I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not super artsy. So normally the thought of making a gift would scare me. I give people thing I make practically every day. In fact, when I show up to work without something people ask, “Where is the food?” But actually giving something as a gift, that scares me. It means that it can’t taste/look/smell bad. Normally if someone doesn’t like my food I think, too stinking bad – it’s free food! But a gift, well a stinky gift is just rude.
My first attempt was salsa. I didn’t exactly intend to give this as a gift but when I made Pioneer Woman’s Restaurant Salsa I didn’t realize how much it would make! It turned out so tasty and there was a mass amount of it, so I decided to give canning a whirl.
I’m no professional canner but I made it work.
First homemade gift, jarred salsa… well I’d call it a success 
Next up, homemade rosemary rolls. I actually found the recipe for rolls in The Joy of Cooking and improvised by adding my own touch.
Preheat oven to 400°
You will need:
•2 cups bread flour
•1 TBS sugar
•1 package (2 1/4 tsp) quick rising active dry yeast
•1 1/4 tsp salt
Mix these ingredients in a large mixing bowl or in a heavy duty mixer.
I also mixed in some fresh rosemary for some added flavor.
Next, add:
•1cup very warm water (115° to 125°)
•1 TBS olive oil
You can knead by hand or use the dough hook on low to medium until dough is smooth and elastic.
Transfer dough to a bowl with enough oil to cover the dough. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30-45 minutes.
In the meantime, slice about a half of a vidalia onion into strips and spray in a pan with cooking spray. Cook at a low heat until they have caramelized and cooked down.
After dough has risen, punch down and allow to rise again for another 30-45 minutes until it has doubled in volume.
Cut dough into 12 even pieces and place on baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 350 °. At this time add the caramelized onions on top of each roll. Bake for about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
I wrapped each roll in a plastic gift bag and tied some straw ribbon around. I also cut a few holly leaves from a bush in front of my house for an added touch!
Threw them all in a basket and hoped for the best! And so? I’d say another gift success
So maybe creating gifts isn’t so hard after all. It helped that everything wound up tasting good. And if it comes from the heart that’s all that matters right?
Cute idea! I’m not as artsy as I wish I was either.
Thanks Chelsey! I always try my best
what a great idea! normally I make baked sweets, but savory and pretty rolls like these are a unique take!
I’m a big fan of savory foods so I thought why not!?
I love homemade gifts! That salsa sounds like an excellent gift!
Canning is so much fun! I taught myself how to do it three summers ago. Who doesn’t love homemade jam? Especially when you can use locally grown berries. I’ve made PW’s salsa a few times, and wondered how well it would do being canned. Well, Allie, you just showed me. Nice job!
PS (9 pounds down and well on my way.)
Mmm I really need to try to start canning this summer. Maybe that will motivate me to grow a garden finally! Soo proud of you Debby, you are doing awesome
How resourceful!
I am impressed.
Those little rolls look so cute.
Thanks Cara! Thought I’d try something different this year
Thanks, Allie. At the Foodbuzz Festival, I had this nagging feeling that I really needed to be more open to eating healthier foods– and that giving up my gourmet recipes wasn’t going to kill me. In fact, I knew that it would be better for me. You were a part of my inspiration, Allie. I read your story, you see. Being diagnosed with diabetes was the sledgehammer I needed. I’m destined to cook more ethnic foods with lots of flavor, and healthier. Plus, I’m an exercise maniac, once again. I do feel better, and thanks for the encouragement.
Oh my goodness, those are ADORABLE! I love them! Both the jars of salsa and the rolls! I hadn’t thought about jarring salsa before… that would make such a simple gift! Thanks for the idea!
Youre welcome! My friends were so excited about the salsa. It’s a great recipe so when you make a lot it’s awesome having some leftover for later! Thanks for stopping by
Homemade gifts are the BEST….And I’m sure foodie gifts coming from you are even better
I had so much fun making them! Everyone knows I’m obsessed so I’m sure they were expecting it haha.
I gave some edible homemade gifts this year too! Those rosemary rolls look delicious! Mmmmm…
So much fun isn’t it!?
I’m as far away from being artsy as possible but its always the thought that counts! Those gifts are so cute!
Thanks so much! I try my best…sometimes it works out!
YOU are SO creative girl! oh my gosh! love it!
Thanks lady!