This time of year, I’m often struggling to find perfect, heartfelt gifts for my friends and family. It just so happens that many of the people on my list love nothing more than a good meal and a tasty drink. After scouring town and getting the advice of some of my foodie industry friends, I’ve found the perfect gifts for everyone on my list. So, if you’re like me and have foodies on your list, I’ve put together this ultimate holiday gift guide featuring some of my favourite finds sure to please even the most discerning palette.
Pinnacle Vodka
Consider gifting a bottle of Pinnacle Vodka, a clean, smooth and extremely mixable French spirit. Their new line include an array of fun and indulgent flavors including Carnival, Tropical Punch and Cinnamon Roll. And no one has to know about the surprisingly affordable price tag on this bottle of vodka, starting at only $24.95 per bottle in LCBO stores. Need a few inspiring holiday cocktail recipes visit the Pinnacle’s site for fun ideas.
Knob Creek Whiskey
Aged 9 years in deeply charred American oak barrels, Whiskey lovers will appreciate the long, glowing finish of this rich and complex bourbon. This whiskey drinks well straight up with a cube of ice, or as the base of a number of classic cocktails. A 750ml bottle retails for $46.95 at LCBO stores. Bourbon cocktails are all the rage this holiday season need a recipe or two? Visit Knob Creek’s site.
Tasty Treats from Life is Sweet
Located on Queen Street East in the Beaches area of Toronto, Life is Sweet bakery is well known for their delicious cupcakes, brownies and scones starting at only $2.75 each. This adorable bakery is well worth an in-person visit in its new location. Don’t forget to visit the back room for great gift ideas, like this ceramic platter ($17), for a little extra the owner Clair Sutton will prepare a ready-made gift to go.
Dessert in a Jar
Imagine a creamy mousse sandwiched between airy, moist layers of cake. Now, picture that in an easy-to-ship, personally sized jar. Baker Street has introduced these delicious desserts, the perfect indulgence for friends and family around the country. Choose from chocolate truffle, red velvet, Meyer lemon and chocolate peanut butter, all priced at a very affordable $3.99 each. Available at grocery stores across Ontario.
McWilliams Wine
Australian winemaker McWilliams has recently rolled out a new vintage of Hanwood Estate Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Moscato across Canada. Priced from only $14.95 at LCBO per bottle, this wine is extremely drinkable, approachable and makes the perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer for the wine-lover on our list.
Gourmet Gift of the Month
Canada’s leading gift of the month club, Amazing Clubs has just rolled out several new packages ideal for the foodie on your list. Their cheese of the month club includes 3 varieties of gourmet cheese each month, a Cheese Lovers newsletter in every shipment with details on the origin and suitable pairings for each cheese in the shipment, as well as a personalized gift announcement with the first shipment. Check out the amazing variety of other gifts online, including monthly gift of BBQ sauce, chocolate and even dog treats!
Jewish Soul Food
Truly authentic Jewish food is hard to find but so delicious when done right. Which is why I was thrilled to see this new cookbook, Jewish Soul Food by Janna Gur, including recipes which have been embraced by Israelis and have become part of the country’s culinary landscape so you know they are the real deal. For the traveling foodie, check out this beautiful cookbook from Random House, available in hardcover for $24.95. Available at Indigo chapters, Amazon and bookstores across North America.
Sable & Rosenfeld
I love this all-new line of gluten free appetizers, appropriately named Tipsy Tapas ($8.99) and Tipsy ($6.99)! These delicious jarred vegetables are hand-stuffed with imported Austrian cream cheese and look great on a party tray or served with sandwiches. Don’t miss the cheese-stuffed baby squash, my favorite! Sable & Rosenfeld recently has been nominated for “Specialty Food Association Hall of Fame “for 40 years of excellence” in product innovation and offering. Available at fine food and grocery stores across North America. Visit website for recipes ideas.
Walter Caesar Mix
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the fun-loving, health-conscious friend on your list, meet Walter. This all-natural craft Ceasar mix, made with vine-ripened tomatoes, fresh grated horseradish, and clam juice from the North Atlantic, delivers a healthy twist on a beloved Canadian classic. Walter Caesar mix, packaged in a glass bottle, is a perfect holiday gift. Available at retail stores across Canada starting at $7.99.
Swiss Master Chocolatier
Surprise the chocoholic on your list with Swiss-style gourmet chocolate box. Ingrid Laderach Steven, chocolate expert and owner of Swiss Master Chocolatier, decorates and packages these custom chocolates by hand. Using chocolate imported from Switzerland, she specializes in gourmet chocolates for Christmas, Easter and other holidays throughout the year. Over 29 years in business, well known celebrities and loyal patrons have flocked to the store on Bayview Avenue. Individual Swiss Truffles start at $1.79 and a 6-piece box retails for $14.50.
Thanks Parmie. I am always amazed at all that you have accomplished. I really feel that someone shoud write about all that you do……and it always was something you have ‘done from scratch’. Congratulations.
thank you Ingrid for your kind words. Continued success to you in your business.