As we enter the colder months, the holiday season is approaching, and now is a better time than ever to get a head start on gifting. A gourmet gift basket makes the perfect party favor, holiday gift, or workplace indulgence that shows thought and ensures you’ll never show up empty-handed. With infinite options, every basket is one-of-a-kind, and with so many elements, your gift is bound to excite and impress even the most seasoned foodie. We pulled together some of our favorite gourmet food items to help you build the perfect basket for any friend, family member, or occasion.
Gracious Gourmet Jams & Spreads
No gift basket is complete without a jar of something new and delicious, and The Gracious Gourmet has no shortage of options. Their jams, spreads, and pestos come in delicious and inventive flavors like Blueberry Lemon Thyme and Rosemary Pear, each an ideal pairing for anything from cheeses and salads to yogurt and ice cream. For a savory pick, try their Artichoke Parmesan Tapenade, which is the perfect addition to any bruschetta or pasta dish. We also love their Lemon Artichoke Pesto, which brings a distinct creaminess and citrusy tang to the Italian classic. Each of their unique products add the perfect gourmet touch to amaze the tastebuds and inspire creativity in the kitchen.
Fabalous Hazelnut Spread
We love gourmet takes on classic favorites, and Fabalous’ creamy hazelnut and cocoa spreads are a prime example. The brand uses chickpeas — a nutritious powerhouse packed with protein and fiber — to create a nourishing, creamy spread that coats your mouth with the perfect sweetness of hazelnut and cocoa. Chickpeas are also a great choice because their plants release nitrogen as they grow, meaning that their production stimulates air quality and soil health. With so much obscurity surrounding the ethics of production, it’s a relief to find a product that’s just as good for the environment as it is for you. The delicious spreads come in three flavors — classic hazelnut, crunchy hazelnut, and orange hazelnut. Each one is the perfect addition to a warm piece of toast, a sweet peanut butter hazelnut sandwich, or a soft pancake. Including a sweet spread in your gift basket adds a perfect versatile and indulgent touch, and this is the perfect unique pick.
Yes Cacao Chocolate
Every gift basket needs something sweet. When you’re looking to add that special cherry on top, Yes Cacao is the perfect pick. Their innovative chocolate is infused with holistic botanicals that have beneficial effects on energy levels and overall wellness. They harness the powers of ingredients like kava, lion’s mane, and reishi to create indulgent chocolate blends that treat the body and mind, in addition to the palate. Their energizing mint flavor uses shilajit to activate physical strength and longevity, while maca stimulates cognitive function. The spiced mint chocolate features lions mane and ginkgo to increase focus and memory. Finally, their “bliss out” bar uses kava and blue lotus to boost mood and reduce anxiety. Vanilla nut, pepper, and earthy mint make these chocolate bars uniquely guilt-free indulgence that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and wellness to your gift basket.
La Fonte San Marzano Tomatoes
Transport your gift basket to grandma’s kitchen by including La Fonte’s delicious Pomodoro San Marzano tomatoes. Considered “the best tomatoes in the world,” these whole peeled tomatoes come straight from Italy and offer the perfect juicy touch to elevate any dish. These regionally-specific tomatoes are known for their sweetness and intense flavor, and a bright but subtle acidity that blends well with rich flavors. With the reputation of being the gold standard of tomatoes, this pick will impress even your most culinary friend, and is perfect for those who love cooking.
Garden to Glass
A food- or drink-themed book is the perfect compliment to a food-centered gift basket — an element of the gift that keeps giving, if you will. Garden to Glass, Turner Publishing’s new release from herbal mixologist Mike Wolf, is our pick for the ideal literary addition to your gift, especially for those interested in cocktails and gardening. This guide emphasizes the power of growing ingredients right in your own garden, and offers tips to bring your garden to the bar by incorporating it into cocktails, cordials, bitters, and more. Herbs, botanicals, and vegetables are all featured heavily in the recipes, from strawberry and blackberry to to parsley and cucumber. It also isn’t just a book of recipes — the author also takes us on an enlightening journey though preservation, foraging, and gardening. This comprehensive guide is a fascinating dive into the garden-to-glass movement and a myriad of possibilities for unique, creative, and nourishing cocktails.
Jordan’s Skinny Mixes
For a touch of sweetness and flavor in any cocktail or coffee, we love the range of delicious flavors from Jordan’s Skinny Syrups. From fruity to chocolatey, there’s something for every palate — but we love their indulgent holiday flavors for the perfect winter drink. Choose from flavors like Salted Caramel, Cinnamon Dolce, Chocolate Mocha, Peppermint Mocha and Vanilla Bean. Their naturally sugar- and calorie-free formula uses stevia and monk for a hint of guilt-free sweetness that is just as indulgent as other sugary options. Their rich and creamy syrups are the perfect touch for any holiday gift basket!
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