by Gabriella Vigoreaux
Hot and Sweet Mustard | Photo: Hirsheimer and Hamilton
Do you like to surprise friends and family members with edible gifts around the holidays? If so, you know that a lot of these gifts, especially the ones in jars, cans, and bottles, take a few weeks to make, infuse, and steep, and can't be left for the last minute. Why not get a jump on your holiday gift-giving (and feel downright smug come Black Friday) by starting your delicious DIY gifts right now?
Here are 5 homemade edible (and sippable) gifts, from infused booze to homemade dessert toppings, to get started on sooner rather than later.
Hot and Sweet Mustard (pictured above)
There's nothing like some good ol' homemade mustard to slather on those leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches. Surprise your host with this sweet and spicy version.
Do ahead: Can be up to 2 months ahead if refrigerated.
Cherry Vodka | Photo: Tara Donne
You can use any not-too-sweet fruit for this flavored booze when cherries are not in season.
Do ahead: Keeps indefinitely!
Ambrosia Sauce | Photo: Hirsheimer and Hamilton
Japanese rice wine combines with brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and black peppercorns in this sweet and savory sauce. Give it to your favorite grilling connoisseur and tell him or her it tastes amazing brushed on steaks, grilled chicken, or even roasted eggplant.
Do ahead: Can be made 2 months ahead.
Preserved Lemons | Photo: Zach DeSart
These only take ten minutes to prep, but two weeks to cure, so plan accordingly! Give them as a gift with an accompanying recipe card. We like using these lemons to make Roasted Fingerlings with Preserved Lemon or Strozzapreti with Spinach and Preserved Lemon.
Do ahead: Keeps for up to 6 months.
Typically dulce de leche is made from sweetened condensed milk, but this clever version uses coconut milk instead.
Do ahead: Can be made 1 month ahead. Keep chilled.
Click here to see more Edible Holiday Gifts.
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A Visual Guide to Winter Squash
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How to Make Creamiest, Dreamiest, Cheesiest Mac and Cheese Ever