Do-it-yourself food gifts are unique expressions of warmth and connection with a personal touch. When crafted with health in mind, they become even more meaningful, offering both nourishment and joy. Perfect for a festive gathering, heartfelt thank-you, or a simple gesture of kindness, healthy, homemade food gifts, like dry soup mixes, spice blends, and dip mixes, are simple and affordable options for family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, teachers, couriers, dinner hosts, or anyone on your list—for the holidays and all year-round.
Soup it up. Capture the essence of comfort and warmth with dry soup mixes. Recipes containing ingredients like beans, pasta, lentils, and whole grains are simple to assemble, and they can be made in advance. This is the gift of a hearty meal that has a lengthy shelf life and is as nutritious as it is delicious and easy to prepare.
Packaged in a clear jar or bag, the colorful layers of ingredients are decorative on their own. Add a festive ribbon or tie and it’s ready to go. For a larger gift, put the soup package in a basket or bag with shelf-stable ingredients like canned tomatoes, perhaps adding a wooden spoon, spoon rest, or colorful kitchen towel or oven mitt.
In addition to the recipe presented here, the first six ingredients of our “Featured Recipe” on page 7 can also be made into a gift. Simply seal the measured spices in a plastic bag, place on top of the lentils in a jar or bag, and add a card with the full recipe directions.
Three-Bean Chili in a Jar
Enjoy this hearty one-pot meal to warm body and soul on a chilly winter
evening. Enjoy on its own or with cornbread and a simple salad.
Soup Mix Ingredients:
½ cup dried black beans
½ cup dried kidney beans
½ cup dried pinto beans
2 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Soup Mix Steps:
3. In an 8-oz or 12-oz clear jar or clear, food-safe bag, layer the black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans, pressing gently to ensure defined, colorful layers.
4. In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients. Seal in a small bag and place the spice blend on top of the beans.
5. Securely close the jar or bag and attach a decorative ribbon and tag with cooking directions.
Cooking Instructions For Recipe Card:
1. Rinse beans and drain in a colander. Add beans to a large stockpot, cover with two inches of water, and soak beans overnight (or, to quick-soak: bring to a boil, cover, and continue to boil for 5 minutes. Turn off heat, and let beans soak about two hours).
2. Drain and rinse beans and set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in the stockpot. Sauté 1 medium chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves.
4. Add the beans and spice mix, 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes with liquid, and enough water or broth to cover (about 4 to 6 cups). Simmer until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes.
Yield: 8 servings
Per serving: Per serving: Calories: 180; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g; Total Carbohydrate: 30 g; Total Sugars: 6 g (Added Sugar, 0g); Dietary Fiber: 7 g; Protein: 8 g; Sodium: 36 mg; Potassium: 856 mg; Calcium: 102 mg; Vitamin D: 0 mcg; Iron: 3 mg.
Spice it Up. Homemade salt-free and sugar-free seasoning mixes and herb and spice rubs enhance the flavor of foods in a heart-healthy way. Create your own seasoning and rub blends with versatile ingredients like onion and garlic powder, cayenne or red pepper flakes, and dried sage, rosemary, and thyme, or try one of the recipes that follow.
For a more substantial gift, line a basket with a colorful apron or dish towel. Arrange the mix with a serving platter or bowl and utensils to enhance the theme. You can even include cards with recipe ideas.
BBQ Rub
Sprinkle liberally on vegetables, tofu, poultry, or meats. Let sit for at least
30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Grill or roast to desired doneness.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp smoked paprika
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp mustard powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
Steps:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix thoroughly.
2. Transfer the rub into an airtight jar or food safe bag. Seal and add ribbon and a gift tag.
Yield: 8 tablespoons
Lemon Pepper
Use this fresh and tangy blend as a rub for poultry, seafood, vegetables,
and tofu. Or use it to season pastas, salad dressings, and popcorn.
Ingredients:
5 Tbsp lemon zest (finely grated yellow of the peel)
2 Tbsp ground black pepper
1½ tsp garlic powder
1½ tsp onion powder
Steps:
1. Spread the lemon zest on a lined baking sheet and bake at the lowest oven heat until dry and crispy (30 minutes to an hour).
2. In a blender or food processer, combine all ingredients. Blend to desired consistency.
3. Store in an airtight container and tie with decorative string or ribbon and a gift tag.
Yield: 8 Tablespoons
DIY Dips
The perfect accompaniment to a platter of fresh vegetables, dips are a
➧ Shop. Choose recipes with accessible, affordable ingredients. Buying in bulk can save money when making multiple gifts.
➧ Be Efficient. Gather ingredients and jars or bags, line them up, and assemble several gifts at once. Make extras to keep on hand for last minute occasions (or for your own use after the holidays).
➧ Contain It. Choose packaging that suits the recipe, such as a jar, bottle, or bag. Consider accessibility, cost, and options to repurpose or reuse.
➧ Tag It. Make or purchase tags with space to handwrite or print out things like ingredients, how to prepare, how to use, and a “To /From” section or separate tag.
➧ Package It. If you want to add to the gift, pair it with other shelf-stable ingredients, cooking implements, and/or serving dishes.
Tex Mex Dip Mix
Mix 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons Tex Mex Dip Mix. Stir until well combined. Refrigerate at least 2 to 4 hours or overnight. Serve with baked tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp dried dill
2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 Tbsp dried chives
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (optional)
Steps:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Mix well.
2. Package in an airtight container and wrap as desired. Include the “Tag it!” instructions above.
Yield: approximately 8 tablespoons
Herb Dip Mix
Mix 1 cup non-fat Greek yogurt and 2 tablespoons Herb Dip. Stir until well blended. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Ingredients:
2 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp dried chives or garlic powder
2 Tbsp dried parsley
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp black pepper, or cayenne (to taste) for more spice
Steps:
1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients.
2. Package in an airtight container and wrap as desired. Include the “Tag it!” instructions above.
Yield: approximately 8 tablespoons
With a little planning and preparation, you can craft a healthy homemade food gift that truly shows you care.