Six Homemade Pantry Gifts to Show How Much You Care

Maybe it’s the turn of seasons in the air because multiple life changes occurred among my trusty troupe of friends in just a few weeks: the newly-minted grandmother; the very-soon-to-be mother; first-time homeowners; and the recently engaged, graduated, or hired. I am suddenly in need of gifts to give in celebration of these momentous occasions.

But I know gifts have another important role in the midst of transitions: meeting friends in moments of stress. Pantry gifts are especially suited for the job, saving friends a trip to the store and sneaking in some homemade love whenever they sit down for a meal. If you have loved ones moving from one season to the next, knock on their door with one of these heartening gifts in hand. They will know upon sight they have a friend, you, rooting for them through anything.

Homemade Chicken Stock: Paired with a jar of vegetables, this gift is time saved in the kitchen and provides nourishment throughout the week.

Aromatic Herbal Bouquets: This gift is twofold—a remedy for everyday stress and a stock of herbs to sprinkle on whatever is cooking in the kitchen.

Homemade Baguette: Toast and slather with jam for breakfast, slice up for lunchtime sandwiches, or break off a piece to catch all that delicious sauce on the dinner plate. This gift fits the bill all day long.

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Gift a jar of these just-right pickles to jazz up sandwiches or satisfy those random pickle cravings.

Spicy Mayonnaise: This pantry gift will delight anyone who is whipping up a snack and thinks, “This needs a little kick.”

Balsamic Glaze: A spoonful of this decadent glaze solves the everlasting what-to-make-for-dinner dilemma by making any meat or veggie shine.