

200 g chocolate, to coat

Mix everything, except for the chocolate, in a saucepan. Bring to the boil, and let it boil for 3-4 minutes. Pour into a lined tin, and leave to cool completely. Later, dip it in chocolate. (Which you can temper if you master that particular technique, or not if you're like me.) Keep cool.

Vanilla bean hot chocolate

2008-12-17T14:38:00.005Z

This treat consists of finely chopped dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dutch process cocoa powder (this dissolves easier in liquid than regular unsweetened cocoa), and sugar that’s been infused overnight with the seeds and pods of vanilla beans.

Source: Eggs on Sunday

A Jar of Hot Italian Giardiniera

2008-11-14T15:26:00.005Z

Serves 10

INGREDIENTS
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 red bell peppers, diced
8 fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cauliflower florets
1/2 cup salt
water to cover

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 (5 ounce) jar pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS
Place into a bowl the green and red peppers, jalapenos, celery, carrots, onion, and cauliflower. Stir in salt, and fill with enough cold water to cover. Place plastic wrap or aluminum foil over the bowl, and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, drain salty water, and rinse vegetables. In a bowl, mix together garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and olives. Pour in vinegar and olive oil, and mix well. Combine with vegetable mixture, cover, and refrigerate for 2 days before using.

This jar is really decorative and will keep in the fridge for weeks.

Source: Here

Make a recycled tin herb pot

2008-10-23T11:16:00.006+01:00

Some tinned foods (especially luxury goods imported from abroad) come in pretty patterned tins. Planted up with culinary herbs, they look fantastic on a bare kitchen window sill and add a bit of rustic flair to the plainest of kitchens. Here's what to do...

Time to complete job: Half an hour plus drying time
Approximate budget: £5

You will need:
Empty food tins
Protective gloves
Plasti-kote Satin Super spray paint (available in 20 colours, from £4.98 per 400ml, in most DIY stores)
Wire wool

Step 1: Spray the tins with paint
Collect food tins of all sizes and styles, wash them thoroughly and peel off the labels of standard food tins. Spray an even layer of coloured Plastikote paint on the outside of a few tins. Distress remaining tins with vintage-style designs printed on them by rubbing them with wire wool for a worn look.

Step 2: Add the plants
Pot the herb plants into plastic pots, then place them inside the containers and group together in a display. If you’re planting directly into the tins, punch a few holes at the bottom for drainage and then sit them in trays.

Source: uktv.co.uk

Make a recycled bottle vase

2008-10-23T10:37:00.007+01:00

Pinch a glass jar or two from your recycling bin and create some of these simple vases.

Time to complete job: Half an hour plus drying time
Approximate budget: £5

You will need:
Glass jars and bottles
Oil-based emulsions
White spirit

Step 1: Painting the jars
Take a selection of empty jars and bottles in various sizes and shapes and soak off the labels in warm soapy water. Mix a little leftover oil paint with a dash of white spirit, so your paint is of a pouring consistency. Pour a small amount into your empty jar and swirl around carefully until the paint covers the entire inside surface. Pour away any excess paint.

Step 2: Creating a display
Once the paint is thoroughly dry, use the jar to display cut flowers. Mix different shapes of jars and coordinating colours for the best effect.

Source: uktv.co.uk

Fruit in a jar

2008-09-25T16:44:00.006+01:00

Load a jar with dried fruits and nuts to use as topping on yogurt or in cereal

Or, why not try dried figs with port, stored in a jar?

200g figs
2 dl port
2 dl water
Simmer for 10 mins, then transfer to a baking dish and bake at 150 degrees C for 2 hours. Let cool in the juice and serve warm or cold.
Serve topped with a mixture of sour cream and yogurt, mixed with a tbsp of the fig syrup.

Home Made Bath Salt

2008-09-25T16:26:00.005+01:00

Mix sea salt with scented oils, dried flowers or herbs to make a nice pampering gift:

To make an exfoliator, fill jar with brown sugar.

Frames

2008-09-25T15:27:00.007+01:00

Add a personal touch with self-decorated frames!

Beans:

Click here to see how

Dried flowers:

Scarf Handbag

2008-09-25T15:20:00.003+01:00

Make a customised handbag for your gal-pal!

Click here to see how

Ribbon Bulletin Board

2008-09-25T12:23:00.004+01:00

Make a ribbon bulletin board!
Check out Martha Stewart's video to see how

Home made butter

2008-09-11T14:19:00.004+01:00

Click here for how-to's

Tip: why not mix herbs or spices into the butter for filling in baked potatoes, have on steak or fish?

Corkboard

2008-09-11T13:17:00.005+01:00

Wine corks are about to become a thing of the past. Why not collect as many as you can and make your own corkboard from various brands?

This is the result from my last one:

Click here for larger image

Scented sugars

2008-09-10T10:56:00.008+01:00

Scented sugar adds a subtle perfume and flavor to coffee, fruit desserts, and baked goods. Layer granulated sugar with aromatic edibles like scented geranium leaves, rose petals, orange and lemon peel (first set out for a day to dry), or vanilla beans. Mix small batches, and let them sit for a few days in tightly sealed jars while the scents infuse the sugar. One jar or a trio serves makes an unusual present for whomever you think could use a little sweetness.

Source: www.marthastewart.com

Vintage bottle with washing up liquid

2008-09-10T10:47:00.004+01:00

Get a hold of a nice vintage looking bottle and fill with washing up liquid:

Source: www.marthastewart.com

Jams, Preserves, Relishes and other Jarred things

2008-09-10T10:22:00.005+01:00

A jar of your favourite chutney, perhaps? Or your special tapanade?

I came across this brilliant cookbook on jams and preserves at a local farm shop a while ago.
I will type the recipes into my blog shortly as many of these will be suitable for those of you that wants to try these little goodies with a twist!

Candles, home made

2008-09-09T14:53:00.005+01:00

Collect jam jars and pickle jars and start making your own candles!
Most hobbycraft shops sell candle wax blocks or pellets, wicks, colouring and scented oils.

A festive alternative is to create a cinnamon candle:

Source: www.marthastewart.com

Spiced and toasted nuts

2008-09-09T14:07:00.008+01:00

Why not make a selection of toasted nuts and put them in an airtight container?

Sugared almonds:

500g Almonds
250g Icing sugar
1 1/2 dl water

Method:
1. Boil almonds, icing sugar and water in a pan until water has evaporated.

2. When the water has evaporated, the sugar starts to crystallize and the mix starts to "dry out".

3. Turn up the heat and stir continously and make sure the sugar covering the almonds turn golden. Be careful not to burn the sugar.

4. Pour the almonds over baking paper or a buttered dish and wait till they have cooled entirely before breaking them up and eating.

Salted almonds:

Blanch 250 g almonds in boiling water. Dry them well, then add to a hot pan with 3 tbsp oil. Pan fry till golden at medium heat.
Transfer almonds to a baking paper as toss with 2 tsp salt.

Union Square Bar Nuts:

2 1/4 cups (18-ounces) assorted unsalted nuts, including peeled peanuts, cashews, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans and whole unpeeled almonds
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh rosemary leaves
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
2 teaspoons Maldon or other sea salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees celcius
Toss the nuts in a large bowl to combine and spread them out on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven until light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the rosemary, cayenne, sugar, salt and melted butter.

Thoroughly toss the toasted nuts in the spiced butter and serve warm.

Spiced pecans:
Makes about 4 cups

4 cups unsalted pecan halves
2 tablespoons maple syrup
4 teaspoons coarse salt
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon chili paste

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a medium bowl, combine pecans, maple syrup, 3 teaspoons salt, pepper flakes, chili powder, cayenne, and chili paste. Toss to coat.

Spread nuts in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, toss with remaining teaspoon salt and let cool. Serve immediately or store, at room temperature, in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Picture: www.marthastewart.com

More recipes to follow...

Confectionary

2008-09-09T13:13:00.020+01:00

Try making your own chocolates, truffles or cupcakes.
Put them in a little cardboard box and tie a ribbon round it, or wrap in cellophane.

Click here for recipe as shown in picture

See here for some other great recipes:

Home made chocolates
A selection of truffles

Home Made Cookbook

2008-09-05T16:53:00.004+01:00

Why not collect some of your favourite recipes and create your own cookbook?
Perhaps sort alphabetically or by category, decoupage a lever arch folder..? Or for the fancier option, go to Tastebook.com to make your own, professional looking book!

Meringues and cookies

2008-09-05T16:46:00.007+01:00

Chocolate Chip Meringues

Bake some meringue kisses (in various flavours and colours) or your favourite cookies, and wrap in cellophane. Your local florist will sell you some, I am sure. Tie a cute ribbon around and you have a friend for life.

Cherry Pecan Meringues

Jars with Spices

2008-09-05T14:35:00.013+01:00

If you like to cook, why not buy a load of spices and herbs to match?
You can buy these really cheap in bulk at Asian Supermarkets...

I like to make my own blends.
Bread dipping mixes are also great, see Carrabba's below. I am still trying to work out copies of the "Dippers" found at the Oil and Vinegar store!

Blackened rub
Makes 4 servings:

1 tsp chilli flakes
1 tsp chilli powder
1 tsp ground paprika
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
salt and freshly ground black pepper

OR

3 tbsp cayenne
2 tsp mustard powder
2 tsp dried oregano
4 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp onion powder
1 tsp celery salt
pinch dried thyme
2 tsp white pepper

OR

Makes 100 servings

1/2 cup and 1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons and 1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all ingredients together and pour into an airtight container.
Perhaps you want to make a label attached to the jar with cooking instructions?
"Lightly brush chicken or fish with oil and rub the seasoning onto the flesh and cook"

Dry Ranch Dressing Mix (Mix all dry ingredients in a jar, then shake well before adding to the mayo and sour cream).

Carrabba's Bread Dipping Spice

Furthermore, at "www.topsecretrecipes.com", I found a recipe for the famous Taco spice mix sold in sachets at the supermarket:

Taco seasoning:

This recipe is as close as you can get to the stuff you buy in the little, overprized sachets in the shop. Receipe has been adapted/improved slightly by myself.

Makes 100 servings

1/4 cup chili powder
(original recipe calls for 1/2 cup and 2 tablespoons, but this is REALLY spicy, so I halved it. You can add more to taste, but with half as listed above, the taste is more authentic)
2-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
2-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
2-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon and 2 teaspoons paprika
1/4 cup and 1 tablespoon ground cumin
3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons and 1 teaspoon black pepper

Mix all ingredients together and pour into an airtight container. Makes a lovely present for all food lovers!

Perhaps you want to make a label attached to the jar with cooking instructions?
"Brown minced beef, then add 3 tbsp of seasoning per 1 kg of beef. Add a splash of water and cook without lid until water has evaporated"

I often sprinkle flour over the mince once browned, then add the spice and water. It makes for a thicker sauce.

I never trow away my spice containers (the ones spices come in when you buy them in the store), or salsa jars, jam jars etc. They make excellent containers for spices and spice blends (or as tea light holders etc etc)

Find a cute piece of fabric to cover lid and slide a rubber band over to keep it in place, and - voila!

Candles, lazy version

2008-09-05T14:25:00.003+01:00

Everyone that knows me well, knows that I am obsessed with candles!

If you know someone likeminded to me, why not buy a nice silk ribbon, some silk paper and a variety of dinner candles?
Line a shoe box with silk paper, put the ribbon across, lay the candles on top and tie the ribbon about the candles.

What a cute little present, and guaranteed to be a hit!

Monograms

2008-09-05T14:11:00.003+01:00

I was in this upscale interior shop in Den Haag, Holland, and saw some gorgeous, vintage-looking frames, with crackeled paper. In one, it was written "His" and the other "Hers", with calligraphy lettering. I was shocked to find out they cost €34 each, as they would be reasonably easy to make yourself. Great present for a couple that has 2 sinks (one each) in the bathroom, for example!

Furthermore, monogrammed towels and pillowcases are vintage-cool.
How about dark grey lettering on cream towels?

Picnic Basket

2008-09-05T13:16:00.001+01:00

Pretty much any kind of basked can be used here.
The content of your basket will depend on the occation or the recipients food preferences.

If he or she is fond of Italian food, why not line the basket with a vintage tea towel and fill it with packs of various shaped and coloured pasta, a slab or parmesan cheese, parma ham and a jar of your own, home made tomato sauce (recipe attached?)?

Similarly, if they like French food, fill the basket with a pack of croissants or other fresh baked goods, and a selection of jams and preserves?
Better even, if it's all home made!

If someone has just had a baby, why not line the basket with a baby blanket, a pack of nappies, a baby toy, a bottle of wine for dad and a nice bath soap for mum?

The Pleasure of Giving

2008-09-04T11:51:00.000+01:00

The home maker Godess Martha Stewart has completely revolutionised my home, my spare time and my present giving habits.
My house is full of stuff inspired by her, and I am always dying to move on to the next project. I have even gone as far as organising dinner parties just so I can try out new table decorations and centrepieces!

In light of all this inspiration, I have decided to create a blog dedicated to ideas and suggestions for presents that you can make yourself.
Minimal effort is required, yet I am confident the lucky person at the recieving end of your gift will be very pleased!

Making a gift or recieving a home made present is a lot more fun than (most of) it's commercial alternatives (erm, diamond rings exempt), and it can save you a lot of money too!

This will be a work in continous progress, and I need to take some pictures to illustrate my ideas too.

Please join in with your suggestions and comments - I would really appreciate it!

Elin