Make ahead xmas gifts??

[lulubell]

Hiya im making xmas baskets for friends and family for xmas but I am going abroad for xmas on the 15th Dec and need some foodie make ahead things that will keep until after xmas as I have to give them out on the 14th but will have to be made the week before. I have done chutneys, jams and marmalade but need some more nice things to bulk the baskets out anyone have any ideas of things that can be made and will keep for a month or more. Thanks xx

[vikkib]

You could try some boozey fruit like peaches in brandy of cherries in port.

Maybe something dried and stored in oil like sun dried tomatoes or peppers.

Mmmmmmmmm... I might have to go and make some lunch now!

[Mikey]

Sloe gin, loads of sloes around at the moment.

[vikkib]

Sloe gin, loads of sloes around at the moment.

Ooooh! Good call!

I'll add Chilli Vodka to the boozey suggestion!

[PyreneesPlot]

Christmas puds or cakes?

[mrswadders]

cookie mix in a jar with instructions?
soup mix in a jar with instructions?

[taff]

boozy individual christmas puds?
I'm sticking to the booze theme as you can tell...

[taff]

vanilla sugar? dead easy, stick a ribbon and a cardboard tasg, write with gold/silver pen, easy peasy [but no booze, damn!!!]

[Mikey]

I have made alcoholic chocolate brazils before now, buy a big bag of brazil nuts, a few bars of chocolate, melt the chocolate add the alcohol of choice, the last ones I did were whisky and orange zest. dip the chocolate in and leave to cool/set in the fridge. Once cold I think its best to freeze in bags, to stop you munching on them.

[OverWyreGrower]

Garlic or rosemary infused olive oil?

But don't leave the garlic or rosemary in it, just warm it up with the garlic/herbs etc in it, then cover and leave for 24 hours. Remove the garlic/herbs and pour into clean sterilised bottles and seal.

[OverWyreGrower]

You could make truffles or honeycomb a bit nearer the time - not sure they'd keep for a month though?

[Mikey]

You could make truffles or honeycomb a bit nearer the time - not sure they'd keep for a month though?

They wouldn't keep in my house OWG, far too much temptation. I love ganache.

[PyreneesPlot]

Flavoured salt - mix in dried herbs, juniper berries, garlic, chillies... Lovely on spuds or sprinkled on grilled stuff.

[OverWyreGrower]

Oooh, spice rubs for meat? Done in the same way for the salts above, just without the salt (IYSWIM)...

[Alison]

Garlic or rosemary infused olive oil?

But don't leave the garlic or rosemary in it, just warm it up with the garlic/herbs etc in it, then cover and leave for 24 hours. Remove the garlic/herbs and pour into clean sterilised bottles and seal.

I don't even warm the oil up for herb oils, just leave to infuse for a couple of weeks then strain off. I do like spice oils too - simply dry fry some spices and add to oil. Leave for 2 weeks then strain the same as before. Very good.

Other things that have gone down well in my hampers have been Christmas cakes / puddings, homemade cordials (elderflower / rosehip etc), fudge (keeps better than choccies), hand knitted scarves, handmade soaps and probably loads of other things I've forgotten.