I thought this would be a perfect week to share some of my favorite recipes on the blog that would also make fantastic homemade–and edible–gifts.
In my younger years, I made almost all of my gifts myself (edible or otherwise). Of course, the fact that I was a student living in penury (I won’t say I was a “starving” student, because with my love of dessert, that was never even a vague possibility) was one factor contributing to my motivation for making everything from scratch (unlike today, when the motivation is trying to remain free of the dreaded candida symptoms).
More importantly, though, I always believed that homemade gifts demonstrated how much you cared about someone, giving to them both your time and your thoughtfulness. Since time is at a premium for all of us these days, we have to choose wisely–both what we’ll make, and to whom we’ll be giving it!
For those very special people on your lists, you might want to mix up one of the following. (NOTE: Some of these recipes are made with spelt and/or higher glycemic sweeteners such as sucanat or maple syrup. Recipes with an asterisk * fall into that category; the rest are gluten free and lower glycemic.)
[Marzipan-Topped Shortbread Cookies]
Sweets:
- Chocolate Macaroons*
- Cinnamon Spiced Coconut Bark
- Coconut-Raspberry Truffle Cups
- Fudge Two Ways*
- Halvah
- Hazelnut Melting Moments
- Jam-Filled Turnovers*
- Love Bites (ACD-friendly chocolate fudge)
- Marzipan-Topped Shortbread Cookies*
- Matcha Chocolate Truffles (with ACD option)
- Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
- Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles or Truffle Cups*
- Tutti-Fruiti Christmas Cookies*
Condiments and Spreads:
- Spiced Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread
- Raw Chocolate Almond Butter
- “Notella” (Chocolate Hazelnut Spread)
- Brandied Apricot-Ginger Spread
- Cranberry Preserves
- Walnut-Cacao Nib Butter
Savory Snacks:
- Spicy Roasted Seeds
- Spicy Nori Snacks (a personal favorite)
- Grain-Free Hazelnut Cilantro Crackers
“Mum, it’s great that you’ll be making some homemade gifts this year. . . so does that mean Chaser and I will be getting homemade peanut butter treats? Mmm!”
Last Year at this Time: Roasted Chestnut and Parsnip Soup (gluten free; ACD Stage 2 and beyond)
Two Years Ago: Apple and Red Wine Soup (gluten free; ACD Stage 2 and beyond)
Three Years Ago: Let Them Eat Eggplant (Caviar) (gluten free; ACD all stages)
Four Years Ago: How to Lose Weight without Even Trying
[Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you buy using these links, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission from the sale.]
What a face on that gorgeous Pup! xoxo
This is a GREAT roundup Ricki. I have the BEST Naturopath in the world so I want to make him something deeelish for Christmas. And it WILL definitely be from this list of goodies. The Matcha Chocolate Truffles might be the winner!
Yay, thanks, Maggie! I LOVED the truffles (though I must admit the “regular” ones did beat out the ACD ones a bit. . . but you already knew that, right?) 😉
Oh my goodness. First off, your girl’s little tongue hanging out has to be the cutest thing ever! And I am all about making those Matcha Chocolate Truffles. Those sound amazing, as do all of these treats! This is a great roundup of ideas, Ricki!!
An absolutely delicious assortment of recipes, Ricki!
Thanks, Gena! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! 😀
Awww love the photo of Elsie with her tongue, so cute. I love giving homemade gifts too. 🙂 I didn’t last year because we got married shortly after Christmas but this year I’m looking forward to making some things!
Thanks, Ashley! And I guess that means a Happy Anniversary message is just about due, too! 🙂
Oh my! Those Matcha Chocolate Truffles are calling my name! And your baby is so cute!
Thanks, Carol! And we love her. 😀
Ricki, look at all these treats. And they are all on the healthier side, bonus! Those matcha truffles are beautiful.
Love your treats! Am sure Elsie does too – seeing her cute face makes me think you need a section for doggie presents 🙂
Shhhhh. . . . don’t give her any ideas. 😉