GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN

EASY TO MAKE, SIMPLE TO BOTTLE OR BOX, TRIM WITH RIBBON AND A TAG. ANT ELLIS SHARES SIX DELICIOUS FESTIVE GIFTS THAT WILL BRING JOY IN EVERY MOUTHFUL

Scan this QR code to get your hands on all six recipes for these wonderful Christmas treats!

 Chocolate Truffles

They’re delicate and decadent, and when you make them yourself you can flavour them however you like, inside and out. Roll the little blighters in just about anything and scoff them after lunch with a coffee and my boozy cream liqueur. Then take a nap.

 Boozy Cream Liqueur

In the spirit of the Irish, this easy-tomake recipe is a creamy, dreamy delight and works with a variety of your favourite liquors. Serve it for sipping, as shots, over ice, or just stick a straw in the bottle and go for it.

ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis.

 Infused Olive Oils

These work great as a drizzle, a dip for warm, crusty bread, and in making pasta sauces and even baking bread – maximum flavour, very little hard work. An important note here is that as we’re not using a preservative, these oils should be used within a couple of weeks – make sure to pass that fact on with your gift.

 Pickled Vegetables

Not only is pickling the most delicious way to preserve almost any vegetable, it’s much easier to do than you think. Home-made pickles should be brighter, more tangy and more acidic than bought ones, and should be fresh and really punchy. Package in a nice jar and give ’em away with strict instructions to put on everything.

 Easy Limoncello

A delightful cure for any all-too-silent night is an ice-cold, sharp and citrussy drinkypoo. It’s hard to say whether traditional limoncello includes the juice of lemons as well as the beautifully aromatic skin, but I like it. Give yourself a couple of weeks to infuse as much lemony flavour as possible.

 Scottish Shortbread

O come all ye faithful gobblers, you’re getting shortbread in your Christmas stocking. Yes please! But it’s not just your grandma’s favourite cookie, it’s beloved worldwide and for good reason: shortbread is delicious, easy, reliable and also pretty versatile, and actually super cost-effective. Make double – keep half for yourself.