70 days until Christmas, so get cooking

Attention, shoppers: There are only 70 days left before Christmas. Plan ahead if you're making gifts from the kitchen.

Star Tribune

Last update: October 15, 2008 - 2:10 PM

Homemade gifts are an easy way to lend a personal touch to holiday giving. They show you've taken the time to fuss a bit, as well as give special consideration to the recipient's desires. A loved one with high blood pressure may appreciate a no-salt seasoning. A gourmet cook will enjoy exploring uses for preserved lemons, while a family could dig into a selection of flavored popcorn. A jar of gem-like pomegranate jelly makes an easy hostess gift. The lemons need some curing time, while the popcorn is best delivered soon after you make it. The jelly and seasoning mix can be made now, easing the holiday rush.

Kim Ode • kimode@startribune.com

No-salt seasoning mix

The recipient: Someone who is watching their salt intake, or a cook who enjoys a fresh take on flavors. If you know that your giftee loves the kick of smoked paprika or the zestiness of lemon pepper, boost those proportions. It's all about making it healthful and personal.

The gear: A selection of herbs and spices.

The final touch: Place in a pretty jar or pot; tuck into a napkin-lined basket with a few favorite recipes. Decorate with a few sprigs of rosemary or sage leaves.

DUKKAH

The recipient: This is an Egyptian spice, nut and seed blend, so give it to someone who enjoys Mediterranean or Egyptian cuisines, or who likes to serve unusual appetizers, or who is always on the lookout for a different blend of seasoning and texture for chicken or fish.

The gear: A selection of nuts, seeds and spices; check bulk sections for best prices.

The final touch: Arrange in a basket with a loaf of crusty bread and a bottle of olive oil.

A TRIO OF FLAVORED POPCORNS

The recipient: This is an all-ages gift, easily personalized by the combo of flavors. Kids appreciate the bounty, while adults may like some unexpected seasonings.

The gear: Popcorn and whatever flavor combos you choose; check Internet recipe sites for additional ideas.

The final touch: Arrange in a cookie tin with paper dividers. Use the newspaper movie or TV listings for wrapping.

PRESERVED LEMONS

The recipient: For the gourmet on your gift list, preserved lemons are a staple of Moroccan cuisines, but also inspire creative uses in salads, stews and sauces.

The gear: Lemons, salt and canning jars.

The final touch: Tie a ribbon around jars and accompany with several handwritten recipes using these lemons.

POMEGRANATE JELLY

The recipient: Someone who appreciates flavors that are a little off the beaten path. This also is a welcomed hostess gift, or good for those moments when you'd like to respond to an unexpected gift.

The gear: Juice, sugar, pectin and canning jars.

The final touch: Tie with a beautiful ribbon and give as is, or with a loaf of bread.