It seems like every time I open a kitchen cabinet something clatters to the floor.  This must be a sign that I should refrain from buying kitchen gadgets for a while.  Aren’t you feeling cluttered, especially at this season of so much giving and receiving (and shopping, and wrapping, etc.)?

That’s why I often prefer to give and receive edible holiday gifts that don’t take up space, at least not for long. Here are a few of my favorite gifts to make, including one incredibly easy and tasty recipe for Tamari Almonds from my friend Cathy Barrow over at Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Kitchen.

Coffee and Tea
Make Your Own Basket:  Buy 2 pounds of coffee, one regular and one decaf, a selection of teas, 2 colorful mugs, and make or buy some biscotti or tea cake.

Luscious Fruit
Make Your Own Basket:  Select some luscious, seasonal fruit, including some citrus and a Microplane zesting grater. Some other tasty additions could be a bar of dark chocolate, and a wedge of aged Parmesan cheese.

Mexican Fiesta
Make Your Own Basket:  Combine salsas, tortilla chips, a bottle of tequila, margarita mix, limes and a CD of salsa music.  For a cute presentation, arrange it all in a sombrero or cowboy hat instead of a basket.

Sweet and Savory Treats
Make Your Own Basket:  Pile a batch of your favorite nuts (see the recipe for roasted tamari almonds below) and cookies on a gorgeous reusable serving plate.  You can vary this theme by making your own pancake mix (only the dry ingredients) and combining it with a pancake skillet, maple syrup and your favorite pancake recipe. Or, stir up a batch of cider mulling spices and include two festive mugs, or give a freshly baked loaf of banana bread, like this Buttermilk Banana Bread from our buddy Lisa Cain (a.k.a. Snack Girl) in a lovely hand painted bread pan.
(From Mrs. Wheelbarrow’s Kitchen)

What are you favorite edible gifts to give at the holidays or anytime? Do you make your own basket of delights? Please share the details with us below.

Recipe: Tamari Almonds

• Prep Time: 5 min(s)
• Cook Time: 18 min(s)
• Total Time: 23 min(s)

Bake a sweet treat to give as a gift.

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw almonds
• 1/4 c (scant) low sodium tamari

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  In a bowl, toss the almonds with the tamari until they are well coated (for a spicy kick, add a pinch of wasabi powder).
• Spread the almonds out on the baking sheet and allow them to dry a little while the oven heats up.  Toast the almonds in the center of the oven for 18 minutes.
• Remove the pan from the oven and loosen the almonds from the parchment paper using a spatula.  Remove the paper and spread out the almonds on the hot baking sheet, shaking well. Pop them back in the oven for two minutes to dry out a little more.
• Remove and allow the almonds to cool completely on the pan. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

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