Smell is one sense that is linked closely to emotions and memories. Think about all the memories the smell of fresh baking bread evoke. The same is true of homemade spice mixes.
Not just when you open the jar, and smell the rich warm scents that comes out, but also when you are making it. The different smells slowly fuse together, with your brain thinking ‘nice, but something missing, not sure what yet’ until the spices are mixed, then bang, you know that this is gingerbread.
Christmas spice mixes are one of those very easy edible gifts that you can whip up in a couple of minutes. They are particularly fun to make with kids as they love all that measuring out, shaking up and sticking on labels. They will like you even more when you continue on with them to make that old Christmas favourite the gingerbread man.
What to Make With Homemade Gingerbread Spice
I have used this gingerbread spice in everything from pancakes, muffins, hot chocolate and of course cookies. It is great on roasted butternut squash or pumpkin. I also use this as a curry powder base.
Remember that you can experiment with various combinations including adding spices like star anise, cayenne and cardamom. Hey, if you like it or like more of it then add it in. If you have the time it is even better if your start with as many whole spices as you can and ground them down as these will be fresher.
If you do give this as an edible gift it would be useful to add in a few printed recipes for ideas. Better still combine it with a homemade pancake mix with instructions for cooking it on Christmas morning and watch their faces glow.
So what is your own favourite gingerbread spice mix combination?
More Edible Gift Ideas
Below are some other homemade Christmas gifts you might be interested in.
Homemade hot chocolate in a jar.
Don't forget to tag #recipesfromapantry on Instagram or Twitter if you try Homemade Gingerbread Spice! It is really, really awesome for me when you make one of my recipes and I'd love to see it. You can also share it on my Facebook page. Please pin this recipe to Pinterest too! Thank you for reading Recipes from a Pantry.
Homemade Gingerbread Spice
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp ground ginger
- 2 tbsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp ground cloves
- 1 tbsp of all spice and / or 1 tbsp of ground cardamom optional
Instructions
- Measure out the spices into an airtight storage container.
- Seal the container and shake very well to combine.
- Decorate with ribbon and a gift tag.
- Add a note that it should be stored in a cool dry place that is out of direct sunlight.
Notes
Nutrition
This is GENIUS! Spices as gifts are so simple and useful.