As today is December 1, that means that a certain special day is quickly approaching. For all the cynics out there, yes, a time of too many Hallmark cards, obligatory gifts for ( and from… ” Gee, Dilbert, I’ve  always wanted personalized nail clippers”) people we don’t particularily like, too many fake Santas who fill out their suits too well, and way too many over-heated stores full of clamoring crowds that don’t seem to be filled w/ seasonal fa-la-la-la-la joy!!!

Allright, so let’s look beyond the irksome aspects of Christmas. Why not make this year different. Due to the economic meltdown, I’m sure many people are looking for ways to put huge grins on faces of friends & loved ones w/out having to sell their antique teapot collection. I know that people are also looking for ways to personalize Christmas, make it more organic, sustainable, and meaningful. Here are some ideas for gifts that will be remembered long after Boxing Day, are easy on Mr. Visa, and will give new meaning to ” it’s the thought that counts”.

1. Buy one of the many fabulous cookbooks on the market today. Wrap it along w/ some of the ingredients called for in the recipes: ie  fleur de sel, pink peppercorns, dried mushrooms, spices for curry.  Please limit these ingredients to things that will not rot before opening.

2. Make a big batch of something: ie  cookies, salsa, kimchi, tapenade, bread, wintery soups, granola, salt cod, pickles, oh the list is endless. Put in funky containers, mason jars, tie w/ bright ribbons. Attach the recipe so they can make more.

3. Let’s say that you are not the person in your household who typically makes dinner. Buy one of those little boxes that hold cards for recipes. On each card write a dinner that you would like to make. Your gift is that once a week you will be resposible for dinner, including shopping AND cleaning up. To make it more challenging, and fun, have the recipient of this gift choose the meal 1 week in advance. They get a day off kitchen duty and you become a gourmand!

4. Maybe you have a friend or family member who has a small backyard but is too busy to plant a little garden? Why not plan a garden for them, sketch it out on bristol board w/ a list of herbs and small plants that YOU will plant for them in the spring.  You then buy the seeds, or seedlings, and give them the garden they’ve always wanted. Part of this fab gift could be your promise to weed it once a week!

I’ll continue w/ this next post. There are so many ways you can give the love of food, the appreciation of fab ingredients, the yearning to explore sustainable foods. Hey, another brown tie is always welcome, but I think…in fact I know, we can do better.

Tastefully Yours,

Luke