Herb Infused Oils for a Ryobi Christmas Blog Hop
While thrifting I came across a tiny pre-made crate. I know it would be the perfect way to package some of the food gifts I am making this year for Christmas. All I would need to do was chop off the giant handle. Not a problem for me since I have a Ryobi Miter Saw and I happen to love any excuse I can find to use a power tool. The herb infused oils below are on the hot side. If you do not like hot – you can leave out the crushed peppers. I love to give handmade gifts from my kitchen and a few blogger friends have also made Christmas items. So be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom to find their links.
Tools and supplies for decorative crate:
Affiliate links- I earn a very small commission if you purchase.
Instructions for decorative crate:
I placed the crate with the handle as close to the yellow cut line as I could get it and chopped it right off.
A perfect clean cut and in under a minute. I have a great crate for $1. Next sand the edges. Wipe off dust.
Now to paint the crate in your favorite color and the caps of the bottles to match. Cover the crate and caps completely. Allow to dry. Sand the edges of the crate to create distressed spots.
Tools and supplies for Herb Infused Cooking Oil- Hot Italian Blend:
- Olive Oil ( enough to fill mini wine bottle- about 6 oz)
- Rosemary sprig fresh is best
- Garlic Clove
- crushed red peppers (pinch)
- Sea Salt (1/4 tsp)
- Peppercorns (1/4 tsp) (I like the blend for the color- black can be found in the spice isle)
- Funnel
- Twine
- Empty mini- wine bottle
1. Clean and sterilize bottles.
2. Slip spices into bottle. Use a funnel to pour in olive oil. Add the cork, and set in a cool place or even refrigerate.
3. After filling and corking bottles, wash and dry them well.
4. Apply label to front of bottle.
5. Wrap twine around the neck of the bottle.
Instructions to make Herb Infused Olive Oil:
1. Clean and sterilize bottles.
2. Slip spices into each bottle. Use a funnel to pour in olive oil. Add the cork, and set in a cool place or even refrigerate.
3. After filling and corking bottles, wash and dry them well.
4. Apply label to front of bottle.
5. Wrap twine around the neck of the bottle.
To prolong the life of the oil, refrigerate bottles. The Garlic and Rosemary should be used within a month of making. If you are using fresh herbs and spices make sure you wash and dry them. If you are using dried spices the shelf life is 3 months. I add a label on the back of each bottle so the recipient knows what they are getting.
Ingredients for Indian Spice Infused Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoons whole cumin seeds
- 1 1/2 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
- 1 two inch piece cinnamon stick
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cloves
- 5 whole green cardamom pods
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon ground tumeric
- 1 roasted whole chili
- 1 cups grape seed oil or olive oil, warmed to 150 degrees
- In a medium sized heavy bottom pan over medium heat, combine the spices and heat to toast about two minutes. Stir to make sure they do not stick or burn.
- Remove from the heat and cool. Place them in the bottle
- Leave the oil in a cool, dark place to infuse for at least two weeks.
- Extra oil may be saved in refrigerator for later use. (no more than 3 months with dried spices)
Use desired amount to garnish individual servings of chilled soup, sauté meat and veggies or as a marinade.
Check back on Wednesday to see what I did with my Ryobi Drill and a hot glue gun. It will be another handmade gift with a homemade recipe from my kitchen. I love the DIY aspect of the holidays.
If you are looking for other homemade food gifts, gifts from the kitchen or gifts in a jar try these links.
Rosemary Infused Olive Oil http://365daysofcrafts.com/rosemary-infused-olive-oil/
Sewing kit in a Jar http://365daysofcrafts.com/sewing-kit-jar/
Potato Soup in jar http://365daysofcrafts.com/gifts-in-jars/
- Rustic scrap wood Christmas tree– Dukes and Duchesses
Snowflake String Art– DIY on the Cheap
Silhouette Stand Nativity– My Day Lights
Instagram stocking holders– Frenchie Wraps
Wooden sign– Poofy Cheeks
Repurposed Gift Carry All- Let’s Go Junking
Rustic Christmas Tree Decoration-Her Tool Belt
PB Inspired Wall Art– Create and Babble
Woodland Reindeer Ornaments-Whats Ur Home Story
Advent calendar– Carissa Miss
DIY Stackable Slatted Fruit Crates– Pink When
Joy wood slice sign– Dandelion Patina
Gold Reindeer Décor– Simply Designing
Wooden Christmas Tree Display– Lauras Crafty Life
Pallet Wood Christmas Tree– Roubinek Reality
Christmas countdown chalkboard- Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza
Caddy with Herb Infused Oils- 356 Days of Crafts
Wood gift tag– Being Spiffy
DIY Vintage Sled– Fynes Designs
Awesome project! I’m going to have to try to make some infused oils, sounds delish
Those oils sound delicious and look beautiful!
This would make such a great gift! I’m thinking it would be perfect for my mother in-law. I might have to make one!
Great gift idea!