The festive season is in full swing and if you are anything like me you haven’t even written your Christmas list. The truth is that I’m afraid.
I know it’s long and scary and my pockets are substantially more shallow than last year. Having whizzed through the shops a couple of days ago I emerged somewhat frazzled and slightly alarmed that with all the talk of a dark and dangerous recession, the jolly shop assistants seem surprised when you balk at the inflated prices.
I have a cunning plan and I’d like to share it with you.
You can make your own pressies like a noble elf and it will cost you the same as one of those shiny plastic toys that your nephew will get bored of in a week or so.
1. Grow your own basil from seed, the packet of about a hundred or so costs next to nothing and all you have to do is sprinkle the whole thing into a pot of soil and they’ll grow like grass. They’ll be ready to split into small plastic pots after a week or so (buy these at any nursery and most Spars and Pick n Pays). Wrap in some tissue paper and tie with a ribbon and there you have it! A gift for about R10.
2. Get out your spatula! Bake some ginger bread men or Christmas stars and hearts. Poke a hole in the top of them and tie on some fancy ribbons for some fun and edible decorations for the trees. The kids just love these.
3. Who doesn’t like brownies? Cook a decadent batch of these babies and you’ll never look back. Again, wrap in some cool paper and you’ll just love watching the looks of joy when the receiver realizes it’s a gift to gorge on.
4. A little more expensive than R10 but a lovely idea is to buy some bulk olive oil and infuse it. Fruit and Veg city have great deals 5l cans and you can either use old bottles and steam off the labels or buy from console glass.
Cut some rosemary from the garden and shove in some peeled garlic. Let it sit for about a week and you’ll have some serious gourmet stuff. If you don’t have a week, just give orders. You can write a hand written message on the front with the date and flavour, tie with some raffia and forego the wrapping paper. Gorgeous.
Other flavours are:
1. Chilli and garlic
2. Lemon peel and parmesan rind
3. Thyme and black pepper corns
4. Cloves and cinnamon sticks
5. Basil
So you see… it’s as easy as cookies. What’s your festive foodie gift?