I'm always getting stuck for gift ideas, and often find myself in that awkward situation of seeing friends last minute, yet I have nothing to offer them. So here are a few foodie goodies that have saved  the day in recent years. Presented in brown paper and tied with ribbon, they make a lovely last minute gift, and they'll never know you whipped it up last night ;-)  x

The recipe was passed onto me by my mother-in-law.  Oh my goodness, people - I cannot tell you how unbelievable yummy these mince pies are. I'm not a big mince pie lover, and I find most of them a bit too stodgy and rich. But these beauties are so mouthwateringly moreish I could easily put away a whole plate full. The crust contains lemon zest and is light in texture, and almost crisp ... and the creme fraiche filling? please just make them, so I can say "see! I told you so!" I made them for Poppy loves last year so you'll find this recipe on her blog below. 

Cheesecake mince pie recipe

I never realised just how easy it is to make jam, until I made some earlier this year. Fruit, sugar, jar and you're pretty much there. Pop on a pretty piece of fabric and you have a lovely homemade gift. The great thing about making jam is you can make quite a few jars in one go - which is ideal if you need a batch of gifts, and you need them quick!

How to make homemade jam.

The lovely Laura from We made this home blog has recently shared this delicious recipe on my blog. 

These little beauties make lovely gifts - wrap them in brown paper or clear plastic and tie with ribbon or rustic string - pretty as a picture.

Winter spiced biscuits recipe

Photograph by We made this home

Ok so you can't eat them, but I absolutely love these 'In the forest' Mason cash bowls ...  in fact I think I only bake so I can use them. They're just so lovely and I have a new addition to the family. This little green one is the perfect size for daily use and any baker worth their salt (or sugar) will surely love them.

 In the forest mason cash bowl.

JM x