Summer gift ideas for that next big Long Island backyard BBQ bash

Make your own seasonings & more

I posted a proud picture of a garden bed filled with lettuce on Facebook in the Long Island Homesteading Forum recently.

The leafy greens were ripe for the picking and the caption read “Once AGAIN, I’ve got a bed full of lettuce but all I want is takeout from the Chinese restaurant. Maybe tomorrow I’ll have a salad.”

My supportive forum of peers built a lengthy thread of practical uses. The recommendation that stuck was dehydration, because it has been on my radar and the idea was to preserve the greens to add in soups. Sold!

Within minutes I placed the order for a Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster Express All-In-One Kit. For several seasons (no pun intended) I’ve grown bushels of herbs and had to hand them off to a busy friend to preserve, but not anymore. In fact, I am more herb focused than ever before.

Order your Nesco American Harvest Snackmaster Express All-In-One Kit on Amazon.com.

Dehydrators start at $30 and up.

Here’s some more general advices, if none of the above gift ideas fit the bill for that guest of honor.

Choose something that pays homage to the sea and is swim friendly. Think personalized to increase self-expression during these social months, and of course go functional — because, after all, the summer is the most active time of year for us Long Islanders.

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Matthew Ambrosio is a creative native of Long Island who lives in North Babylon. Matthew presents his broad body of knowledge and experiences with a fresh, original and realistic style. As an apparel entrepreneur, professional makeup artist, lifestyle enthusiast, foodie, educator and wannabe farmer, no topic is off limits.