If you’ve been reading my blog for any time, you know that I like the idea of giving friends homemade food gifts, especially around the holidays. However, with holidays being what they are, I do not like the idea of adding stress to the holidays. Here are some simple and stress-free gifts for friends this Christmas.

To the first holiday party
I brought along with me,
a flavored olive oil with a fabulous loaf of crusty bread

Flavoring olive oil is a relatively easy prospect:

1. Heat your oil in a saucepan.

2. Add your desired flavorings: garlic, basil, rosemary, orange zest, or lemon zest and let sit for a few minutes until the ingredients are very fragrant.

3. Cool, strain and store in an airtight container. Add a fresh sprig of your herb or piece of your zest for a decorative touch. Add a note for the recipient that once opened the oil should be stored in the fridge and used within 10 days.