Local artisanal food and drink gift ideas
The foodie on your shopping list will love any of these 15+ local items
Artisan Coffee from Flight Coffee Co.
If Santa has time for coffee with his cookies, then the Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Aricha Dry Process beans from Flight Coffee Co. in Bedford and Dover are sure to please (pictured at left). Careful selection and precise roasting bring out subtle flavors. This one has a hint of blueberry and lemon bar, and this is just the start of Flight’s bean selections. Beans can be roasted to order for maximum freshness or roasted and ground to the desired grind for any method, including pour-over style. Order online or visit the Bedford Roasting Lab or the Dover café.
More information: www.flightcoffeeco.com
Orange Cardamom Shortbread Cookies from New England Biscuit Company
Laura Brown of Portsmouth bakes delightfully rich and fully flavored traditional shortbread cookies perfect for Santa’s satisfaction on Christmas Eve. She uses a European-style butter with a higher butterfat content for a difference you can taste. Also find traditional and lemon rosemary flavors
More information: www.newenglandbiscuit.company
Foil-wrapped Chocolate Coins from Winsome Forge
Looking for gelt for stuffing stockings? Each coin is impressed with the state on one side and one of the state’s regions on the other (all are represented). The inside is solid milk chocolate. They’re from the same people who make the candy-coated granite rocks and seashells. Comes as a set titled “Riches of New Hampshire.”
More information: www.winsomeforge.com
Tea Rubs from Rub Me Tender
Give your favorite cook new ideas with this locally made spice rub featuring the exotic flavors of Earl Grey tea, garlic and lemon. (It’s perfect on a Greek salad with lemon and olive oil.) Other rub varieties range from the flavors of green tea or coffee to a Moroccan blend with cinnamon, brown sugar and cumin. Perfect as a stocking stuffer, and gift sets are available.
More information: www.rubmetenderspices.com
Raw Honey from DJ’s Pure Natural Honey
DJ has hives all over southern New Hampshire, and his bees are busy
pollinating area meadows. Flavors tend to change over the season, depending on what the bees are collecting. Naturally good raw honey can be found at most winter farmers markets, or you can contact DJ at djspurehoney@comcast.net.
CranbreeZ Cranberry Wine from Zorvino Vineyards
Bring a local wine to the party. This winery in Sandown creates a variety of wines with fruit, red wines and blends of unusual produce and traditional grapes. Their dessert wines, such a Jumpin Jacks Pumpkin Wine, are made with local pumpkins. Look for their bottles at local supermarkets, state liquor stores and specialty markets. Find their whole selection at the winery’s tasting and sales room.
More information: www.zorvino.com
Maple Syrup from Berkshire Gold
There’s nothing better than real maple syrup for those hardy Christmas morning pancakes. This cute log cabin tin of nature’s golden elixir makes a perfect hostess gift or stocking stuffer.
More information: (603) 770-4376
Cranberry Blood Orange Cognac Chutney from Wozz Kitchen Creations
Perfect for classic holiday entertaining items such as a baked Brie or turkey or ham glaze, this delicious chutney is packed with flavor and a touch of orange and cognac liqueur. Also available online in gift boxed sets.
More information: www.wozzkitchencreations.com
Fig Jam from Laurel Hill Jams & Jellies
Jam isn’t just for toast anymore. Use this one in a vinaigrette or with cream cheese and blue cheese spread on a French baguette that’s then broiled. Master jammer Sue Stretch has been cooking jams and jellies for years in her Bedford home and has garnered awards along the way for her simple but flavorful jarred delights.
More information: www.laurelhilljams.com
Engadiner Nusstorte from L.A. Burdick Handmade Chocolates
This Swiss specialty is a shortbread dough filled with a soft caramel of honey, walnuts and cranberries.
More information: www.burdickchocolate.com
Black Trumpet Cookbook from chef Evan Mallet
Perfect for the chef on your list who wants to spread his or her wings. Find out how award-winning chef Evan Mallett of the Black Trumpet makes many of the complicated dishes on his menu — recipes collected over eight seasons. The book is available on Amazon or through Stock + Spice in Portsmouth
More information: www.stockandspice.com
Fabrizia Crema di Limoncello from Fabrizia Spirits
The Londonderry makes lemons into limoncello, Vera Limon vodka and now a lemony liqueur with a touch of cream. Available at most state liquor stores.
More information: www.fabriziaspirits.com
Almond Cake from Mayfair Farm
This gluten-free cake made with ground almonds stays fresh for several days. Perfect with coffee or a bit of ice cream. Available at Whole Foods, Monadnock Food Co-op and the store at Mayfair Farm in Harrisville where it is made
More information: www.mayfairfarmnh.com
NH Commemorative Vodka
Who doesn’t like vodka? This spirit assists many a holiday drink task, including sprucing up eggnog or creating a peppermint schnapps. Plus the container is a keeper. Available at state liquor stores.
Heirloom Popcorn
Stock + Spice, an offshoot of the Black Trumpet in Portsmouth, offers a variety of house-made spice blends, chef tools, cookbooks and this heirloom popcorn from Wake Robin Farm in Stratham.
More information: www.stockandspice.com
Salad Bowl from New Hampshire Bowl and Board
Bowls are a perennial favorite item for gifting and perfect for the holiday table. This wooden salad set is a bit larger than usual and can fit enough to feed a crowd. Available online from New Hampshire Bowl and Board or the outlet store at 1213 Battle Street in Webster.
More information: www.newhampshirebowlandboard.com
