Gifts from the Kitchen

This Bon Appetit guide gathers 200 of the magazine's homey and delicious gift suggestions: spreads and nuts; pates, sausages and meat pies; sauces, salad dressings and seasonings; pickles, relishes and chutneys; jams and preserves; breads, cakes and cookies; and candy. The old-fashioned gingerbread house and the marzipan fruit and animals may be time-consuming, albeit artistic, confections, but spiced pecans and rocky road candy are simply and quickly prepared. Brandied vanilla essence must stand for several weeks but is otherwise uncomplicated; spiked pineapple dessert sauce is a last-minute treat to dollop over ice cream, pound cake or gingerbread. Step-by-step directions for preserves yield traditional favorites, as well as unusual variations (Viennese beet preserves) and modern adaptations (microwave orange marmalade.) Creative packaging, storage and serving instructions and color photographs enhance the savory selections. (March 25)