Holiday shopping can overwhelm even the most organized gift giver. This year, give yourself a break and whip up these easy, delicious gifts from scratch. Whether you have a week or a minute before your celebration, these recipes will bring comfort and joy to everyone on your list.
If you have a week or longer:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Limoncello
Use organic lemons (any variety) to avoid wax on the skin. Make your limoncello with equal parts infused vodka and simple syrup, then taste and adjust the ratio to your preference.
If you have two days:
Bread and Butter
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Basic White Bread
We promise, this is the easiest homemade bread you’ll ever make. But feel free to substitute crusty bread from the grocery store if you are crunched for time.
Apple Butter
You can make this sweet treat with any apples. We recommend the softer varieties listed here because they cook more quickly.
If you have one day:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Sea Salt Dulce de Leche
This decadent dessert is made from just two ingredients, and it never fails to impress. It can be served over ice cream, apple pie, or cheesecake, or enjoyed straight from the jar with a spoon.
If you have three (ish) hours:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Millionaire’s Bars
Most of the cook time is hands-off, except for the arm-strengthening 20-minute caramel whisk. However, your efforts will be rewarded with the richest, most sigh-inducing bar you’ve ever enjoyed. If you make only one cookie this season, make these.
If you have 30 minutes:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Simple Syrup
This gift is all about the presentation. Pair your simple syrup with small bottles of bourbon and bitters as an Old-Fashioned cocktail gift kit. Or arrange a variety of tea bags to make a sweet tea basket. You can also use this simple syrup to make the limoncello recipe, above.
If you have 15 minutes:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Herb-Infused Vinegar
While we like Champagne vinegar the best, this recipe works with most mild vinegars. Avoid plain white vinegar, which tastes too harsh. The vinegar will corrode a metal lid, so if you use a canning jar, place a piece of plastic wrap between the vinegar and the lid.
If you have five minutes:
Credit: Greg Rannells
Credit: Greg Rannells
Barbecue Spice Rub
You can easily double or triple this recipe to make multiple gifts at once, or to keep some for yourself. We love this rub on pork and chicken any time of year.
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