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?
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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!