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Thank you for your kind comments on yesterday's post! Here are some edible gifts that I have made this week to pass along to teachers, neighbours and friends. They're also a gift to myself because I let myself do some fun 'making' in the kitchen when I should really have been doing dull tasks such as packing and cleaning. So these edible items were made with a lot of love.

From the top: 

– cellophane packages of peppermint bark. I used this great recipe and can verify that is indeed a pretty special treat. I had to test the edge pieces before wrapping, of course. Every December I read about this confection on American blogs and wonder about it, and now I have finally tried it myself. I think it's something my Dad would enjoy eating- don't worry, there's some for you in the fridge, Dad.

– apricot balls using this old recipe. I love these and the kids do too- they are easy and (relatively) healthy and who doesn't love that lemony apricot flavour?

– when it rained and rained last week, my strawberry patch got a bit wrecked. I rescued all the watery berries one night with a head torch. And made this jam to capture their summery goodness.

I also have plans to make a few bottles of lemon-barley syrup and some more shortbread. Oh, and maybe some of this sinful stuff, too if time permits. Hope I haven't made your teeth hurt just looking at all this stuff!

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18 responses to “edible gifts”

  1. Catherine Avatar

    I’ve been making edible gifts too today and made that very same peppermint bark. Still haven’t sampled it yet. I suspect if I start I will find it hard to stop 😉

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  2. tinyhappy Avatar

    ha- me too! actually it’s pretty rich so you might be okay with just one or two pieces 🙂

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  3. Stephanie Avatar
    Stephanie

    I’m eating scorched almonds while I read this so my teeth are already done for. My husband once spent a Christmas in New Mexico and bark was one of the treats his host made. We keep meaning to make some but haven’t got around to it yet. You get a big thumbs up from me for your productivity. You’re amazing!

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  4. anissa Avatar

    we’re on year two of peppermint bark making…i think it is safe to say it is a tradition. Yikes, that stuff is good! Everyone we gift it to ends up wanting to recipe…its going viral! merry christmas…

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  5. GRACIA AND LOUISE Avatar

    Ah! The sweet delights of December. Edible gifts are both a delight to make (if mood strikes) and a joy to receive/gobble.

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  6. kate Avatar

    oh, last minute gifts needed for a couple who have everything (but not peppermint bark I think)! and thanks for reminding me of the russian fudge. love the new banner 🙂

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  7. Regina Avatar

    I’m a huge fan of peppermint bark – I think I make it every year! The apricot balls sound and look really good, I may have to try some of those. 🙂

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  8. Minji Avatar
    Minji

    I am really not a good cook, neither a good writer even more in english. But I was a good reader on your blog this year ( I will too), and every time I see your recipe, I become a kid , I want to try everything you made! I think of your lovely garden in Nelson when I heard about your moving. all the best on the move and happy christmas.

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  9. Lindsay Avatar

    Peppermint Bark is amazing! Now I feel inspired to make sweets. 🙂

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  10. Mousy Brown Avatar

    I have made the bark too (like you I keep reading about it and wondered…) It is delicious! Love how you wrapped yours… 😀

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  11. Nicole Avatar

    Yum! Lucky teachers, neighbors and friends1 I’m sure you and your lovely treats will be missed.

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  12. domesticali Avatar

    You always seem to take moves in your stride and with such good grace, Melissa. I hope you will all settle happily and make many more wonderful new memories.

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  13. domesticali Avatar

    You know I left that comment on totally the wrong post, don’t you? If it was supposed to be on this one, it would have been ‘yum’!

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  14. Carol Avatar

    I’m making a few edible gifts on Friday, including some Scottish Tablet – do you know that one? Here’s a recipe link http://britishfood.about.com/od/scottishregionalrecipes/r/tablet.htm
    Those Apricot Balls are definitely on my ‘to make’ list now, thank you.
    Carol xx

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  15. Emily Avatar
    Emily

    I made peppermint bark too for the 1st time this year after reading so much about it on other blogs in years past. It is a loved gift so far. Good luck with your next beginning. We moved twice with little ones this year. I find it like giving birth, you are waiting for the big day, it arrives and it is all about letting go and finding your way into new patterns. Many people are waiting for you to enter their lives, and they don’t even know it yet!

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  16. Annika Avatar

    I’d be happy to be receiving any of these treats! I made your apricot balls last year after you linked to the recipe. They are so good! And a lovely change from all the rich and sweet chocolate and cookies. Happy Christmas!

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  17. Recycle2011 Avatar

    Thanks for this awesome post. If you want to more on how to green your fridge, check out this video. http://youtu.be/Igyl2cHaQ4I

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  18. Molly Avatar

    those jam labels are the BEST!!
    a belated very happy new year to you,
    xo,
    m

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