Gifts of Love that Keep on Giving

If we want a festive holiday season this year, we’ll have to be even more creative than usual. When I think festive, I think food. What came to mind for me was the result of a simple human interaction. This week, I had the opportunity to drop off some of Mrs. Farmboy’s special homemade cookies to a friend who was particularly appreciative. We had a nice chat – outside, socially distanced, both wearing masks.

If we can’t get together for a party or dinner or to open presents under the tree, at least we can share our cooking output this season. Even if you’re experiencing cooking burnout, there’s something restorative about creating special treats and sharing them. Maybe you have your own tradition, something you make to share with a crowd – a Christmas stollen, for example. Is it something you can instead cut into pieces to deliver to friends? Or maybe you can pivot to something else that could become a new tradition.

Who knows what a surprise food gift might engender? After all, what we cook reveals a lot about who we are. When we share the food we’ve made, we’re leaving a bit of ourselves behind. It’s a real demonstration of love. Why not think about what you might like to share – and maybe what you’d like to indulge in yourself? And then make a whole batch – some for you and some for friends, family, neighbors, or all three – or for someone you know who could use a little light and an unexpected surprise. It might be a way to develop a new skill, and if you’re bored and stuck at home, will give you something to do.

I was hoping this year to spend a day making lefse (Norwegian potato pancakes) with my grandchildren, but that’s not going to happen. Instead, this year Mrs. Farmboy and I are going to spend an afternoon together making and packaging food gifts for friends. The exact Christmas treat is still the subject of discussion.

Here are some ideas for bakers and non-bakers alike. It’s a good idea to make something that will keep for a week or so.

• Christmas cookies are the obvious choice, but don’t stop there. What would your recipients really appreciate? Instead of the usual trees and gingerbread boys, maybe find cookie cutters in offbeat shapes, or create your own in the shape of something that would especially amuse the recipient.
• Caramel popcorn or popcorn balls are seasonal, but what about homemade snack mix, granola, or gorp? What would be good especially for kids at home?
• Chocolate or peppermint bark, fudge, penuche, and toffee are actually really easy to make.
• Candied nuts are great for a snack while doing puzzles and playing cards and board games. I’m including a recipe that’s a favorite among our friends.
• Jams, jellies, and chutneys are always welcome holiday gifts.
• Snack cakes, breakfast bread, or biscotti are easy to make and divide into small gifts.
• Gingerbread biscuits are a different idea. I recently came across this recipe for Eliza’s 18th-century gingerbread.
• Cupcakes are always fun this time of year. Actually, any time of year.
• How about trying your hand at homemade yeast bread or scones?

If you plan ahead, it’s easy enough to find festive packaging online – holiday cookie tins, gift boxes and bags, colored cellophane, and ribbon. To make everyone feel safe in the process, be especially mindful of  hygiene, and of course wear a mask when delivering. Be aware of food allergies and, when in doubt, ask first.

If none of the above food suggestions is in your wheelhouse, I’m sure you can be creative and come up with something, even a midweek mac & cheese casserole. After all, it’s the act of giving and sharing that counts. I mentioned the idea to my friend Kristin Fehlhaber, who’s a bread maker. She said that when she bakes, she always makes two loaves and gifts the second. Our discussion, she said, gave her the idea to add a name or two to her list of future recipients. (That’s her note illustrating this blog.)

So let’s get to work. After all, it really is the little things that make life better. Make it a weekend family project, or invite a friend who’s in your pod to help. Bring a holiday smile, not just to your recipient, but to yourself as well. It’s the joy of a gift that keeps on giving.

To comment, please click on “Read in Browser” or on the headline to view the blog on the website. You can log in and comment at the end of the blog to share your thoughts and start a discussion.

If you’d like to share the blog, click on the Facebook icon or one of the others. Thanks!