Seven savoury seasonal gifts

Story by Sue Hutch
Photography by Elise Russell

How do you say I care? Give a little nourishment for body and soul.

It’s that time of the year when we find ourselves scrambling for unique and affordable gifts. So, what do you give the person who has everything or the co-worker whose name you drew in office pool? Consider a little culinary inspiration. After all, everyone needs food and who doesn’t appreciate the warmth of home made gift? (Bonus— these gifts can be given year round)

A ROMANTIC NIGHT IN

For newlyweds or an anniversary gift, write out your favorite recipe for rack of lamb or pork roast or beef brisket. Deliver the recipe along with all the ingredients in a nice basket. To add to the atmosphere, include a bottle of wine and a candle. (Note: don’t stay for dinner).

LEARNING TOGETHER

It’s always fun to share recipes and to learn more about food. Wrap up the latest Company’s Coming cookbook with a gift certificate to a cooking class inside and a note saying you plan to attend the class too.

TREASURED MEMORIES FOR YOUR KIDS

If you’re the mother of grown children, this is a gift they will treasure all their lives. In a personalized notebook, write out the recipes your children grew up with—recipes that have been in the family for generations as well as new family favorites. It’s very important to hand write them so that every time the book is opened, your presence is felt. If you’re feeling extra creative, include some family stories.

A FRIEND INDEED

When you have a friend or relative who is sick or simply overwhelmed with life, this gift will be a lifesaver. As you make regular dinners for your family—chicken stew, beef lasagna, bean chili—cook a little extra and store in single meal containers. Pop the containers in your freezer and once you have seven of them, you can deliver a week’s worth of much needed home cooked nutrition. A bouquet of flowers will add a little ray of sunshine.

JAM PACKED FAMILY FUN

Give your kids a fun filled morning on the farm. Start by putting together a berry picking pack: a bucket for each kid, hat, sunscreen, a map to the nearest U PICK farm (designate one picker as a co-pilot) and a recipe for freezer jam. You can give this gift months ahead so your little recipients have an adventure to look forward to. When summer arrives and you get home with your hard earned berries, the fun continues as you make jam or pies together.

TAKE YOUR FRIENDS TO INDIA (WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR KITCHEN)

Or Paris. Or Rome. It’s your choice. Book a chef who specializes in ethnic foods in for an evening and organize a dinner for some your friends, family members or co-workers. Create invitations from mock luggage tags (you can buy blank tags at travel or stationary stores) and include a travel book that speaks to the country you’ll be featuring. A week before your event, send a Bon Voyage email to every guest to get them in the traveling mood.

OFF TO A GOOD START

Do you have someone in your life who needs a little help on the breakfast front? This gift is perfect for students, seniors, or busy people on the go. Buy a blender, and fill with recipes for healthy breakfast blends. Add a dozen healthy muffins and a container of protein powder and you’ve given someone love the gift of nutrition —on the go. •

Have you received some interesting food gifts? Share them with us at info@growingalberta.com.  We’ll select a few for sharing in our next issue of Food for Thought On-Line.