Gourmet Gifts
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(Photo by JD Havens)
1. Laura’s
Laura’s vanilla marshmallows are great—definitely an eye-opener if you have been accustomed to JetPuffed. But what really get us going are the flavored varieties. Try a raspberry marshmallow s’more or amaretto marshmallows in your hot chocolate; there are cranberry orange, pumpkin or peppermint marshmallows perfect for the holidays too. Owner Laura Dhuyvetter supplies plenty of product support—a.k.a. homemade graham crackers, hot cocoa mix and kits containing everything needed to make a great s’more. Golden Fig sells the Minnesota-made marshmallows for $7.
2. Malagasy Chocolates
Malagasy Chocolates’ bars come from the island of Madagascar. Unlike many chocolates, including those labeled “fair trade” or “organic,” Malagasy chocolate is produced from bean to bar in the origin country. This allows the local economy to capture not only the value of the raw commodity (cacao), but also the value added when the cacao is turned into the chocolate bar you buy at the store. The taste and texture of both flavors—Mora Mora and Sambirano—compare with the finest European-produced chocolate. Available at Linden Hills Co-op for $6.59.
3. Wild Country Maple Syrup
Wild Country Maple Syrup, an award-winning label from Lutsen, displays the delicious, gutsy intensity that gives Northeast syrup-makers a run for their money. Buy it at the Wedge for $5.99 and up.
4. Vanilla Company
Vanilla Company vanilla extract and vanilla sugar are great for baking, mulling, drink mixing and/or sauce making. We love them not only because of the quality but also because of the Santa Cruz, California-based company’s commitment to sustainable production methods and fair trade. Get the extract at Mothersauces for $2.34/oz.
5. Ames Farm Honey
Ames Farm Honey comes from about 300 honeybee colonies throughout central and southern Minnesota. In contrast to the honey commonly found at the grocery store (yes, even upscale grocers), Ames Honey is raw, pure and seeks to protect the unique flavor and aromatic qualities of honey produced from the nectar of different floral sources. Varieties in a given season may include basswood, sweet clover, buckwheat, goldenrod, thistle, wild bergamot and boneset. Find it at France 44 for $5.99.
Laura’s vanilla marshmallows are great—definitely an eye-opener if you have been accustomed to JetPuffed. But what really get us going are the flavored varieties. Try a raspberry marshmallow s’more or amaretto marshmallows in your hot chocolate; there are cranberry orange, pumpkin or peppermint marshmallows perfect for the holidays too. Owner Laura Dhuyvetter supplies plenty of product support—a.k.a. homemade graham crackers, hot cocoa mix and kits containing everything needed to make a great s’more. Golden Fig sells the Minnesota-made marshmallows for $7.
2. Malagasy Chocolates
Malagasy Chocolates’ bars come from the island of Madagascar. Unlike many chocolates, including those labeled “fair trade” or “organic,” Malagasy chocolate is produced from bean to bar in the origin country. This allows the local economy to capture not only the value of the raw commodity (cacao), but also the value added when the cacao is turned into the chocolate bar you buy at the store. The taste and texture of both flavors—Mora Mora and Sambirano—compare with the finest European-produced chocolate. Available at Linden Hills Co-op for $6.59.
3. Wild Country Maple Syrup
Wild Country Maple Syrup, an award-winning label from Lutsen, displays the delicious, gutsy intensity that gives Northeast syrup-makers a run for their money. Buy it at the Wedge for $5.99 and up.
4. Vanilla Company
Vanilla Company vanilla extract and vanilla sugar are great for baking, mulling, drink mixing and/or sauce making. We love them not only because of the quality but also because of the Santa Cruz, California-based company’s commitment to sustainable production methods and fair trade. Get the extract at Mothersauces for $2.34/oz.
5. Ames Farm Honey
Ames Farm Honey comes from about 300 honeybee colonies throughout central and southern Minnesota. In contrast to the honey commonly found at the grocery store (yes, even upscale grocers), Ames Honey is raw, pure and seeks to protect the unique flavor and aromatic qualities of honey produced from the nectar of different floral sources. Varieties in a given season may include basswood, sweet clover, buckwheat, goldenrod, thistle, wild bergamot and boneset. Find it at France 44 for $5.99.
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