The social network I’m a part of believes in healthy and sustainable living. No wonder most of the gifts my friends and I exchange this time of year are either consumable (food) or books. As I look around our Extension office I see the inspiration for gifts I have given in the past.

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute produces free color booklets with delicious recipes. These are perfect to accompany a jar of salmon or a halibut fillet. We have the publication, “Quick and Easy Grilling Recipes & Tips”. This booklet has recipes for rubs and marinades. I have made a number of these in large quantities and put them in spice jars as gifts. My favorite is “Indian-Inspired Spice Rub”. The recipes can be downloaded at alaskaseafood.org

For the herb gardener on your list we have the Cooperative Extension book, “An Alaska Herb Garden- Recipes and growing tips for enjoying your herb garden”. This is a paid publication but is available during December for a reduced cost. The newest edition of “Using Alaska’s Wild Berries & Other Wild Edibles” is a practical gift for a berry harvester.

The Extension Office will be open 8:00-12:30, 1:30-5:00 through Dec. 23. We are located at 43961 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Suite A in Soldotna. For more information call us at 907-262-5824.

Submitted by Linda Tannehill, UAF School of Natural Resources and Extension; Health, Home and Family Development, Kenai Peninsula District.