Gifts from the Kitchen

Written by Rosemary Mantini | 08 December 2009

This year, don't fret about the marathon of stores you'll have to visit in order to buy gifts. Plan to give everyone on your shopping list something homemade. Most people prefer to receive another's handiwork over the latest gizmo or fashion statement. These gift ideas are tasty, quick to make and guaranteed to produce smiles.

Flavourful fruit breads, fruit vinegars, relishes and candies make welcome gifts. Even fruit cake. There, I said it. Don't cower in fear at the thought of fruit cake. Much maligned in the world of mass production, this cake comes from a noble history of fruit breads. Forget about the overused glacé red and green cherries and flavourless citron. The fruit cake recipe below is decidedly different and much more pleasing both to the eye and the palate. Made with care and attention, even fruit cake can be a gift that anyone will love. If candy's your thing, why not cook up some jelly chews. Colourful confections packed into a pretty box make a very thoughtful gift, indeed.

Visit a dollar store or a craft store to search out clear glass jars, boxes, ribbons and tags. A few simple details really bring out the beauty of any homemade gift.

Citrus Vinegar

Cranberry Vinegar

Pickled Fruit Relish

Fruit Cake

Peach Jelly Candies

Apple-Cranberry Jelly Candies