Give the gift of Kilner: Homemade Christmas Gifts
Tired of the same old, generic Christmas gifts? This year, why not get creative and give the gift of homemade goodness? Repurpose those empty Kilner jars sitting in your pantry and fill them with delicious, homemade treats. Not only are these gifts practical and reusable, but they also add a touch of vintage charm to any present.
By using ingredients you already have in your kitchen, you can create beautiful and affordable gifts that show you care. Imagine the joy of receiving a jar filled with homemade jam, chutney, or cookies. It's a thoughtful and personal gift that will be cherished by your loved ones.
A World of Possibilities
The options are endless when it comes to filling your Kilner jars. From Preserve Jars, To Clip Top Jars and Bottles. Here are a few ideas to inspire your festive creativity, along with a recipe for each idea:
1. Bath Salts
Who wouldn't love a soothing soak in a warm bath, especially during the chilly winter months? Homemade bath salts are thoughtful and customisable gifts that can be tailored to anyone's preferences. Here's a simple guide to inspire your creativity!
Ingredients:
454g Epsom salts
227g sea salt
60g dried lime slices, ground into a powder
10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together the Epsom salts and sea salt.
- Stir in the ground dried lime powder until evenly distributed.
- If using, add your chosen essential oil and mix well. We would reccomend chamomile as it's known for it's calming propertys and perfect for a relaxing bath.
- Transfer the bath salts to 2 x 0.5 Litre Clip Top Jars.
- To use, add approximately 120g to a warm bath and enjoy the soothing and invigorating experience.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bake homemade cookies and store them in a Wide Mouth Preserve Jar. Decorate it with a festive ribbon and gift tag.
Ingredients
225g unsalted butter, softened
200g granulated sugar
100g light brown soft sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
275g plain flour
1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
100g chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Set your oven to 190°C. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Add to Kilner Jar once complete.
3. Rose Potpourri
This gift is perfect for someone who loves to make their house smell nice, or simply loves homemade goodness. This can be used in a decorate bowl, a sachet or a potpourri warmer.
Ingredients:
2 cups dried rose petals
1/4 cup dried lavender flowers
1/4 cup dried lemon peel
1 tablespoon dried orange peel
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon orris root powder
10-15 drops rose essential oil
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the dried rose petals, lavender flowers, lemon peel, orange peel, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orris root powder.
- Gently stir in the rose essential oil.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight 1 Litre Kilner Jar. Let it sit for a few weeks to allow the scents to blend.
4. Oven-dried Tomatoes (A Winter-Friendly Alternative)
In the Winter, the sun might not be strong enough for traditional sun-drying. This oven-dried method is a great alternative and the perfect gift for that foodie in your life.
Ingredients:
8 large, ripe tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 100°C, Cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Brush the cut side of each tomato half with olive oil and sprinkle with the herb mixture. - Line baking trays with baking paper, arrange the tomato halves, cut side up, on the trays. Place the trays in the preheated oven. Dry for 6-8 hours, or until the tomatoes are leathery and shrunken. Check occasionally and rotate the trays for even drying.
- Once dried, let the tomatoes cool completely. Transfer them to a Kilner Wide Mouth Preserve Jar and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Store in the fridge for up to a month.
