Does anyone really need another candle, or sweater, or pair of ironic socks? I didn't think so. If you're still shopping for Christmas presents (you procrastinator, you!) consider putting together a Christmas foodie basket for that person in your life who loves to eat, to try new things, and to support local businesses. I put together a chest full of my favorite products for some people who are very dear to me. Sadly, they are neither coffee drinkers nor alcohol drinkers, or you better believe I would have put some Sunergos Coffee [4] and some Maker's Mark in there! Despite their virtuousness, I was able to fill my box with amazing foodstuffs from around the town.
My foodie Christmas box includes:
- A $10.00 gift certificate, kindly provided by Dish on Market [5]
- A package of Muth's popcorn peanut brittle
- A few scattered Muth's Modjeskas [6], the perfect Christmas Candy, homemade marshmallows wrapped in tender caramel
- A duo praline bar from Ghyslain on Market [7], dark chocolate with hazelnut praline and a white chocolate center, and milk chocolate with pistachio praline and a white chocolate center.
- Smoky tomato dressing from Goose Creek Diner [8]--easily the best salad dressing of all time. They sell it in little to-go containers, but I just bought transferred some to a glass bottle and corked it! This could work with any special sauces, provided the restaurant will sell them to you!
- THE BEST granola from Please and Thank You [9], with almonds, coconut flakes, pepitas, sunflower seeds, dried cherries, dried apricots, flax seed, honey, cinnamon butter, vanilla and kosher salt
- A jar of Spring Valley Farms All Natural Peach Butter which I got from the Liquor Barn off Hurstbourne
But really, you could include any kind of foodie delightfulness you can dig up around the town. Nuts N Stuff, [10] on Barrett, can provide hard to find spices and amazing coffee blends for the chef in your life. Cooking at the Cottage [11] provides gift certificates, so you can get yourself and your best friend, or your favorite couple an evening cooking class. The possibilities are endless! Happy shopping!
Photo: Elizabeth Orrick