Sometimes the best gifts come not just from the heart, but from your own two hands.
DIY Christmas gifts are the perfect way to say thank you to your favourite teachers, best friends, work buddies and neighbours. And they’re a great nod towards a no-waste Christmas (these are all so tasty we promise people will be fighting for leftovers).
Whether it’s a slab of fancy rocky road stuffed with pistachios, rose Turkish delight and dried cherries, or smokey, spicy and addictively delicious chipotle nuts, some gingerbread granola (perfect for Christmas breakfast with stone fruit and yoghurt), mini Christmas cake loaves that handily happen to be both dairy and gluten free, or pots of mango and passionfruit jam, or mango and ginger chutney ... there’s something here for everyone!
Why don’t you put aside a day, gather together some fellow happy cooks and sling on some Christmas Carols and get cracking? Christmas just got off to a very delicious start.
Luxe Rocky Road
This is a luxurious twist on rocky road that works well for gifts, or as a sweet treat for friends and family who pop in. You can swap the puffed rice/ rice bubbles for puffed quinoa if you like, but it’s worth putting one sort in, it brings a very fun crackle to the party. One tip is to use kitchen scissors for cutting the Turkish delight and marshmallows – they make prepping the ingredients a cakewalk. This is a good one to get the kids involved in. Just melt, mix and set. (Recipe here).
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Mango and Passionfruit Jam
This is a zippy jam which shines when eaten on sourdough with ricotta, or spooned over Greek yoghurt and small meringues for dessert. To get the most juice out of your limes, try zapping them in the microwave for 30 seconds before juicing. (Recipe here).
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Mini Christmas Loaves
These loaves make perfect small presents, particularly for anyone who is gluten or dairy intolerant. They are an easy muddle and mix, so are a good project to get the kids involved in too. (Recipe here).
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Chipotle and Smoked Paprika Spicy Nuts
These nuts are surprisingly addictive, salty but sweet, smokey and a little spicy. Try serving them with Christmas drinks, or as a present for everyone from co workers, to your uncle. Chipotle chilli can vary in spiciness depending on the brand you use, so use your tastebuds as a guide when making these. (Recipe here).
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Gingerbread Granola
This granola tastes like Christmas. Serve it with Greek yoghurt and stone fruit for breakfast, or on the side of vanilla panna cottas for dessert. It’s a good baking project with the kids and also makes excellent gifts. Tailor the nuts included and dried fruits to whatever takes your fancy. (Recipe here).
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Mango and Ginger Chutney
This chutney is the perfect counterpoint to the mango and passionfruit jam for a gift basket. This works well alongside Christmas ham, roast pork, or on toasted cheese sandwiches. (Recipe here).
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