Edible Herbal Gifts: A Gourmet Delight

The Art of Giving Edible Gifts

Importance of Packaging and Labeling

When gifting edible items, the presentation is as important as the content. Clear labeling is essential so the recipient knows what the gift contains and how to store it properly. For instance, if refrigeration is required, make sure this information is prominently displayed to prevent spoilage.

Fresh vs. Dried Herbs

Fresh herbs generally offer a more nuanced and pleasing flavor compared to their dried counterparts. While dried herbs can be used as substitutes, the taste difference is noticeable. According to a study by the University of Illinois, fresh herbs contain higher levels of essential oils, which contribute to their robust flavor (source).

Creative Edible Gift Ideas

Herbal Collections

A collection of various herbal foods can make an attractive and thoughtful gift. Consider a basket filled with:

• Jams and Jellies: Homemade preserves with a hint of herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Herbal Oils and Vinegars: Infused with fresh herbs, these can elevate any dish.

Tailor the gift to the recipient's tastes. For a vegetarian, a set of special sauces for pasta and vegetables would be ideal.

Pates and Mousses

Pates are a popular choice for both lunch and dinner. Here are some recipes that have proven to be successful:

Potted Shrimps

• Ingredients:

  • 4 oz unsalted butter
  • 12 oz cooked shrimps
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp chopped lemon balm

• Instructions:

  1. Melt 3 oz of butter and skim off the foam.
  2. Mix in shrimps, lemon juice, cayenne, lemon balm, and seasonings.
  3. Divide into ramekins and pour the remaining melted butter on top.
  4. Chill overnight.

• Packaging Idea: Wrap in foil or cling film, decorate with ribbons, or place on a tray with cheese and herb scones.

Salmon and Dill Mousse

• Ingredients:

  • 14 oz canned pink salmon
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 chicken stock cube
  • 2 tbsp double cream
  • 1 sachet gelatin
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tbsp chopped dill leaves

• Instructions:

  1. Mix salmon and mayonnaise.
  2. Dissolve stock cube in boiling water, add salmon juice and gelatin.
  3. Combine with cream and salmon mixture.
  4. Fold in stiffly beaten egg white and dill.
  5. Fill ramekins or a mold and chill.

• Packaging Idea: Decorate with cucumber or dill leaves, and present in a basket with dark blue tissue paper and a bottle of homemade dill mayonnaise.

Other Delicious Recipes

Chicken Liver and Herb Pate

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken livers
  • 2 tbsp chopped onion
  • 5 oz butter
  • 2 fl oz medium sherry
  • 1 fl oz cream
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp mixed, chopped fresh herbs (marjoram, parsley, thyme, chives)

• Instructions:

  1. Fry onions and chicken livers in butter until cooked.
  2. Blend with remaining ingredients until smooth.
  3. Pour into ramekins and chill.

• Packaging Idea: A small hamper with pots of pate, melba toast, and a bottle of red wine.

Smoky Cod and Ginger Pate

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb smoked cod
  • 5 oz butter
  • 3/4 tsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1 tbsp double cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Instructions:

  1. Poach fish until tender.
  2. Blend with other ingredients until smooth.
  3. Chill in a lined loaf tin.

• Packaging Idea: Small containers in a basket with homemade rolls and lemons.

Unique Herbal Recipes

Potted Cheshire Cheese and Chives

• Ingredients:

  • 3 oz unsalted butter
  • 8 oz Cheshire cheese
  • 2 tbsp port
  • Dash of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • 1 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

• Instructions:

  1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Spoon into ramekins and chill.

• Packaging Idea: Pack in a basket with Bath Oliver biscuits and pickles.

Hummus with Mint and Parsley

• Ingredients:

  • 15 oz can chickpeas
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 4 tbsp sesame paste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-3 tbsp Greek-style yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped mint

• Instructions:

  1. Blend chickpeas, garlic, sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.
  2. Add yogurt, mint, and parsley, and blend again.
  3. Spoon into ramekins and decorate with parsley.

• Packaging Idea: Arrange in a basket with wholemeal pita bread and a bottle of refreshment.

Zucchini Pate

• Ingredients:

  • 9 oz zucchini, sliced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives
  • 5 oz full-fat soft cheese

• Instructions:

  1. Blend herbs until finely chopped.
  2. Add zucchini and blend.
  3. Mix in cheese and seasonings.
  4. Chill in ramekins.

• Packaging Idea: Wrap with other vegetarian delights and fresh herbs.

Potted Chicken

• Ingredients:

  • 4 oz butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 8 oz chicken meat, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp medium sherry
  • 4 tbsp chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Pinch of mixed dried herbs

• Instructions:

  1. Fry onion and garlic in butter until soft.
  2. Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
  3. Fill ramekins and chill.
  4. Pour melted butter over each ramekin.

• Packaging Idea: A 'chicken-themed' basket with new-laid eggs and homemade chicken stock.

Conclusion

Edible herbal gifts are a delightful way to show thoughtfulness and care. By focusing on fresh ingredients, clear labeling, and attractive packaging, you can create memorable gifts that are both delicious and beautifully presented. Whether it's a simple jar of herbal oil or an elaborate basket of pates, these gifts are sure to please any recipient.