ISO non-sweet holiday homemade gift ideas

[GotGarlic]

I'd like to make some homemade holiday food gifts, but not the typical cookies, quick breads, candy, etc. Something more healthful, but not something the recipient has to make themselves, like a jar of soup ingredients. As an example, years ago, I made sweet and sour apple chutney with raisins and onions, but that was for local friends since it doesn't travel well and most of our family lives out of state. Any ideas? TIA.

 

[Silversage]

Mustards
Infused oils
Spice blends
Vanilla (for next year)

Mustard is fun.

 

[Kaneohegirlinaz]

Non-sweet food gift idea

GG, what about fresh made pasta, like some hand cut fettuccine,
dry it, package it up all pretty and all.
It would be fairly light in weight to ship
and should keep for a couple of months in any cupboard...
DING DING DING!
*Note to self:flavored pastas and homemade Marinara already in the cupboard will make wonderful gifts for our neighbors

Mahalo, thanks GG

 

[jennyema]

Oil infused with any fresh herb or aromatic can create a botulism risk.

Infused vinegars are a better idea.

Infused vodka
Spiced nuts
Pickled okra or green beans

Mustard is a great idea

My pepper jelly is always what people ask for but it's sweet...

 

[Janet H]

Vinegar is an awesome gift.

Every few years I have done this. You can order cases of bottles fairly cheaply, cork and cover them and then give them with a pourer included. Alternatively you could recycle some bottles.

Rosemary, thyme, garlic, dried chilies and loads of other flavors go well...



More ideas here: Making Herbal Vinegar

 

[Dawgluver]

My pickled green beans and pickled beets are very warmly received and often consumed on the spot. Apple butter travels well, and you don't have to make it too sweet. My Dad's horseradish was always well-received (watch out for those fumes!)

Pickled baby onions
Pickled mushrooms
Multi-bean salad
Rhubarb jam/sauce
Pickled garlic (you might have some around... )
Pickled crabapples like Gramma made, you could also use sliced regular apples

Dehydrate your own stuff, like fancy wild mushrooms from the grocer, some mushroom powder in a cool shaker
Some of your nice homegrown garlic, dehydrated, also in a cool grinder

 

[jennyema]

Flavored salt

 

[GotGarlic]

Lots of great ideas! I knew I could count on y'all! I especially like the vinegars and pickles, since I have a good-sized herb garden. Thanks