The fact that I have not yet completed my holiday shopping is stressing me out. I know, I know, there’s still plenty of time. I can just be a bit Type-A about these things.
Really, most of the people on my list receive my homemade cookies. Cookie baskets have become quite a tradition. One that I am happy to do every year. However, other than making it myself, I also love to give edible gifts by local artisans/companies. Here are a few of my favorites: (No paid endorsement here. I like these products for real.)
Chocolate Lace from Hauser Chocolatier: It’s crispy and delicate. I have loved chocolate lace since I was a little girl and it was a wonderful history in Danbury.
Bridgewater Chocolate: This chocolatier made me into a chocolate lover. It’s rich, velvety and a little piece is all you need to curb a craving. In our household this is a gift for all occasions.
Sweet Chow Gourmet Granola Mix: I usually make granola from scratch, but I think this is a cool idea. With Sweet Chow all the granola ingredients you need are packed together. All you have to do is bake it. I had a sample while doing a demo at the Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market. My favorite flavor: Cashew Cranberry.
Salsa Loca Original HOT by Fresh Trak Foods: Again, had a sample at the Litchfield Hills Farm Fresh Market. It was tasty with some nice heat. All their salsas are made in small batches with fresh, locally grown (when available) ingredients and no preservatives. They even have a salsa of the month club.
Other ideas:
Make a gift basket with some local honey and/or maple syrup in it and make up a bag of homemade pancake/waffle mix with instructions.
Local wine makes a nice hostess gift. Dozens of Connecticut vineyards and wineries are listed online.
…oh, and don’t forget, there’s lots of great Local Food Rocks and The Natural Princess schwag available at my web store!
What are your delicious gift giving ideas? Please feel free to leave a comment with some of your local food favorites!