7 Gifts for the Food Lovers in Your Life

Don’t send that old fruitcake this year. Try one of Vivian’s suggestions instead.

— GOL Team

Betsy’s Best Nut Butters

If I had a stocking I’d want it full of nut butters. That sounded strange but it’s true. They’re not only indulgent, they’re healthful- as long as you don’t settle in at your desk with a jar and a spoon like I do. Betsy’s Best is a queen among her peers. Both flavors (list here) have Chia seeds and flaky salt scattered generously throughout, so you get crunch and and a surprise salty burst in every bite. I like to spread some on toast, shingle bananas on top and drizzle that with honey. Trust me, I know the subject.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Pint Club

I’m counting on Ben’s lack of interest in social media here because this is what I’m getting him for Christmas. I could say more, but I think it’s obvious that for the right person there’s no better gift.

Roy’s Panettone

Every Panettone I had ever tried was like a drier, puffier version of our fruitcake, and we know how a lot of people feel about fruitcake. But Roy’s Panettone shocked me. It’s like regular Panettone mated with Zeus and birthed a half-god half-fruitcake baby. No doubt for me, it’s the favorite gift we get during the holidays. (I hope you’re reading this, Dag and Leslie Zapatero, and that I didn’t fall off your Panettone list).

Vivian’s Essentials Gift Set

If you’ve read the introduction to Deep Run Roots, you know I sleep with my microplane. Gift one of those plus much of the other stuff I need to do my thing in the kitchen. 

Red Truck Bakery Bourbon Cake and Granola (or anything really from Red Truck)

Their granola is already famous. President Obama and Andrew Zimmern stuck their necks out and called it the best granola on the planet, but I’m also a huge fan of their Lexington Bourbon Cake with Fresh Ginger and Double Chocolate Moonshine Cake. I guess I like booze. And if you’d rather bake a cake thank buy one, they have a new cookbook out that is all things Red Truck.

Roberta’s Pizza

I’m not sure how they managed it, but this hipster-approved pizza from Bushwick Brooklyn heats up crispy and is the closest thing a to wood-fired oven, restaurant quality pie you’re gonna eat at home. I’m giving a box of 4 of these to myself.

Rancho Gordo Heirloom Beans

Not all dried beans are created equal. Trust me, I know the subject. In fact, I’d go so far as to call Rancho Gordo’s beans luxurious. For three years running I’ve stuffed Ben’s stocking full of their variety pack. Beans and ice cream! I’m a good wife.