Today’s guest blogger is Kat from the beautiful Housewife Confidential you can also catch her on Twitter as @thatkat. Over to Kat…

In years gone by I have spent a few hours every months creating jams, chutneys and preserves to pack into hampers with freshly baked goodies come December. Having been either pregnant or caring for babies for the last five years I just haven’t had the same time or energy to devote. I still want to give something unique and homemade but I need it to be a little hands free.

Last year I decided I would have a go at creating my own sourdough starter knowing that once it got going daily artisan bread takes very little effort. Having spent a week or two developing my leaven I realised it would make a fantastic gift for my friends.

You can make this gift super thrifty by simply wrapping it up with feeding and baking instructions. If you wanted to add a little extra you could buy some equipment like a proving basket or some stoneground flour from a specialist like Bakery Bits.

If your friends aren’t bakers why not make a couple of loaves yourself and deliver on Christmas Eve with a jar of jam or marmalade? Perfect Christmas morning breakfast to keep everyone going until the turkey is finally ready.

You can find out how to make sourdough starter on my blog along with a simple sourdough loaf recipe.

Happy Thrifty Christmas.

Kat xoxo

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