’Tis the season of giving, and after exhausting your creativity on gift ideas for those nearest and dearest, trying to find simple, cute gifts for coworkers, your child’s teachers, party hosts and others in your life can make even the most intrepid shopper head down the dreaded fruitcake path. Well, step away from the cake: Kelley Moore’s culinary-inspired gifts suit both the DIY artist and the grab-and-go type—without causing a serious budget crisis.
Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice
Cocktail glass rimmers make a spirited gift. These homemade mixes are easy and can be made in large batches for multiple sets. Kelley’s recipes for a peppermint “Sugar” mix; a cinnamon and sugar graham cracker “Spice” concoction; and a chocolate, cherry and almond “Everything Nice” mix are easy to follow and can be presented in tins wrapped with a festive ribbon. For kids, these sweet rimmers pair nicely with a mug of hot cocoa. Supplies: Handmade labels printed on label paper; round metal containers, $2 each, red and checked ribbon, about $3/yard, and clear plastic box, $1.15, all from Packaging Specialties (SoDo, 515 S Michigan St.; 206.762.0540; ps-stores.com)
Spoonful of Sugar
Former Theo Chocolate chocolatier Autumn Martin tops molten chocolate hot cakes with an equally indulgent delight. Martin’s salted caramel sauce from her can be drizzled on holiday desserts, but sweet, sticky licking can be had straight from the jar by adding two teaspoons tied with a wide ribbon. Substitute an antique silver spoon to create a more expensive, girlfriend-worthy gift. Supplies: Green ribbon, about $3/yard, Packaging Specialties (SoDo, 515 S Michigan St.; 206.762.0540; ps-stores.com); Hot Cakes Confections salted caramel sauce, $8 (hotcakesconfections.com); silver teaspoons, $1.99 each, Cost Plus World Market (multiple locations, including downtown, 2103 Western Ave.; 206.443.1055; worldmarket.com)
Pass the Cheese, Please
Portland-based Urban Cheesecraft’s prepackaged cheese-making kit comes with ingredients to create homemade artisan mozzarella or ricotta. Simply add a black ribbon, a sweet sentiment, and you have the perfect hostess gift when you’re already late for the party. Supplies: Black grosgrain ribbon, about $3/yard, Packaging Specialties (SoDo, 515 S Michigan St.; 206.762.0540; ps-stores.com); Urban Cheesecraft mozzarella and ricotta cheese-making kit, $29.99 at Metropolitan Markets (multiple locations, including Lower Queen Anne, 100 Mercer St.; 206.213.0778; metropolitan-market.com) or at urbancheesecraft.artfire.com
