DIY Hostess Gift Idea: Homemade Pesto in Gourmet-Looking Recycled Glass Jars

Have you ever been to one of those fancypants <a>gourmet food shops</a>, spotted a beautiful beribboned jar of something delicious, picked it up lovingly... and then had a heart attack when you saw the price sticker? We've all been there, but there's no reason you can't create your own DIY versions of those costly epicurean delights for just a few bucks to give as a wonderful, homemade gift. We all know that people love receiving edible presents, and a gift basket with a <a href="http://www.inhabitots.com/how-to-make-zero-energy-chunky-pesto-with-sunflower-seeds/">couple of fancy pestos</a> or sauces makes a special treat for friends and family you might visit over the summer. All you need to get started are a few fresh ingredients and a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/diy-how-to-make-a-terrarium-in-a-recycled-glass-jar/"> plain old glass jar</a>—like the one that you were about to toss in the recycling bin.

Making your own pesto sauce is quick and easy, and it makes such a gorgeous gift.

Pesto can be made from any leafy green vegetable or herb, with nuts, garlic (or onion), and the oil of your choice. Experiment in the kitchen to see what flavors you like best!

<h3>MATERIALS:</h3> For the packaging: A glass jar (we used a stout artichoke jar but you can use any jar you like) A rubber band A square of recycled fabric or tissue paper that will fit over the lid of your jar A ribbon (we used one that we had from an old box of chocolates) A nice label or a piece of white paper for you to write your name or the recipient's on For the pesto (we like pesto but you can use any sauce or homemade food you like): 2 cups fresh basil leaves 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup parmigiano-reggiano or romano cheese (leave this out if you'd like your pesto to be vegan)

<h3>STEP 1:</h3> In a food processor or blender, grind up your pine or walnuts until they're coarsely chopped.

<h3>STEP 2:</h3>Next, add the rest of your ingredients except for the olive oil. Then start blending them slowly while drizzling your olive oil in gradually. Keep blending until all the ingredients are well incorporated and you have a mixture that looks like, well, pesto! Taste a bit of your pesto and add salt and pepper as needed.

<h3>STEP 3:</h3> Make sure that your recycled glass jar is nice and clean and dry. Then fill it up almost to the top with your pesto and pop the lid on tightly.

<h3>STEP 4:</h3> Next, cut a square of remnant fabric or even soft paper to fit your lid. We cut ours from some thin paper left over from a bouquet of flowers so we used a few layers instead of one. If your fabric is thick enough, one layer should do. Place it over your lid to make sure it fits.

<h3>STEP 5:</h3> Then place a rubberband over the top of your fabric to secure it. Tie the ribbon over the rubberband to hide it. <h3>STEP 6:</h3> Last, pop a label or tape a piece of paper onto the front of your jar and label it "[your name here]'s Pesto" or write in the recipient's name. There you have it! A yummy, "gourmet" gift that is so cheap, you could probably give one to everyone on your list for less than what it would cost you to buy at a fancy shop!