Lemon and rosemary salt makes a really quick, easy and delicious homemade foodie Christmas gift.
Lemon and rosemary salt
A few years ago I was inspired by a certain food blogger who has taught me so many things since I ‘met’ her online. It must have been four years ago and Celia posted her Christmas hampers filled with homemade goodies and I vowed that the next year I would do the same.
I know I love to receive homemade edible gifts so I can only assume that others do too and so from then on, I’ve been DIY gifting.
I try to scout out ideas throughout the year and I really love a gift that can be packaged in a jar or bottle. It just looks that little bit more pro to me. When I saw the idea for flavoured salts, I quickly earmarked it as gift number one.
I may have kept a little of this for myself too. First I used a pinch in my pizza base instead of plain salt and it added a lovely flavour. I’ve also sprinkled some on baked potatoes and looking forward to using it on grilled chicken.
What about you? Are you making any Christmas presents this year?
Need some inspiration? You might also like Chili peanuts.
You might also be interested in my free workshop – 3 gifts in less than 30 minutes.
- ½ cup fresh rosemary, packed
- finely zested lemon peel from one large lemon
- 3½ cups sea salt flakes (this was 4 boxes of Maldon Sea Salt which was the least expensive I could find)
- Pre-heat the oven to 60C (150F) fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- In the food processor, blitz up the rosemary, lemon zest and 2 cups of salt until the rosemary is nice and little and the salt is fine like table salt.
- Pour it out into a large bowl then stir in the rest of the salt.
- Spread it out onto the tray and bake for 1 hour, running a fork through it once or twice, until the rosemary and lemon is all dried out.
- Transfer straight to sterilised jars while it is still warm and secure the lids.
Oh Claire, I wish you lived closer. I buy a ton of Maldon whenever I’m in London as Maldon is just 50 miles north of London and the salt is very very cheap. I’d send you a big boxful. I’m afraid sending it to Australia though would defeat the purpose a bit!
I love the chili sauce idea, I never thought of making my own, quite brilliant!
Well there’s yet another reason I wish we lived near each other. That would be wonderful!
Another recipe to add to your ‘to play with’ list for next year?
i’m so happy to have your salt, Claire. I agree, it makes a perfect gift. I’m going to sprinkle it on my turkey before it goes in the oven and I’m cooking roast chicken tonight so I’ll do the same thing. I’m really loving all the homemade gifts from the secret santa and having something like this salt that you don’t use up all in one go is just lovely xx
Ooh yum I hope it turns out well!
Fine idea! But one jar, I would definitely save for me 🙂 ela
I might have to make some more Ela 🙂
Looks fabulous! How long does it last for?
The salt would last for as long as it takes you to use it I’d say. The sauce – probably up to 2 weeks in the fridge once opened.
I’ve made so many I really must stop! In fact my last batch of Naughty and Nice Cookies just came out of the oven! 😀
Ooh yum Lorraine! I just finished decorating some gingerbread.
I haven’t made anything yet for gifts. Hopefully all the family issues will subside and I can get in the kitchen for a bit of therapy. Your salt sounds wonderful.
I hope so Maureen! x