Lemon and rosemary salt makes a really quick, easy and delicious homemade foodie Christmas gift.
A few years ago I was inspired by a certain food blogger who has taught me so many things since I ‘met’ her online.
One of the best things was introducing me to Christmas foodie baskets.
Who doesn't like edible holiday gifts?
I try to scout out ideas throughout the year and I really love a gift that can be packaged in a glass jar or bottle.
When I came across flavoured salts they went to the top of the list, especially with my abundance of fresh rosemary.
They are so very quick and easy to make and really, who doesn’t use salt?
Lemon rosemary sea salt gives a lovely fresh flavor to whatever you sprinkle it on.
Rosemary-lemon sea salt is really quick and simple to make and uses just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients
To makeLemon rosemary salt you'll need:
- ½ cup rosemary, (fresh and packed)
- finely zested lemon peel from one large lemon
- 3 ½ cups coarse sea salt flakes (this was 4 boxes of Maldon Sea Salt) which was the least expensive I could find
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 60C (150F) fan-forced and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
- In the food processor, blitz up the fresh 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.
Make sure that your flavoured salt is stored in an airtight container.
Uses
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 other veggies and looking forward to using it on grilled chicken.
It’s delicious just in place of regular salt you’d serve on the table at dinner time.
You could even put it in little jars as a place setting gift on your Christmas table.
Variations
Not so keen on lemon and rosemary?
You could use and type of fresh herbs pepper, lime or orange zest (lime & pepper would be delicious)!
What about you? Are you making any Christmas presents this year?
Need some inspiration? You might also like to check out Christmas gift ideas in glass jars.
If you’re storing them in recycled jars, you might like to know how to remove the labels from glass jars quickly and easily without ruining your nails.
Recipe
Lemon and rosemary salt
Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh rosemary packed
- finely zested lemon peel from one large lemon
- 3 ½ cups sea salt flakes this was 4 boxes of Maldon Sea Salt which was the least expensive I could find
Instructions
- 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.
Lauren says
Hi Claire, just wondering if you could use lemon oil in this?
Karen Mannis says
Hi!
I'd like to make the lemon rosemary salt for Christmas gifts since i grow my iwn rosemary and lemons. I wanted yo know if I could also add fresh garlic and if so what smount would work with your recipe?
Claire says
Of course, garlic would be a nice addition, I would suggest starting with two cloves finely diced and see what you think, it is a personal preference with garlic on how much you add, everyone's taste is different. Good luck.
The Café Sucre Farine says
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!
Claire says
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?
Hotly Spiced says
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
Claire says
Ooh yum I hope it turns out well!
ela@GrayApron says
Fine idea! But one jar, I would definitely save for me :) ela
Claire says
I might have to make some more Ela :-)
Lisa the Gourmet Wog says
Looks fabulous! How long does it last for?
Claire says
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.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
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! :D
Claire says
Ooh yum Lorraine! I just finished decorating some gingerbread.
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
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.
Claire says
I hope so Maureen! x