3 DIY Gourmet Holiday Gift Ideas

Nothing says you care like a homemade gift. In this season of giving, why not try cooking up a unique present right in your own kitchen? Here are some simple and delicious gift ideas for the foodies in your life.
 

Chocolate Covered Pretzels

Anything covered in chocolate is delicious, but add a little saltiness to the mix, and you get a spectacular combination! You can find chocolate covered pretzels at most homemade candy shops, but be prepared to pay a small fortune. For a gift that only looks expensive, make your own chocolate covered pretzel rods! You will need some wax paper, a bag of salted pretzel rods, and good quality melting chocolate. You will also need decorations, like colored sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, crushed candy canes, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or cookie crumbles, and tall cellophane bags.
 
The best way to melt chocolate is on the stovetop over a water bath, or in the microwave. Once your chocolate is a thin consistency, dip a third of the pretzel rod in melted chocolate and place it on wax paper to set. While wet, sprinkle on whatever toppings you desire, or drizzle on another variety of melting chocolate (dark, milk or white) when cooled.
 
Once your chocolate is fully hardened, package your treats in a festive cellophane bag for pretzel rods, and tie with a ribbon and homemade gift tag.
 

Infused Cooking/Dipping OilsRTA-DIY-Infused-Oil

Homemade flavored oils are easy to prepare, are less expensive than store-bought varieties, and make a wonderful gift to share when placed in a beautiful glass bottle. Start infusing now, and your oils will be ready in only a few weeks, just in time for gift giving.
 
All you need is a funnel and some measuring spoons, a large bottle of extra virgin olive oil, and your favorite dried herbs and spices of course! We recommend crushed red pepper flakes with a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper, rosemary and thyme, basil and oregano with garlic, or dried chili peppers.
 
Once you have your ingredients and your glass bottles, it’s time to infuse! Just be sure to wash and dry your bottles before you begin. Add a couple of tablespoons of dried herbs and spices to the bottle (in whatever combination you desire). Using a funnel, pour in extra virgin olive oil to the top, and cap the bottle tightly. Allow your oil to sit in a dark cabinet or pantry for three weeks to infuse it with flavor.
 
When your infused oil is ready, you can add a pretty ribbon and tag, and be done, or you may choose to strain the oil through a metal strainer into a large measuring cup with a spout, and pour just the oil back into the bottles using a funnel before gifting.
 

RTA-Stuffed-Mason-JarsStuffed Mason Jars

Mason jars are a pretty package for your DIY delights, and the possibilities are endless. We suggest layering dry ingredients for your favorite cookies in a quart-sized jar, and attaching the recipe to a homemade tag or sticky label, or filling your jar with a special homemade snack, like homemade granola or Martha Stewart’s Caramel-Almond Popcorn recipe.
 
No time for cookies and caramel corn? For a simple gift that’s sure to warm hearts (and bellies) put together some homemade hot cocoa mix topped with marshmallows. Start by stirring together a half-cup of unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, a half-cup of granulated sugar, a quarter-cup of powdered milk, and a pinch of salt.
 
Fill a pint-sized jar with half of your cocoa mixture. Add a good layer of semi-sweet chocolate chips, and then the remaining cocoa mixture, topped with a layer of mini marshmallows. For that extra holiday touch, you can also toss in a layer of crushed candy canes and make peppermint cocoa!
 
Happy Holidays, from our kitchens to yours!
 
 
Hey Foodies! At TheRTAStore we help make your dream kitchen a reality with RTA (Ready To Assemble) cabinets, Pre-Assembled cabinets, and accessories with the same (if not better) quality you would find at any retail store but for a fraction of the price. Stop by our website or give us a call and let one of our friendly kitchen designers help make your kitchen dreams come true!