Build a Basket

Need a unique idea for a seasonal gift? Assemble a gift basket. There’s no limit on creativity and you’ll find yourself having a ball just picking out the contents.

They’re fun to put together, simple to assemble, and if you are lucky enough to be the recipient, they provide hours of joy right from unwrapping each little treat tucked inside to experiencing the goodies. Built around themes, events, personal landmarks and special occasions; personalized gift baskets are a special way of saying, “I care”.

Here’s a couple of ideas for gift baskets that can be made with Alberta and other Canadian food products, but feel free to substitute with your own favourites.As a special touch, tuck in a handwritten note, a favourite recipe, a special photo or even an inspirational quote. Cellophane for wrapping baskets can be purchased in a wide range of colours at all major craft stores, and don’t be afraid to be big and bold with ribbons— they add whimsy.All of the food items listed here can be found at Alberta speciality food stores.

Finally, be food safe—if you’re going to include perishable items, be sure to pack the basket and deliver it right away with clear storage instructions.

THE BIG BREAKFAST

Nothing says friendship like breakfast—ready to go. Find a big colourful mixing bowl as your main container, and pack it full of goodies that will make morning something to look forward to.

Suggestions: Include a bag of Hamilton Barley Flour (there are terrific muffin and pancake recipes printed on the bag), a bottle of wild berry syrup such as Cassidy Creek or Pearson’s Berry Farms saskatoon or chokecherry syrup, a squeeze-bottle of natural honey such as MacKenzie’s, a pound of your favourite breakfast blend roasted coffee beans, and a bag of dark chocolate shavings (Bernard Callebaut’s are really yummy) for a hot chocolate finish, a wire whisk, a spatula and finally a copy of Company’s Coming Muffins and More— packed with easy-to-use recipes for muffins, casseroles and make-ahead morning treats.

BRING ON THE ROMANCE

A crackling fire, soft candle light and a special someone to share the ambiance with. Enjoy a night of romance, fuelled with a basket of nibbles designed to turn ordinary into exotic.

Suggestions: Package these treats in a wicker picnic basket that can be used again. Fill it up with honey beeswax candles, a bottle of wine (a nice suggestion is the Tinhorn Creek Merlot—an Okanagan Valley award winner), a smoky jazz CD, a pair of exquisite linen napkins, a couple of tins of paté, (Mayerthorpe’s Hog Wild Specialitiesmakes a really nice wild boar paté), a baguette (the ones from Edmonton’s Tree Stone Bakery are divine, as are the many artesian breads at major grocery stores), a selection of cheeses like Sylvan Star Gouda or Natricia goat cheese, a package of Lesley’s Stowes raincoast crisps (seed crackers to die for, made with pumpkin seeds, flax and sesame seeds), topped with an exotic spread (Brassica’s Cranberry Honey Mustard is lovely) and a bunch of red and green seedless grapes. For the final touch, a jar of chocolate body paint makes for an interesting dessert… •