Edible Gifts: Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Bittersweet Chocolate Crackle: Cinnamon + Pecan
The latest nut to take center stage in this sinfully delicious chocolate bark is the naturally sweet pecan, perfectly complemented by a spicy cinnamon. Dufflet; $16.67 for a pack of 2.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Simply Delish Chunky Dips: Sweet Chili
This dip is so delicious (indeed) we'd forgo the crackers and eat it with a spoon. Don't let the name fool you -- the spread gets may have plenty of sweet peppers, but, with sundried tomatoes, Parmesan, cashews and spices, it has a remarkable, savory depth and a texture that's thick but not too heavy. Chunky Dips; $5 per container.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Artisan Extract Gift Set
Passionate bakers know that the quality of flavoring extract used in a recipe goes a long way toward improving the taste of their cakes, cookies and pies. This gift set includes Sonoma Syrup Co.'s award-winning Vanilla Extract, which features a blend of Tahitian and Madagascar vanillas, as well as an Almond Extract (with more nutty depth than better-known brands) and a Lemon Extract, which captures the unique flavor of California citrus. What's even better? A portion of the proceeds from these gift sets goes toward the Race for the Cure. Sonoma Syrup Co.; $35.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Smoked Olive Oils
Using a wood-smoking process, The Smoked Olive created three extra-virgin olive oils -- Napa, with a mild smoky flavor; Sonoma, with a bolder smoke; and Santa Fe, which has a hint of chili heat -- to be enjoyed in dips, marinades or wherever you want to add smooth and smoky flavor. We're intrigued by the company's recipe suggestions, such as a Chile Chicken Stew and a Char-Smoked Hummus. To purchase, go to The Smoked Olive for store locations; approximately $26 per 200mL bottle.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Julie Anne's All Natural Granola
We're not easily impressed when it comes to granola, so when we say we love it, we mean it. Each of Julie Anne's four granola flavors (Sweet Citrus; Maple Blueberry; Tropical Bliss; Berry Yummy PB&J) tickled our tongues with a medley of complex flavors. The citrus was surprisingly bright, the maple rich with, well, maple, and the tropical bliss retained a pleasant punch. (We tasted more of the berry in the PB&J than the PB, but liked it nevertheless.) Most importantly, the granola itself perfectly straddled the balance between too dry and oaty and too sugary-sweet. Julie Anne's; $6 to $8.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Mango Chili Tea
We originally imagined this as a cool and refreshing summer drink, but now that the weather has turned bitter and chilly, the spicy chili mixed with sweet mangoes keeps us nice and warm. The Republic of Tea; $10 for 36 tea bags

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Port Clyde Lobster Mac & Cheese
If they didn't tell us it was a frozen dinner, we never would have known. Made with real Maine lobster, this cheesy treat was lavishly creamy and not at all fishy. Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.; $33.95 for 2-9 oz. boxes

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Old Fashioned Kettle Style Potato Chips
Not another new potato chip company, you say? Trust us -- Covered Bridge's kettle-cooked Russet potato chips are worth their salt thanks to the unique, dense flavor of their source potatoes. The Creamy Dill Pickle and Smokin' Sweet Barbecue flavors were our favorites -- and those with gluten allergies will appreciate the line's gluten-free seal (as barbecue sauces often contain gluten). To purchase, go to Covered Bridge Chips website for locations.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Whole Foods Market Gift Boxes
We're not sure whether it's the clever names -- Ciao Down; "You Rock" Box O' Choc -- the humorous packaging, or the bountiful supply of gourmet goodies, but we would be bowled over if someone sent us one of these gift boxes. We sampled the chocolate box, featuring cookies, wafers, bars, hot chocolate and more, but we think the Italian-themed box (with pastas, sauces, pesto, crostini and some espresso clusters for dessert), would be the perfect gift for any pasta-lover. There's also a snack-filled box ("The Gift of Grub"), a soothing spa package ("You're Zenzational") and a "Get Warm, Get Fuzzy" box of soothing wintry treats. Would it be gluttonous to ask Santa for one of each? Whole Foods Market; $40 to $60.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010

Savida Sangria
There are plenty of bottled Sangrias on the market and they're all terrible -- except this one. If you're having last-minute guests over and want to impress them, grab Savida Sangria (we loved both white and red varieties). Check Savida Sangria for locations.

Edible Holiday Gift Guide 2010