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In ten weeks time it will be Christmas. For some people finding the perfect gift can be quite stressful and with the world’s financial affairs being in a mess and affecting most people to some degree, this Christmas could become a shopping nightmare. But here is a way to keep the spirit and enjoyment of Christmas alive and be frugal and considerate at the same time.
Over the next few weeks I will be sharing some of my food gift ideas that have always been well received. They will be easy to make, packaged in a novel way and at the same time be special and very useful.
I recycle beautiful food containers and bottles throughout the year, keeping them for my food gifts. If you have been doing the same you will I’m sure have a whole host of lovey or unusual containers in which to serve and present this home-made mayonnaise gift.
How to Make Mayonnaise & Combine Various Flavours
Homemade mayonnaise tastes wonderful, is easy to make and is fresher and brighter than anything you can buy. This recipe is quick and easy, and you can flavour it however you please.
Makes 300 ml
Ingredients
2 egg yolks
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. white wine vinegar
250 ml sunflower oil
2 tsp. lemon juice
Method
Place egg yolk, mustard, vinegar and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend together with the machine switched to the lowest speed.
With the machine still running and using the feed tube in the lid, drizzle in the oil in a steady slow stream until the mayonnaise is thick and emulsified.
Add the lemon juice and blend briefly, then adjust the seasoning to taste.
Pour in the oil drop by drop to begin with, whisking all the time. Ass the sauce begins to thicken start adding the oil in a steady stream, whisking continuously to keep the emulsion stable.
When all the oil has been incorporated and the mayonnaise has reached a nice thick consistency, stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add flavours
When to add the flavouring ingredients
Garlic mayonnaise
add 2 minced cloves of garlic cloves together with the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar.
Red-Pepper Mayonnaise
add 2-3 tablespoons chopped roasted red pepper, patted dry, and 2 minced garlic cloves together with the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar .
Herb Mayonnaise
once all the oil has been incorporated, fold in finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, or chives.
Caesar Mayonnaise
add 2 finely chopped anchovy fillets and 60 ml grated Parmesan together with the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar.
Tartar Mayonnaise
after incorporating the oil, stir in 2 tablespoons chopped cornichons and 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion.
Note:
Mayonnaise can be successfully made in a blender or food processor, but always make at least 300ml as small amounts will not blend properly.
The mayonnaise will keep for one week in the refrigerator.
For the gift presentation
Place the mayonnaise in whatever beautiful, recycled jar or cleverly found ceramic jar you have in your cupboard.
Take a square of clear cellophane paper, place the jar in the middle of the paper and draw up all the corners of the cellophane and tie at the top with some natural raffia.
Print out the recipe, gently role it up, secure with a rubber band, wrap some raffia around the band to hide it and attach the recipe to the outside of your gift.
Clifton Kitchen - Cooking Through The Seasons 