Homemade Christmas Gifts Using Sous Vide

By Heather Bilyeu of Fueling a Southern Soul

There is something extra special about Christmas gifts made by you and with lots of extra love.

We all love getting that tin of homemade fudge from our grandma or the platter of Christmas cookies from our best friend. Homemade gifts (that you can eat) are truly the best!

Use your sous vide to make your friends and loved one’s gifts they can devour and enjoy this Christmas season!

Orange and Thyme Infused Bourbon

For the cocktail lovers in your life, make a premade old fashion with a twist through a sous vide bourbon infusion!

• 8 Ounces Bourbon
• 1 Sprig of Fresh Thyme
• 4 Teaspoons Sugar
• Juice from ½ Orange 
• Peel of ½ Orange

1. Heat a water bath up to 150 degrees using sous vide.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bag sealed with the Vesta Precision chamber Vac or in a mason jar sealed to just fingertip tightness. 
3. Place in the sous vide bath and cook for 1 hour.
4. Once finished, strain the bourbon infusion into a clean mason jar or cap liquid container. Decorate with a bow and place in the fridge to chill.
5. To enjoy, pour over ice with an orange peel, dash of bitters, and a cherry. Serves 4

Garlic and Rosemary Olive Oil

For the cooks in your life, olive oil is a kitchen staple. Give your loved ones garlic and rosemary-infused olive oil this holiday season to use in their kitchen!

• 2 Cups Olive Oil
• 6 Cloves of Peeled Garlic
• 2 Sprigs of Fresh Rosemary

1. Heat a water bath up to 131 degrees using sous vide.
2. Combine all the ingredients in a bag sealed with the Vesta Precision chamber Vac or in a mason jar sealed to just fingertip tightness. 
3. Place in the sous vide bath and cook for 3 hours.
4. Once finished, place into a clean mason jar or a liquid container with a lid. Decorate with a bow and let come to room temperature before gifting.

Southern Creme Brulee

For the sweets lover in your life, gift small mason jars filled with luscious creme brulee to enjoy this Christmas. Top with sugar so that all your guests have to do is pop them under the broiler for a homemade sweet treat made with lots of love (best enjoyed around the twinkle of the Christmas tree lights).

• 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
• 1 Vanilla Bean or 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
• 5 Egg Yolks
• ⅓ Cup Sugar + ¼ Cup for Topping
• ⅛ Teaspoon Salt

1. Heat a water bath up to 180 degrees using sous vide.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream, vanilla bean or paste, eggs yolks, ⅓ cups sugar, and salt. Whisk until sugar is dissolved and combined.
3. Pour into 6 4-ounce mason jars and tighten to just fingertip tightness. 
4. Place in the sous vide bath and cook for 1 hour.
5. Once finished, place on the counter to come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then place in the fridge to chill for 4 hours or overnight. 
6. Before gifting, unscrew the lids and sprinkle the tops with a thin layer of sugar. Place the lids back on. Place in a basket and gift to a friend.
7. When ready to eat, unscrew the lid and using a cooking blow torch, toast the tops of the creme brulee until caramelized. Or place under the broiler for 1 minute to get the same results (just keep a close eye on these so as not to burn and be careful when hot.). Enjoy!