Schnitzel With Noodles

One of my favorite things to gift any time of the year is food. I am fortunate to live in a place with many small businesses that carry lots of local and artisan food items that make lovely gifts. Sauces, spreads, nuts, meats, cheeses, chocolates, and more, there are food gifts for any pallet. Here are a few of my favorite foods, who I give them to, and where to find them.  

Lu Lu - Vergennes, Vermont 

Photo Credit: Lu Lu Facebook  Page

 

 

Ice Cream. Need I say more? Okay, I will. Lu Lu is an ice cream shop, but they sell other goodies too. Baked goods (my daughter loves their chocolate croissants), espresso, and a selection of sauces and chocolates. I love that they carry the Fat Toad Farm brand of caramel sauces. Not only is it the best caramel sauce you can find in a jar, but it makes a great stocking stuffer. It's worth mentioning that not all gifts need wrapping, so why not surprise someone with a freezer full of their favorite Lu Lu ice cream? Basil for me, please!

Makes a Great Gift For: Spouse, children (my daughter in particular), parents, in-laws, friends, coworker, or hostess gift. And everyone else in the entire world.

Dakin Farm - Ferrisburgh, Vermont

Photo Credit: Dakin Farm Facebook Page

The Blake Hill spiced plum and Dakin Farm sweet pepper jelly at the Dakin Farm store are delicious; they are both an easy addition to any cheeseboard or stocking. I like to pour the sweet pepper jelly over plain goat cheese and serve with crackers or baguette. The spiced plum is perfect with blue cheese (such as Stilton).

Makes a Great Gift For: Husband, dad, parents, coworkers, hostess gift, and for me.

Gilfeather's Fine Provisions - Ferrisburgh, Vermont

Photo Credit: Gilfeather's Facebook Page

 

 

 

This store and deli are great for a lot of occasions (general shopping, take-out, holiday gifts) but for the purpose of this post, I am spotlighting their selection of fine food options that make great gifts. I love truffle flavored anything, and the Torres Black Truffle chips don't disappoint. Not something you should eat every day, but the perfect indulgent treat for the people on your list who prefer savory over sweet. Speaking of truffles, try the truffle butter on pasta, bread, or even cardboard (kidding about the cardboard). Lastly, Jan's Farmhouse Cranberry Pistachio crisps are delicious and taste like the holidays. Give them as a gift or bring them to a party, they'll be a delightful addition for any occasion.

Makes a Great Gift For: Spouse, in-laws, parents, friends, co-workers, hostess gifts, and me.

Shelburne Market - Shelburne, Vermont

Photo Credit: Shelburne Market Facebook Page

 Poking around this store is a delight. It looks like a regular grocery store, but you might be happily surprised to see all the local goodies and artisan treats. I started shopping here regularly for the quality meat selection and quickly fell in love with the choices of bread, fresh produce, spices, and other local food surprises (check out their deli). I discovered these meat strips last year when I needed whole vanilla beans for a gift and I just happened to find these on an end-cap of an aisle. Turkey, salmon, venison, and chicken meat strips by EPIC ( $2.29/each) were a hit with my husband and son when I added them (last minute) to their stockings last Christmas.

Makes a Great Gift For: Husband, father, son (my 15 year old in particular), son-in-law, friends, hostess gift.

Vermont's Own Gifts & Goods - Middlebury, Vermont

Photo Credit: Vermont's Own Gifts & Goods Facebook Page

This shop has sweet and savory surprises around every corner and on every table. I love visiting to shop their selection of mustard and jams. The Butternut Mountain Farm Maple Horseradish Mustard is versatile and the perfect gift for any mustard, maple, or horseradish lover. I use it as a wet rub for meats and to turn up the volume on homemade dressings (In a bowl combine: olive oil, balsamic, maple horseradish mustard, and salt and pepper to taste). It's the perfect spread for any holiday cheese board too.

Makes a Great Gift For: Husband, father, son, in-laws, friends, hostess gift. 

If I have learned anything as an adult, it is that food makes people happy. Food is not only a good gift, but it can be a very personal and meaningful gift. Food is something that we share, and while many of us will not be with everyone we love this holiday, food can still make us feel close.