I'm not sure exactly how long I have been making holiday gifts from my kitchen. I think it started when I found a recipe for almond cookie crescents when I was just out of college and gave them to the people I see throughout the year: doctors, dentists, my cleaners, hair cutter, friends, family. I learned then that giving something you have taken the time to prepare and wrap means much more to people than a gift from the mall.

In this age of plastic gift cards and internet gift giving, why not rethink your list and make up some food gifts that will bring immense appreciation from the recipient? I have come a long way from making almond crescents and love to surprise people with something new each year.

Gift-giving is really about the person on the receiving end. Do you have cooks that would love a condiment that would spice up their dishes? Are there confirmed dessertaholics that would love nothing more than bar cookies or chocolate brownies? What about the foodies that love to go out for most of their meals but would appreciate a great homemade mousse pate to serve alongside a chilled bottle of sparkling wine before they embark on yet another culinary adventure?

Here's a gift from the kitchen that may satisfy everyone on your list: cranberry chutney. It can be refrigerated and used alongside any poultry dish. Another great gift is my Seriously Simple seasoning salt, perfect for anyone who likes to cook. It will elevate the flavor of just about anything someone is cooking. Make sure to label that this will last for months with endless uses. And finally, shortbread squares are a major hit for dessert lovers!

Whatever recipe you choose, my guess is you'll receive back true appreciation -- and that is bound to put you right in the holiday spirit. Happy cooking!

Cranberry Fruit Chutney

Makes about 4 cups

1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries, picked over

1 Bosc pear, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces

1 Fuji apple, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces

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