ALT-1 Edible Hostess Gifts
Homemade goodies from your kitchen make a nice gift, especially if they are not highly perishable. Some examples include jams, jellies, pickles,and salsas. It's especially nice if you know what particular kind of jellies and salsas your hostess likes. Does she like wild strawberry jam? Mild or extra hot salsa? Dill or bread and butter pickles? If you don't know, ask her or her loved ones beforehand. After all, you don't want to leave her a thoughtful gift that won't get eaten. Homemade candy, such as divinity fudge will last longer- if it isn't gobbled up first, that is.
Chocolate usually goes over well. Get the gourmet kind, not a box of Smarties. Some decadent examples include Terry's Chocolate Orange, Quality Street, Ferrero Rocher, and Turtles. Peanut brittle is a hard, tasty candy that can be broken off in shards and enjoyed gradually or all at once. It keeps well and comes in maple flavors, too.
Cookies and squares are tasty and often simple to prepare. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and fruit crisps are easy on most digestive systems. They will no doubt come in handy as your hostess scrubs down the house after you leave. Bring enough to the party that your hostess is sure to have leftovers. Then, refuse to take any home with you.L
Is your hostess a cheese lover? Gourmet cheeses your hostess especially enjoys, with some tasty crackers and a nice cheese slicer, make a nice gift. Some examples include Gouda, Brie, and Blue cheese. Pair with a favorite wine- include lovely glasses- and a bunch of grapes.
Nuts can be expensive. If your hostess likes to nosh on or cook with almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia, give a lovely bunch of them in a nice bag or container with ribbon. Pistachios are salty, tasty, and fun to eat.
If your hostess likes to cook with particularly expensive or hard-to-find spices or oils, such as coconut oil, give a small supply of it. Depending on her dietary needs and preferences, specialty flours, such as gluten free, or rices might be appreciated as well. Be sure to avoid giving anything she or any family members is allergic to.
Finally, keep any kids the hostess has in mind. Watermelon in summer, candy canes or gingerbread at Christmas are certain to make the kids happy. And when her kids are happy, so is your hostess.
