No gift speaks of love as purely as one prepared at home, but when we prepare those gifts, we want them to be elegant, to look professional, and to be the out-of-this-world delectable. In the sensational Delicious Gifts: Edible Creations to Make and Give, author Jess McCloskey gives a wide variety of luscious, gourmet recipes, each guaranteed to be memorable. The recipes alone are stars, but, as the cherry on top, McCloskey also gives instructions for perfect presentation that will make the gift one that is talked-about long after it is given.
Delicious Gifts is a treasure trove of instructions for beautiful packaging. Covering all aspects of decoration, there are box designs, both round and square, with templates and measurements; instructions for recycling and decorating glass jars; formulas for making fabric wraps and labels, as well as for decorating with ribbons. Memorable gifts lie ahead.
The variety of recipes is extensive. No matter what your taste, whether for sweet or savory, there is a recipe for a gorgeous gift. McCloskey has organized in eight chapters:
- Truffles and Chocolates
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Chocolate-Covered Cake Balls
- Soft Treats
- Candies and Fudges
- Preserves and Jellies
- Spreads and Chutneys
- Oils, Vinegars and Sauces
- Savory Treats
The recipes are concise, clear, workable and the end creation is delicious. Each recipe has a tip for working with a particular ingredient as well as the important information as to how to store, and the shelf life of each delightful creation, so that you can organize your kitchen to best prepare and present your gifts.
Delicious Gifts is rich with ideas and recipes. If you like truffles and chocolates, you will enjoy such recipes as White Chocolate Truffles or Dark Chocolate Truffles; Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles; Pomegranate Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Frosting.
If you want to give a soft, cakey treat, try recipes such as Red Currant Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting; Maple Syrup Cupcakes with Walnut Buttercream Frosting.
Candies are always a welcome gift, and you can try Macadamia Peanut Brittle; Pomegranate Molasses Chews; White Chocolate and Blueberry Fudge.
Should preserves be your choice, try recipes such as Apple Butter; Apple and Chile Jelly; Cranberry and Orange Marmalade; Kiwi Lime Marmalade.
When spreads and chutneys appeal to your gift-giving instincts, try Green Tomato Chutney; Roasted Eggplant Marmalade; Savory Pumpkin Spread; Roasted Garlic and Nut Spread.
Flowing oils, vinegars and sauces are always special gifts. Try Thyme-Infused Olive Oil; Kalamata Olive Tapenade; Blackberry and Mint Vinegar; or Hot and Sweet Cola BBQ Sauce.
Savory treats range from baked gifts to those preserved in a lovely jar. Give the gift of Old-Fashioned Soft Pretzels; Two-Week Bread and Butter Pickles (so easy); Mixed Vegetable Pickles.
This is a book rich with ideas, perfect recipes, and perfect packaging for the most beautiful and tasty gifts from your heart and your kitchen.
The color photography by Ian Garlick is spectacular. He finds shots that illustrate both beautiful packaging ideas, as well as the finished product of the kitchen.
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