November 16: first Christmas gift done.
This year, I decided to make my Christmas gifts – the best way to give an extra-special gift that is also wallet friendly. They are all planned except for one and I can’t wait to share them with you!
Two of my family members are receiving this:
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There is nothing more easy to make than infused oil. You can use any dry spices you like (fresh herbs and garlic are hazardous since there are risks of botulism). I personally wouldn’t go without chili peppers since I think it is beautiful.
My bottles contain approximately 330 ml olive oil. Adjust spices to taste and to how much oil your bottle contains!
Ingredients (for one bottle):
- 2 dried whole chili peppers
- 3 bay leaves
- 3/4 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/4 tsp white peppercorns
- 3 black peppercorns
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Directions: Pour boiling water in bottle to sterilize it. Wait a couple minutes, empty the bottle and dry well.
Put chili peppers and bay leaves in the bottle. Add other spices. Slowly pour olive oil. Close the bottle and let spices infuse for at least 3 weeks.
It is so easy to make and so beautiful to give! If you’re making one for yourself, it might be hard to wait before using it :P.
I’ve also made a new page for homemade gift ideas with my previous recipes that can easily be made into a gift. And I have some I still have to make!
Have a great day!
just excellent! 😀
Oh wow, I don't think I would have ever thought to spice my own Olive Oil. I've just bought the flavored kind. Thanks for opening up this sheltered girls eyes 😉 I did orange zest sugar for christmas presents last year 🙂 add orange zest to sugar, mix, put in pretty jar with a pretty ribbon and your done! I love easy fun gifts like that! I think everyone really likes receiving them too! 🙂
What a great gift idea!!! I know I would be excited to get these if someone gifted it to me!!! Thanks for the tips!
I'm also making many gifts this year – bookmarking this – I do love the chili peppers in it.
hi,
I was wondering if it is ok to sanitize the bottles a couple of days ahead of time? Also, do you put the finished products in the fridge until you gift them?
Thanks,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
It would probably be fine to sanitize the bottles ahead of time, but the safest is to do it just before filling them. You don’t need to put it in the fridge before, and it keeps for a very long time (I’ve had mine for 2 years now and it is still good!).
Charlie
What about the risk of botulism by putting whole chillies in Oil?
Hi Bob,
Botulism is a concern with infused oil. However, some steps can be taken to avoid this problem.
Sterilizing and letting the bottle dry very well is important, because bacteria can easily grow when there is water. This is also why it is better to use dried herbs, because bacteria can easily grow with fresh herbs because of the water content. Keeping the oil in the fridge can also help making sure there is no bacteria growth. If the ingredients in the oil show any sign of spoilage, the rest of the oil should be discarded.