Easy, Edible Christmas Gifts to Make With the Kids

Written by Tanya Kaynes; Photos: Courtesy of Tanya Kaynes

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, spending time with friends and family, and for many, exchanging gifts. For me, exchanging gifts is not the main part or even the purpose of the holiday season; it’s about spending precious time with the ones I love. But there is something about giving gifts that warms my heart. A great way to warm your family’s heart is to get busy in the kitchen with your kids and create homemade edible gifts for friends, family, teachers, tutors, coaches... the list goes on!

Chocolate and other sweets are the usual go-to for holiday edible gifts, but I am going to focus on the savory and then wrap it up with the sweet because it is Christmas, after all. These easy-to-do recipes are only limited by your imagination!

Gourmet salts

Gourmet salt is a great gift because it can up anyone’s food game, looks pretty sitting on a kitchen table, and it’s easy to make - no hot stove involved! The ratio of liquid to salt can be used for your favorite flavors. You can make gourmet salt with sriracha, BBQ sauce, hoisin, pesto, ketchup - anything with a saucy consistency.

Then it’s a quick drive to the Dollar Store to pick up some funky or festive jars and ribbon. To complete your gourmet homemade gift of salt, slip a vintage spoon in the ribbon (if you have on-hand). Wrap the jar with ribbon and make a festive handmade tag. On your handmade tag, you could write suggestions on what foods mustard salt complements best (mustard salt shines on homemade pretzels - another great edible gift idea!).

Mustard Salt

• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup kosher salt

Mix the Dijon mustard and kosher salt together. Spread on a dinner plate and microwave 1 minute at a time. Stir every 60 seconds with a fork for 5 minutes. Mustard salt will be slightly damp and will continue to dry as it cooks. Let it cool for several hours overnight. Store in your chosen jar.

Rosemary Garlic Salt

The ratio of herb to dry herb and salt can be used for any of your favorite herbs, like basil, fennel, oregano, dill, turmeric, ginger, pepper, tarragon. There are many options and flavor combinations!

• 1/2 cup very finely chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup kosher salt

Spread on a dinner plate and microwave 1 minute at a time. Stir every 60 seconds with a fork for 5 minutes.

Citrus Salt

• 1/4 cup finely grated lime, lemon, and orange rind (use a microplane, if you have)
• 1/2 cup kosher salt

Spread on a dinner plate and microwave 1 minute at a time. Stir every 60 seconds with a fork for 5 minutes.

Just add butter!

Compound butter is another easy homemade gourmet gift that is easy to make with your kids (plus, it will make the receiver feel like they are dining in a 5-star restaurant!). The world is your oyster as far as flavor combinations and you can do sweet or savory. Sweet butters can be used on toast, pancakes, and muffins, and savory butters can be used on steaks, chicken, veggies, and dinner rolls. Bon Appetit!

Herbed Compound Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tbsp. minced shallots or 1 garlic clove minced
• (depending on your preference)
• 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
• 1 Tbsp. minced parsley
• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. sea salt (or more to taste)

In a bowl, mash all the ingredients together, then spoon the butter into a fancy glass container and store it in the fridge until you are ready to give the recipient your homemade gift. Another cool way to package this butter is to scoop it onto a piece of wax or parchment paper, roll it like a log, then place ribbons (tightly) on each end to seal the butter.

Cinnamon Sugar Butter

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 Tbsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 Tbsp. sugar (white or brown)

Mash together and then bottle or roll and store in the fridge or freezer until you are ready to gift.

Sweet treats

Here’s a sweet treat everyone will love! This marshmallow dunker recipe is the perfect addition to any hot chocolate and can be customized with your favorite candies that will melt into your hot chocolate for a gourmet taste. Giant marshmallows work great for this recipe.

Dipped Marshmallows

• 6 giant marshmallows
• 6 straws or lollipop sticks
• 6 ounces of chopped chocolate (milk, semi-sweet, or dark)
• 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (or crushed candies, chocolate bars of your choice)

Slowly melt the chocolate in the microwave, 30 seconds at a time until almost melted, then add a Tbsp. of chopped chocolate and stir until melted. Stick the straw into a marshmallow, dip the marshmallow in the chocolate, roll it in the crushed candy, repeat until all six are done, and that’s it! You can wrap them in a clear cellophane bag and tie a ribbon on the top. Dipped marshmallows are the perfect gifts for teachers, classmates, and family.

I hope these recipes inspire you to get in the kitchen with your kids and get creative! These homemade edible gifts are sure to please and will make you feel great, not only because they are made with love, you didn’t have to go to the frenzied mall to shop for gifts (you’re welcome!).

Tanya is the Head Curator at Menagerie Parties & Cakes, handcrafting boutique party experiences through custom décor, engaging activities, and show-stopping sweets. It’s a Party in a Box! For more information, visit menagerieyyc.ca. Feeling Social? Follow on Facebook and subscribe on YouTube.