Mari Bolte - In Good Taste: Great Gifts to Make, Eat, and Share

Food is the classic gift. The care you put into creating the perfect recipe shows your recipient how special they are. And theyll think of you when theyre snacking on the treats you brought. No matter what your special persons preferences (or dietary restrictions), theres always a recipe to suit his or her taste buds. Find your starting point to discovering and creating delicious edible gifts.

Just because theyre called gift baskets doesnt mean you need an actual basket! Check craft stores for decorative jars, tins, boxes, totes, and other containers to build the ultimate gift basket. Finding creative packaging is half the fun.

Cover a cardboard beverage carrier with decorative paper or fabric. Add your own personalized label or card. Store your edible gift in tall glass bottles or pint-sized mason jars.

Think vertical! Stack jars on top of each other and decorate them to look like snowmen. Use a cellophane bag and stack an apple on top of a jar of caramel. Layer marshmallows, cookies, and brownies in a jar or a repurposed canister.

• two 8.5 square inch (54.8 square centimeter) pieces of cardstock
• clear plastic, such as a sandwich bag or transparency paper

1. Crease each side of the cardstock two inches from the edge. Make two cuts at the top of the cardstock and two at the bottom.
2. Fold in the side creases. Tuck the corner flaps inside the creases and secure with tape. This is the bottom of your box.
   
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with the second piece of cardstock to make the boxs lid.
4. Cut a circle in the center of the lid.
   
5. Trim and tape a piece of clear plastic to fit over the circle.
   
6. Place the lid on the bottom of your box.

A few simple herbs and spices can create an easy edible gift. With dozens of flavors and tastes to choose from, its easy to customize these seasoning blends to fit anyones palate.

1. There are many different ways to wrap dip mixes for presentation. Jars and plastic baggies are classic, but your presents packaging should be as great as the present itself. Try using test tubes, clear ornaments, or light bulb-shaped jars. Tea tins, craft organizer boxes, pill boxes, and well-washed perfume bottles work well too.

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) chili powder
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• pinch of Cayenne pepper

Brown 1 pound (455 grams) ground beef. Add entire ornament of seasoning and tablespoon water. Simmer for at least 15 minutes.

• 4 tablespoons (60 mL) cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) ginger
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) cloves
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) nutmeg

Sprinkle over cocoa, eggnog, or sweet potatoes. Mix with a 15 ounce (415 gram) can of pumpkin, two 3.4 ounce (97 gram) boxes of vanilla pudding, and a 16 ounce (440 gram) container of whipped topping for a sweet dip.

• 3/4 cup (175 mL) minced dried onion flakes
• 1/3 cup (80 mL) beef bouillon powder
• 4 teaspoons (20 mL) onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.2 mL) celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

Stir into soups and sprinkle over roasts and vegetables. Mix with sour cream and mayonnaise for an easy chip dip.

Freshly baked bread is the ultimate homemade scent. Raise your friendship level with a hand-kneaded loaf.

• 3 cups (720 mL) all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 mL) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 mL) sugar
• 1 packet or 2 1/4 teaspoons (32.4 mL) yeast
• 1 1/2 cup (360 mL) water

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
   
2. Heat the water in the microwave until its just slightly warmer than your body temperature. (If its too hot for you to touch, then its too hot to use.)
3. Pour the water into the bowl of flour. Stir until everything is combined.
4. Cover the bowl and set in a warm place for 20 minutes.
   
5. Gently stir the dough again. Set aside for another 30 minutes.