The Foodie Gift Guide

Wondering what to buy the foodie in your life for Christmas? Allow me to help. Here is a collection of gift selections that I think foodies will love.

A Great Garlic Press – this is one of those little tools that I use all the time, and have an effective, and easy to clean garlic press is something anyone who loves to cook will appreciate. I love the Oxo Garlic Press.

A Silicone Baking Mat – Rick Bayless says that he uses these when he bakes, and if the winner of Top Chef Masters swears by the product you know it is a must have. These mats are especially great for baking cookies and other sweets.

A Pastoral Gift Basket – Pastoral is simply the best place in Chicago to buy cheese and they put together the most beautiful gift baskets. Pastoral created gift baskets to celebrate their 10th anniversary, and the Hyde Park basket inspired by the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 and includes cheese from all over the world. Or if you want someone to enjoy the gift of cheese year round, check out their monthly cheese clubs.

Le Sirop by Femme du Coupe – Revae from Femme du Coupe is a talented mixologist (and a friend) and she has created her own line of curated cocktail syrups that will take your bartending skills to the next level. Choose from Winter Spice, Ginger Zest, or Lavender Honey. The Lavender Honey is great with Prosecco.

Kitchensurfing Gift Card – Remember Kitchensurfing? The caterering service is available in Boston, Chicago, New York, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Kitchensurfing lets users select a chef and a menu to host a meal in their home. The party I hosted was so much fun and I can’t say enough good things about the experience.

Vosges Haut – Chocolate – This gourmet chocolate is too delicious for words to describe it. They have a location at O’Hare and I often stop to pick up hostess gifts there on my way out of the city. The Mini Nosh Box includes all of my favorite things – the mini chocolate library, the caramel toffee, and the exotic truffles.

Ketchapeño and Ketchipotle – There is ketchup and then there is gourmet jalapeño ketchup and chipotle ketchup. The ketchups can be used as a condiment, or as an ingredient. I used it to create Bison Ketchipotle Chili.

RawSpiceBar is a monthly spice delivery subscription that only costs $6 a month. Each month subscribers receive 3 premium spice blends from around the world, and recipes are available on RawSpiceBar’s website. Subscriptions for 3, 6, or 12 months are available.

Looking for a gift for the Chicagoan that has everything? A Lettuce Entertain You Gift Card is sure to be a hit.