With the economic crisis having affected most people, expensive dinners and sparkly jewellery are no more the top of gift wish lists. But that doesn’t mean you can’t spoil your loved one on Valentine’s Day (February 14) with a gift that could mean much more than a heavy price tag.
Edible gifts are a great idea for any kind of Valentine – a lover, best friend, parents or even children. Not only will the sentiment be appreciated, but you can tailor make the gift specifically for the receiver and ensure they enjoy every morsel of it.
Get creative with some wrapping paper and ribbon and the gift will look as professional as a store-bought present. Also add a small card with some sweet words and the recipe of your choice so your Valentine can try it out themselves as well.
Here are a few ideas:
Chocolate Truffles
It may seem cliché but everyone loves a box of chocolates. Heat 200g plain chocolate in a microwave until completely melted and smooth. In a separate bowl whip up 150ml double cream with the flavour of your choice (like orange, mint or chilli) until it’s thick and it starts to hold its shape. Combine the chocolate and whipped cream along with ¼ cup of icing sugar and chill until it firms up and is easy to handle. Cut into chunks or roll into balls and dust with cocoa powder.
Spiced Nuts
This is perfect for the health conscious kinds who like a wholesome snack between meals. Mix together almonds, cashew nuts and pecan nuts (about two cups in total) with one egg white, two tablespoons of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake in a pre-heated (350°F) oven until toasted and fragrant. Seal in an air-tight jar or box and tie with a ribbon.
Spaghetti Sauce
If your loved one doesn’t often have time to cook, this gift could be extremely handy. Make a fuss-free spaghetti sauce like Marcella Hazan’s simple tomato sauce that uses just canned plum tomatoes, butter and a yellow onion. Once reduced, the sauce tastes like something an Italian grandmother would make. Package the sauce with a box of spaghetti and all your honey has to do is boil the pasta and reheat the sauce.
Home-baked Bread
Feeling confident enough in the kitchen? Then try Jim Lahey’s no-knead bread recipe. Alternatively, pick up a bread mix from the supermarket, which come in a variety of flavours from healthy whole wheat to breakfast favourite cinnamon and raisin, and follow the directions. Pack savoury breads with a tub of garlic butter or cream cheese mixed with orange peel and a pinch of cinnamon for sweeter breakfast kinds. A simple loaf should take care of your Valentine’s breakfast or snack cravings over the next couple of days.
Beverley Ann - Beverley Ann currently works as a new writer at The Weather Network in Oakville, Ontario. At her last job, she was the deputy editor of ...
