Life
11 Edible Gifts, So You Can Channel Your Inner Taylor Swift
Say what you want about Taylor Swift — the girl knows how to DIY. We’ve seen it all, from watercolors to Drake-themed needlepoints, but the best Swiftian craft? Edible gifts, hands down. How could you resist a Kanye-inspired jam jar? Chocolate chip cookies at your bridal shower? Apple pie with a lattice crust on top? We may be hard on you, Tay — but it’s only because we want to be best friends.
This week, though, let’s do one better than dear old Swiftie. Put on your favorite cat sweater and get crafty, because we’re sharing our best, gift-worthy recipes, from crunchy granola to adorable madeleines. Make these recipes for a loved one, for Ed Sheeran, or for weekdays, just because. Then, when all’s said and done, crown them with a bow and tuck in a handwritten note for good measure. Game on, Tay.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Gingerbread Granola
Ready-made breakfasts are always a welcome gift — especially if they come Taylor-style: in a Mason jar, with a bow on top. Thanks, Cookie and Kate!
Image: Cookie and Kate
Pancake Mix
Aunt Jemima’s got nothing on you. A cut above boxed versions, this pancake mix by Good Life Eats is just the thing for someone who doesn’t always have time to cook from scratch.
Image: Good Life Eats
Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Everyone loves cookies in the mail — just make sure to choose one that’s hardy enough to travel. A Pastry Affair’s oatmeal-filled recipe is up to the task.
Image: A Pastry Affair
Macaroons
Macaroons are the king of dense, hearty cookies. Made with egg whites and shredded coconut, these little treats from My Name Is Yeh are the perfect size for nibbling.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Blackberry Bourbon Jam
Top off your macaroons with a dollop of homemade jam — or go ahead and send along the whole bottle. Your friends will love you for it. Thanks, Honestly Yum!
Image: Honestly Yum
Madeleines
Ordinary cookies won’t cut it? For your very special friends, it’s madeleines all the way. A Better Happier St. Sebastian breaks it down.
Image: A Better Happier St. Sebastian
Pretzel Shortbread
This is the treat you send to your favorite tea connoisseur. Shortbread is sturdy and just lightly sweet — ideal for dunking into a cup of Earl Grey. My Name Is Yeh shows us how it’s done.
Image: My Name Is Yeh
Maple Caramels
Your vintage-loving friend would adore these old-fashioned caramels. They’re the perfect snack for, you know, listening to oldies records on vinyl or something. Bake Love Give has the recipe.
Image: Bake Love Give
Chouquettes
Got a Francophile in your life? They’ll appreciate an airy chouquette, studded with pearl sugar, à la London Bakes.
Image: London Bakes
Hot Cocoa Mix
Friends don’t let friends drink Swiss Miss, right? Peaches Please has a hot cocoa mix for those chilly autumn nights.
Image: Peaches Please
Peppermint Marshmallows
Finish off the dream care package with a handful of homemade marshmallows, courtesy of A Pastry Affair. Look at you, kitchen goddess … Taylor would be proud.
Image: A Pastry Affair
