Rosemary Sea Salt

1 3-lb box of kosher salt (about 8 cups)
Bunches of fresh rosemary with sprigs attached, plus more for garnish

1. In a large high sided saute pan, combine salt and rosemary. Place over medium heat and warm through, about 10 minutes. Transfer salt rosemary mixture to a container. Let it cool for 5 minutes, uncovered, then cover with an airtight lid. Let stand at least overnight. (The container used for this step is for preparation only).

2. When it's time to fill the mixture into containers that it will be gifted in, discard old rosemary. Fill desired container with salt and garnish the tops and sides of the jars with rosemary sprigs trimmed to size.

This rosemary sea salt isn't limited to the kitchen. It can also be used as a body salt scrub. It would be a great addition in a spa or relaxing theme as part of a bath treatment. You can leave it as such or add a little grapeseed oil for a more lubricated finish. Rosemary has a relaxing and soothing scent that increases circulation and is great for normal to oily skin types. You can even use this as a scalp treatment if you aren't sensitive. But I recommend that grapeseed oil be incorporated if it's used for that treatment. As a salt scrub, it can be used once a week. But as a scalp treatment, I would only recommend using it once a month. And only if you have an oily non-sensitive scalp.

Spa Theme

For the friend who does too much and never takes a break, this is the perfect gift. I recommend adding a terry cloth toiletry bag or a monogrammed tote, a plush bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, candles, eye pillow, and face mask for the gift recipient's skin type. This may not seem affordable, but you'd be surprised how reasonable this gift set can be especially if you make the products from scratch. A simple bath treatment can be made out of milk powder and lavender flowers. A honey face mask or exfoliator can be made with honey, baking soda, and milk powder. A body oil, which can double as a massage oil, can be scented with lemon or lavender or whatever essential oil and grapeseed oil, an unscented base oil for a luxurious treat. Bath bombs fizz in the water and are luxurious treatments. LUSH sells them for about $5 a pop, but you can also make them yourself. The same go for candles. I'll be sure to include recipes in a later time.