A jar of homemade breadcrumbs makes a homey, old-fashioned gift. Put a tag on it, and send it along with a favorite recipe. If you’re lucky, the recipient may invite you to dinner.
 
Basic Breadcrumbs

Ingredients
1 loaf Italian or French bread (day old bread works well)
 
Preparation
Preheat oven to 250°. Slice bread and place on baking sheet. Bake bread slices 20 to 30 minutes, until very dry but not toasted. Add bread a little at a time to blender or food processor, pulsing until finely ground. Store in airtight container or freeze if not using right away.

Breadcrumbs Fines Herbes

Ingredients
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons chervil
2 teaspoons chives
2 teaspoons marjoram
2 teaspoons parsley
2 teaspoons tarragon
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Preparation
Combine all ingredients in small bowl. Mix well and store in airtight container.