When things get a little tight financially, I think of gifts that I can make for my friends and family. This fall, I looked to my bountiful garden and had a great gift idea.
I decided to make “specialty” vinegars and oils for my gift baskets.
Rosemary and garlic vinegar and hot pepper oil would be a great addition to any kitchen.
- Start with clean clear bottles.
- Use washed Rosemary that is freshly picked.
- Clean garlic cloves, think of two or three per bottle.
- Warm vinegar to about 120 degrees
- Add herb and several cloves of garlic to each bottle.
- Pour vinegar into bottles and allow to cool.
- Heat the oil to about 120 degrees as well.
- Add red pepper flakes to the oil and allow to steep for seven to ten minutes.
- Red peppers from the garden are washed.
- Insert into the bottles.
- Pour warmed oil in the bottles and allow to cool.
- A nice day's work, corks and labels ready to go when the oil and vinegar are cooled.
- Next very slowly melt wax over the stove. I use leftover Christmas candles to have a red wax.
- Cork the bottles and dip the top of the bottle in the wax.
- Put a pretty label on the bottle.
- Store until Christmas.
Total cost of gifts, $23 for 34 bottles.
You will have the satisfaction of giving your friends and family a gift from your garden and saving money at the same time.
Cynthia is an avid gardener, crafter and homemaker, visit her at her site, Accomplished Woman.
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These are lovely. Would you mind sharing where you bought your bottles?
Yes, please…where did you find the great bottles and corks?
I got them at AC Moore for 59 cents each
This is GREAT! I love the pictures and simple instructions — Hey! I think I can do this too.
Thanks for the idea.
This is a wonderful idea! I am working on having a homemade Christmas this year, and this will definitely add to the plethora of ideas I have. Question: Do you know how long these keep for? Is that something I need to reference in a card to the gift-receivers?
These should last about 6 to 9 months.
Great idea — where do you get those beautiful bottles?
Now that's a great gift idea! I love these made by hand items.
Thank you for a wonderful idea to put together for gifts. I am looking forward to executing your ideas. I was wondering if you could note what kind of oil was used.
Thanks in advance
Lisa