Happy non-denominational, winter season festivities!
Since it seems to be the season of excess, let’s try not to add to the pile of hyper processed foods and unwanted, meaningless gifts from a big box store. Not only should good presents be useful and from the heart, they should be economical and ecological. Here’s a baby-sized list to get the creative juices flowing.
Homemade deodorant
Yes, yes I know that this can imply that the person that you are giving this to might be a little stinky, but let’s look at the bright side – this gift is easy to make, is useful on a daily basis and can be presented in a classy way. Also, this recipe doesn’t have any questionable ingredients and definitely no nasty carcinogens. Who wants cancer for a gift? No one, that’s who.
This recipe has two options, either a power or stick deodorant. I prefer the powder and I keep a small piece of felt in the jar for application. For the stick version, you will need coconut oil and an empty deodorant container.
For this recipe, you will need:
¼ cup baking soda (for odor neutralization)
¼ cup cornstarch (for moisture absorption)
A few drops tea tree oil or lavender essential oil (for scent masking and antibacterial properties)
2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
Tools:
Measuring cup
Spoon
Bowl
Small jar with a lid (I used a 1 cup wide mouth canning jar) or an empty deodorant container, if using the coconut oil
Process:
1. Combine the baking soda and cornstarch in the bowl.
2. Stir in the tea tree or lavender oil into the dry mixture.
3. Either stop and pour into your jar or mash in 1 tablespoon coconut oil with the back of the spoon. Coconut oil can be warmed under hot water or in a microwave to make mixing easier.
4. If your mixture is not yet a paste, continue adding small amounts of coconut oil until it holds shape.
5. Press into the deodorant container.
Infused oils, spirits and extracts.
For the person who can’t stay out of the kitchen, a perfect present could be a oil, spirit or extract of the their favorite flavors. The following recipes are just suggestions and should not limit your imagination. In general, you cannot do too much wrong to these concepts.
Chipotle Infused Olive Oil
For this recipe, you will need:
2 dried chipotles
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
Tools:
Funnel
Bottle
Cork or capable spout
Process:
1. Push the peppers into the bottle. (If you are using another flavoring like herbs, citrus peels or spices, make sure that they are dry)
2. Add oil using the funnel.
3. Cork and let sit in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks before using.
Spiced Pear Brandy
For this recipe, you will need:
1 star anise
1 stick cinnamon
4 cloves
1 small chunk fresh ginger
1 pear, cubed (my favorite is comice)
Enough brandy to submerge the flavorings, about 4 cups
Tools:
Quart canning jar
Bottle for giving in (optional)
Strainer
Process:
1. Pour spices and pear cubes into the canning jar
2. Add brandy and close container.
3. Let sit in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks before using. Strain and pour into an attractive (reused!) container, if desired.
4. P.S. my favorite way to drink this is with a little peach or pear soda over ice with a few of the pear chunks on top. Tastes just like pie!
Vanilla Extract
For this recipe, you will need:
1 vanilla bean (Fair Trade, if available)
½ cup vodka
Tools:
Funnel
Small Bottle
Cork or capable spout
Process:
1. Score the vanilla bean lightly so that more surfaces are exposed, but the seeds are not released. Place in the bottle
2. Add vodka using the funnel.
3. Cork and let sit in a cool, dark place for 6-8 weeks before using.
The senior, athlete, insomniac, or heat challenged person in your life might very well need a grain-heating bag. This bag can be popped in a microwave and will stay warm for at least an hour. Suggestions for the receiver are to heat one up to brave the outdoors or a chilly car, to help them lower the thermostat in comfort, and to pre-heat beds for sweet dreams. I like to sew seams along the length to keep the grains in place, but that step is completely optional.
For this project, you will need:
A piece of fabric, 36 1/2 inches long by 8 inches wide. The fabric must be made of a natural fiber like cotton, hemp, linen, or bamboo and have a very small weave.
Cotton sewing tread
6 cups whole wheat grains (if your receiver has wheat allergies, use brown rice)
2 tablespoons lavender buds, rose petals, or other fragrant botanical (optional)
Tools:
Sewing machine or needle (and patience)
Ruler
Scissor
Pins
Iron (helpful, but not necessary)
Large bowl
1 cup measuring cup
Process:
1. Sew a ¼ inch seam around 3 edges of the fabric to make a large tube.
2. Measure and mark every 6 inches on the tube.
3. Mix together the wheat and herbs in the bowl.
4. Add 1 cup of the grains to the tube.
5. Sew a seam at the next 6 inch mark.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the last mark is reached.
7. Turn the edges in, pin, and close up the tube.
8. The grain bag is microwaved for 5 minutes for maximum satisfaction.
