Fa La La La Food

10 Foolproof Food Gifts

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Prancer and Vixen, on cheese samplers, on beer and fixins.

By Jaime Archer December 15, 2017

Joule

There’s your home cooks, and then there’s your adventurous dinner party-throwing friend who jumps headfirst into cooking trends. Perfect for them: A sous vide tool just as stylish as it is practical, sure to draw accolades at the aforementioned get-togethers. The newest rose gold edition of Joule, sold exclusively at Sur La Table, includes a subscription to ChefSteps Premium's online cooking lessons and myriad recipes—two gifts in one! Sur La Table, $229.

Photography by Courtesy Joule

Snow Cap Winter Warmer Ale

Is it just a coincidence that Pyramid Brewing's 22-ounce bottles are the perfect size for a stocking? We think not. Any beer-loving bro would beam upon receiving this brew crafted with roasted chocolate, caramel malts, and plenty of hops. For a little something extra, try the bourbon barrel-aged version. Use Pyramid's site to track down the spot closest to you selling Snow Cap.

Photography by Courtesy Pyramid Brewing Co.

Mama Bear's Whats-This-Here Sauce

Dads of the world, meet the new and improved Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle some in your marinade or add a dash to your bloody mary just like they do at the Back Bar. And even if a little bottle of sauce seems like the ultimate dad gift, keep in mind that mother knows best (and knows how to make a mean secret sauce). E. Smith Mercantile, $16.

Photography by Courtesy E. Smith Mercantile

'Pie & Whiskey: Writers Under the Influence of Butter and Booze'

Poetry, prose, and recipes all packed into one book—this one's sure to please artsy friends who spend their days in bookstores and homey grandmas looking for pie recipes (and some entertaining stories to pass the time while the pie's in the oven). Elliott Bay Book Company, $20.

Photography by Courtesy Sasquatch Books

Bitty Bowls

Every fancy kitchen à la HGTV needs a multitude of pretty little bowls for salt and spices and what have you. Enter CG Sculpture and Jewelry's Bitty Bowls, made in Seattle from hand forged copper fused with glass. They even come with a small packet of Himalayan salt for peak Instagram vibes (which means even less work for you, last minute gift buyer). CG Sculpture and Jewelry, $62–$98.

Photography by Sarah Flotard

"World's Best" Mac and Cheese Kit

Okay, so penne's a little untraditional, but that's what makes Beecher's mac and cheese so world famous—it's one of Oprah's favorite things, mind you. Head down to Pike Place to pick up a kit (and watch some curds spin round and round), or have the whole thing shipped across the country, so even distant relatives can have a taste of Seattle. Kit includes 12 ounces of penne, Beecher's Flagship and Just Jack cheeses, and the recipe. Beecher's Handmade Cheese, $29.

Photography by Courtesy Beecher's Handmade Cheese

Snack Tray

Transition directly from present opening to snacking with a tray of goodies: Mt. Townsend Creamery Cirrus camembert, mini rosemary croccantini crackers, smoked olives, uncured salami chock full of French herbs, and a knife to dig into that cheese. Grab all of them at a Cone and Steiner location, $63.

Photography by Courtesy Cone and Steiner

2014 Cabernet Sauvignon

One gift to rule them all, one gift to find them, one gift to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them. You get the gist—you really can't go wrong with a bottle of wine. This cab hails from the Columbia Valley's Browne Family Vineyards and has a whole slate of flavor notes, from black cherry to truffle oil to mint. Brown Family Vineyards , $35.

Photography by Courtesy Browne Family Vineyards

Herring Kit Gift Box

Nothing says Ballard better than a box of herring! Bring out the inner chef in your friend with this kit for herring spiced spread, which comes with ingredients as well as a recipe card from chefs Renee Erickson and Marie Rutherford. Inside find a can of herring from Sea Creatures, locally-sourced currants, a bag of Villa Jerada vadouvan spice mix, and Pedro Ximenez Sweet Vinegar. Sea Creatures, $35.

Photography by Courtesy Sea Creatures

Gray and Smoked Salted Caramels

Life's like a box of chocolates—you never know what you're gonna get. Or do you? Fran's Chocolates delivers exactly what the doctor ordered in the form of dark and milk chocolate caramels finished with gray and smoked sea salts. Harvested off the coast of Brittany, this salt might be more of a world traveler than you. No shame in that, only more deliciousness. Fran's Chocolates, $34 for 20 pieces.

Photography by Courtesy Fran's Chocolates

Does your mind draw a complete blank when it comes to presents for your mother-in-law, work BFF, or mailman? Not to fear, food is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. From fancy gadgets to fish-filled gift boxes to cheesy treats, be prepared to conquer Christmas and check off everyone on your list.

Gift Guides, Holiday Gifts

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10 Foolproof Food Gifts

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