Food
Make your own Christmas foodie hamper
by Christine Faughlin
Looking for a special gift for people who love to cook or those who simply enjoy eating? What could be more thoughtful than a hand-curated hamper bursting with homemade goodies, plus a homemade card and wrapping?
1. For a Greek-themed hamper
Make this Greek take on biscotti, made with wholemeal flour, then pop into a pretty paper-lined gift box to take centre stage in the middle of your hamper.
Get the recipe for Sesame, honey and orange Paximadia
2. For a tropical-themed hamper
Packed with exotic sunshine ingredients, such as pineapple, mango, coconut and spiced rum, this gorgeous loaf cake keeps for ages and looks great wrapped in cellophane, so you can see the colourful topping.
Get the recipe for Tropical fruit loaf cake
3. For a Scandi-themed hamper
Whip up a batch (or two) of sweet spiced nuts, reminiscent of those often found at Scandinavian Christmas markets. Pile them into sterilised jars, tie with a festive ribbon and add to your hamper.
Get the recipe for Candied cinnamon almonds
4. For a German-themed hamper
If you know someone who loves German Christmas markets, add a box of these pretty-as-a-picture festive stollen bonbons.
Get the recipe for Stollen bonbons
5. For a French-themed hamper
Packed with all the aromas you find in vin chaud, these mini cakes are a delight either packaged individually in bags secured with festive ribbon, or grouped into a sturdy gift box.
Get the recipe for Mulled wine chocolate mini cakes
6. For an Italian-themed hamper
Pour this festive take on limoncello into sterilised bottles, then add a tag with handwritten serving suggestions – it's great on its own with ice, mixed with tonic water or drizzled over ice cream.
Get the recipe for Cranberry limoncello
7. For a Portuguese-themed hamper
Chocolate salami at Christmas is a Portuguese tradition – dusted in icing sugar and wrapped in decorative paper, it will give any hamper a professional touch.
Get the recipe for Chocolate salami
8. For an American-themed hamper
Creamy caramels, flavoured with an array of Christmas spices and topped with toasted peanuts couldn't be easier to make. Wrap them individually and then package them in individual bags tied with ribbon or tumble into a large jar with a handwritten label.
Get the recipe for Golden pecan caramels
9. For a British-themed hamper
Britain produces some of the best gins on the planet – infuse your own bottles to gift with tonic water for a personalised, thoughtful touch.
Get the recipe for Pomegranate and pink peppercorn gin
For a finishing touch…
Give your homemade hamper a professional touch by adding handmade cards, gift tags and gift wrap. See our step-by-step guide.
