Welcome to the third edition of the Guru Holiday Guide. This list features my top 5 picks for edible gifts. A unique cocktail mix, locally made snacks, excellent coffee and more. Give any of the gifts in this list and even the hardest person to buy for will be impressed. Some of these items have been mentioned before on the Guru but they still made the cut. I’ve painstaking picked out each item on this list and I guarantee anything here will be a big hit. Enjoy, I hope this list inspires you to step up your gift-giving. Scroll to the bottom for pictures.
1. Gift Certificate to The Sweet Praxis: The coolest, gourmet cookie company in Syracuse that makes picture-perfect cupcakes, macarons and more is also my top pick for consumable gifts this year. While they offer awesome gift packages of cookies I think you’re better off grabbing a gift certificate this Saturday when they’re at the Regional Market (Shed C) from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Find out more about them here. Go for $25 or more and make someone smile. Or buy a certificate for a specific amount of macarons. Credit cards accepted.
2. Cafe Kubal Coffee: The local coffee roasters who just opened a new location on 401 South Salina St are responsible for some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. As someone with a lifelong coffee obsession that’s about more than just the caffeine, Cafe Kubal is my favorite roaster for one reason: flavor. Each blend and roast has a totally unique taste and aroma, which are listed on each bag. If you’ve got a coffee lover on your list, this is perfect. I’ll give you two great choices: pick the Ethiopian Oromia Coop or the Brazil Mogiana, both are delicious. Best served from a French press or pour-over brewing method. About $10 a bag.
3. Little Devil Bloody Spice: A totally unique Bloody Mary mix that comes in the coolest package ever. Each cylinder contains 8 small, individually wrapped bags of liquid “devilling essence.” Made in small batches in London, it’s a mixture of Lea & Perrins Worchester Sauce, fresh cayenne peppers, citrus, celery seed and wasabi for an extra kick. Open one and mix with 150-200 ml of tomato juice, a couple ice cubes and your favorite vodka–it’s that simple. You’ll have to supply your own celery. The only true hangover cure–what could be a better gift? Available at Williams Sonoma at the Carousel Mall. $8.
4. Mariage Frères Darjeeling Princeton: Got a tea addict on your list? Look no further (I’m serious, this is the best black tea). From the 1845 founded Paris-based tea company Mariage Frères, this black tea is one of the most complex and rich on the entire market. This it not the low-grade tea that most companies sell, but a select, single garden sourced black tea with an amazing taste. Smooth, with a floral aroma and a subtle, dry tannin finish, Darjeeling Princeton is truly the tea aficionado’s dream. I’m not even trying to hype it up, this stuff is actually the best. Available at Williams Sonoma at the Carousel Mall or online. If you can’t find Darjeeling Princeton, any other black tea by Mariage Frères will do. $26.
5. Better Brittle: If you want the perfect stocking-stuffer this year, you can’t pass up on Syracuse made peanut brittle called Better Brittle. With a salty, peanut flavor, a totally unique texture (finely-ground peanuts) and 100% natural ingredients, this is a best bet if you’re looking for a local product to give as a gift. Available at these local retailers or at the Better Brittle online shop. 5 oz. package for about $5, 12 oz. for $10. See my Better Brittle featured article.
© 2011 – 2012, Michael Rotella. All rights reserved.
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