Citrus Sea Salt (and Holiday Gift Ideas)

You know what I love most about this time of year?  Clementines.  I could do without the freezing cold mornings, the crazy holiday shopping, and the same Christmas music on every radio station... but please, don't take away my clementines.  

This year, even more so than in previous years, I vowed to give people gifts that they would not only use and enjoy, but that promoted my values of health, delicious food, and compassion towards others.  I especially love giving homemade gifts from my kitchen that don't involve the typical holiday baked goods. Here are some of my favorite gift ideas this year:

1. Citrus sea salt (recipe below)

2. Caramel corn with sea salt

3. Olive oil granola

4. DIY body scrub

These are all pretty inexpensive gifts and rather simple to make.  When dressed up in a cute jar with a ribbon, who wouldn't love to be the lucky recipient of one of these?

If you're not into the homemade gifts then you could always give a box of local produce, pay for part of a CSA share, or donate to a local nonprofit in someone's honor.  

If you are on board with the clementines, I highly recommend making this citrus sea salt - whether or not you actually give it as a gift.  The clementine zest adds a nice natural sweetness and flavor to the salt that is perfect for roasted vegetables, stir fries, baked tofu, or in salad dressings.  Happy holidays!

Citrus Sea Salt

Adapted from Whole Foods Market

Makes 1 cup

1 cup sea salt

zest from 3 clementines (about 1 Tablespoon)

zest from 2 lemons (about 1 Tablespoon)

Preheat oven to 225 degrees F.  Mix salt with zest and spread evenly on baking sheet.  Place in oven and bake, for 2 hours until dry, turning once if possible.  Use spatula to break up clumps and store in air-tight jars.