Twelve Delicious Gifts of Food and Love From Your Kitchen!

Gifts from the heart, often start in the kitchen.

And I have learned the hard way that the holidays or any other gift giving celebration, is not the time to try something new in the kitchen. Which is way I am offering twelve of our tested and time honored recipes that also make delicious gifts, any time of the year. While Christmas may be coming, gift giving happens the year round!

What will you need to do, to make it a great gift?

Not much really, gather up some pretty wrapping paper, maybe a few gift tins or baskets along with a few hasp top jars and you will have all the supplies needed for the delicious food gifts coming from your kitchen. And do remember this, a gift you make and give, is really the giving of two gifts. The food gift itself, plus all the thoughtful caring worked in along the way.

My guess is you are looking for easy AND delicious food gift ideas?

Great, none of these recipes are hard (because seriously that would take all the fun out!) but they are all delicious. And please, don't let any of the humble photos stop you from making any of these for gifts. Because food doesn't get any better, then when it is created with love...and put in a pretty container!

Each recipe is a lovely gift alone, but two or three in a basket make the occasion even more festive. So why not come and take a look at some of these...

Let's get started.

This is the easiest toffee you will ever make. And for those with nut allergies, simply substitute pretzels for the walnuts, or make a batch both ways!

Gift packaging idea: Break into bite sized pieces and pack into a wide mouth jar with a ribbon on top.

Easy to Make Toffee.

This is a seasonal jam, but the season is now! Persimmons have hit the marketplace and this jam is worth the effort. Ladle and seal into small jam jars and give with a smile on your face, because it is that good...

Gift packaging idea: Place small jars of jam in a basket with a couple of fresh persimmons and add a bow.

Persimmon Jam.

These cookies are so good. Don't worry about the whole wheat flour, because with the browned butter and crispy nuts (and don't forget the chocolate chips!) no one will realize they are eating a whole grain cookie.

Git packaging idea: Pack a dozen or two into a cookie tin and wait for the compliments!

Whole Wheat Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Don't let my refrigerator jar lead you to think this is not worth making for gifts. We have on many occasions and with confidence because we know how delicious this mustard is.

Gift packaging idea: Pack it into a hasp top jar and top with a bow.

Cranberry Honey Mustard.

This cake is spectacular and would make a wonderful gift for a larger family. You can also find a small bather version here. Because smaller families will love this cake just as much!

Gift packaging idea: Offer the cake displayed in a covered cake plate, along with a gift tag.

Whole Grain Applesauce and Spice Chocolate Chip Cake.

Conveniently Tangerines are in the marketplace during the holidays. This is a no canning required recipe. You know this is delicious, it is the only microwave recipe on the blog.

Gift packaging idea: a clear glass condiment bowl with lid, is a lovely way to present this gift.

Fresh Tangerine Marmalade.

Not all gifts given need to be sweet. Some folks have a savory tooth in place of a sweet one. This is the food gift for them!

Gift packaging idea: press the cheese spread into a small crock or glass jar with a lid, offer in a basket with one or two types of crackers.

Gouda Cheese Spread.

Quick bread doesn't get any better than this! You can't go wrong with dried cherries and real white chocolate.

Gift packaging idea: Wrap the bread in clear plastic wrap then place on a cutting board and tie the two together with a bright red ribbon.

Brandied Cherry and White Chocolate Quick Bread.

Brownies are always a hit! These easy and delicious brownies are no different. Flavored by Nutella, they disappear fast!

Gift packaging idea: cut and place in a cookie tin to keep them moist and chewy.

Three Ingredient Nutella Brownies.

This is the gift for that one, you know who, the one you have a hard time finding or even making a gift for. Why? Because I have never heard anyone say they don't like this peanut butter...

Gift packaging idea: place in a hasp top jar and offer with a wooden spreading knife.

White Chocolate Peanut Butter.

When you hand a fresh baked pie to the gift-ee, you are their friend for life! But just to drive the message home, take this pie while still warm, the aroma is soooo good.

Gift packaging idea: knock on their door, smile and say "for you" and hand them this pie!