Foodie Favorites: Tasty Treats for Gifting

If you can’t figure out what to get someone on your list, there is something everyone likes: food. Granted, people have different tastes, which is why we wanted to share some of our favorite tasty treats for gifting. There’s a wide variety--from the best Italian chiles to the chocolate bars we can’t stop eating. We made sure to include lots of locally made products, which is always a great gift idea for people who live outside the Northwest. Happy eating!

First Row:
Boat Street Pickled Figs: These are amazing with some crackers and a log of goat cheese or as a topping for panna cotta (or even vanilla ice cream).
Marge Granola: Made in small batches in Seattle and available in flavors like apricot pistachio and spiced apple pecan, this is a nice healthy-ish treat at Christmas time.
Tutto Calabria Hot Long Calabrian Chili Peppers: These Italian imports add a spicy, fruity kick to marinara sauce, eggs, and really anything else you can think of.
Black Truffle Oil: Nothing says luxury like truffles. Drizzle a little over popcorn for a grown-up movie treat.

Second Row:
Jacobsen Salty Black Licorice: These Oregon-made candies might even soften the hearts of the most vehement black licorice haters.
Confectional Mini Cheesecakes: This little Pike Place bakery makes the most amazing mini cheesecakes. The crust (and the filling) is to die for. Order online or pick up at the Market.
Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar: For under $4, this Trader Joe’s find delivers a lot of flavor. It tastes like cheddar mixed with parmesan. Yes, please.

Third Row:
Johnson Berry Farm Blackberry Habanero Jam: Johnson Berry Farm makes the best preserves. Try one with spicy peppers for unexpected kick.
Canter-Berry Farm Blueberry Syrup: Put a new twist on blueberry pancakes with syrup made from Northwest berries.
Theo Chocolate Bars: These prettily packaged bars are made in Seattle and available at local grocery stores. Stack three together, tie with a ribbon, and you’ve got a perfect hostess gift.

Fourth Row:
Fran’s Truffles: Another local favorite, these truffles are a seriously delightful indulgence. The perfect stocking stuffer for a chocolate lover.
Maldon Sea Salt: The favorite finishing salt of chefs. Anyone who loves to cook will love having a little bowl of Maldon by their stove.

Bonus: When Stefan, Ashley's husband, was asked for his opinion about the best edible gifts, he insisted we include his signature candy mix. High-brow? Definitely not. Addictive? Definitely yes.

Shake together in a large ziplock bag (evenly distributing the sour sugar is key to success) and let the sugar rush begin. Don’t judge until you try.