I’m trying to make it a mostly homemade/handmade Christmas this year.  One of the things I’m gifting are little bags of Za’atar. It’s a Middle Eastern spice blend, usually made with dried herbs, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. It’s bright and herbaceous, with a nuttiness from the sesame, and boy does it make everything is touches taste good. Things we in the Test Kitchen like to put it on:

olive oil-y pizza dough (above)

roasted chicken

boiled, buttered, or roasted potatoes

bagels with cream cheese

popcorn (drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle and toss)

crunchy romaine salads (preferably with pita chips)

hummus

cooked rice

rolls (wish I had remembered this for my Thanksgiving rolls!)

Za’atar can be a little bit hard to find so I’m mixing a big batch and tying up cute little sachets for stocking stuffers.  Here’s my recipe/ratio:

1/2 cup minced fresh thyme

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds

1/4 cup sumac

1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt

This will make about 6 nice size little bags.

Stay tuned for more edible, home-makeable gift ideas. And send along any ideas of your own.