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From breaking scientific studies, surveys, and special promotional events, to the latest and greatest creations in fast food, drinks, and snacks, we’ve skimmed off the cream of the crop and are serving it up in fun and informative bite-sized pieces that are still enough to chew on.
Giving edible Christmas gifts is a no-brainer, unless you’re gifting to a vegan. Then things get a tad more complicated. But we got you. Below, the best edible vegan gifts out there that are so good they’ll probably work for the omnivore on your list, too.
Chocolate Is Always a Good Idea
Lagusta’s Luscious Winter Wonderland Box, $75
Lagusta’s Luscious
New York based Lagusta’s Luscious is a chocolate specialty shop that ships its delectables, including a Chocolate-of-the-Month Club box, all over the world. The shop is completely vegan, but you couldn’t tell—the bon bons, peppermint bark (their holiday bark is pictured at the top of this page), and caramels are insanely addictive. In addition to being vegan, all the chocolate here is organic and fair trade.
Other high-quality options for vegan chocolate assortments include Compartes vegan chocolates and Divine Treasures. These vegan French chocolate truffles on Thrive Market would make a great host or hostess gift. Look for vegan options at local chocolate shops too.
For treats that are not only vegan but allergy-friendly (helpful if you’re looking for treats to send to school!), try No Whey! Foods. They make goodies that are vegan, kosher, and free of the common eight allergens. They also have chocolates for many major holidays, including Santa-shaped chocolate pops and Christmas-themed truffle boxes that are a bit less expensive than some of the aforementioned boutique options.Buy Now
Buy a Cookbook (and Ingredients for One of the Recipes)
“Vegan Christmas: Over 70 Amazing Recipes for the Festive Season” by Gaz Oakley, $18.46 on Amazon
Amazon
Want to show someone that you put some thought into his or her gift? Find a vegan cookbook such as “Vegan Soul Kitchen” by Bryant Terry or “Fun, Festive & Fabulous: Vegan Holidays for Everyone” by Marla Rose and choose a recipe. Next, get all the ingredients to make the dish and package it up in a gift basket. Of course, this option only works if the person loves to cook (or if you are offering your services for the evening).Buy Now
Or Try a Curated Snack Box
Vegan Snack Box, $103 on Mouth
Mouth
This gift box comes packed with delicious, small-batch vegan snacks, from decadent hot fudge sauce and luscious almond butter to rosemary popcorn and plant-based jerky! If you’re on a tighter budget, check out this $43 Vegan Snack Kit at Thrive Market, or seek out boutique vegan snacks at your local Whole Foods or similar store and put together your own box of goodies. For example, a vegan s’mores gift basket might have vegan marshmallows, chocolate made from plant-based milks (like Rakka Chocolate’s oat milk chocolate), and vegan graham crackers.Buy Now
Get Snacky
Fruhling Trail Mix, $28 for a Pack of Four
Fruhling
Anyone who’s on the go inherently knows how difficult it is to find a snack that’s not only healthy and vegan, but also provides you with enough energy to make it through the rest of the day. Enter Fruhling, a nut-forward trail mix that’s all about high-quality ingredients, like prized Bronte pistachios, Pizzuta almonds, golden berries, and roasted cacao. The trail mix, which is made in New York City, doesn’t boast any added sugar, preservatives, or additives, so you’re guaranteed to feel good about what you’re putting in your body. Buy Now
Give the Edible Gift That Keeps On Giving
Purple Carrot Vegan Meal Kit, $71.94+
Purple Carrot
If your vegan gift recipient does like to cook but lives a busy life, make it easier and more enjoyable for them to whip up interesting, healthy, and delicious meals with the gift of a plant-based meal kit subscription. Purple Carrot lets you send a 2-serving or 4-serving plan and choose between 1, 2, and 4 week duration options when sending a gift; each delivery will contain 3 globally inspired recipes that are totally vegan (like Refried Butternut Tacos, Korean Tofu Bowls, and Fire Roasted Gnocchi Bolognese) with all the ingredients needed to make them.
Check out other healthy meal kits on CNET. Or if you know your vegan foodie is not much of a cook, consider a fancy fruit of the month club.Buy Now
Give a Little Luxury
Runamok Organic Vermont Maple Syrup, 2-3 for $45-$68 on Food52
Food52
Honey is a no-no for vegans, but maple syrup is a great all-natural sweetener that can be used for baking, making drinks, and anointing vegan pancakes and waffles (and vegan fried chicken, for that matter). Finding an artisanal, infused maple syrup is easy these days, and a bottle of it makes a nice gift that’s a pretty safe bet for anyone, whether it’s your plant-based bestie or a vegan acquaintance you don’t yet know so well. This particular maple syrup from Runamok comes in an array of flavors, like Holiday Spice, Coffee, and Ginger Root (you can find it on Amazon too).Buy Now
Get Spicy
Truff Hot Sauce Limited Edition White Truffle Flavor, $34.99 at Truff
Truff
Hot head on your list? Find a gourmet, vegan-friendly hot sauce to light their fire, like this Oprah-approved white truffle-infused version with agave nectar and coriander. (Worth noting: Oprah’s Favorite Things on Amazon 2019 include some other choice vegan treats too, like gourmet mustard, infused grapeseed oils, and actual spices.)Buy Now
Gift Card It
If you have a tighter budget and/or want to give your gift recipient a bit more control, think about buying the special vegan in your life a dinner at a vegan eatery (like Loving Hut, a healthy, plant-based chain you’ll find across the country). Or consider a gift card to Vegan Essentials, which sells a wide range of staples from chewing gum to marshmallows, so they can buy exactly what they need.
You could even get a gift card for the Red Robin Song Bed and Breakfast that also doubles as an animal sanctuary. The vegan breakfast is worth the trip alone—think pumpkin pancakes, banana French toast, tofu scramble, among lots of other treats.
Related Video: How to Make Delicious Vegan Cookies with CBD If You Want to DIY
Mail order cookies, cakes, pies, and other sweet treats are better (and more prolific) than ever, and that’s a good thing this holiday season. We rounded up some of the best desserts you can order online, whether you’re looking for a delicious gift or an easy way to end your holiday dinner.
It seemed like a great idea at first: Desserts are a must on the holiday table so why not bake a couple from scratch? But you still have to run out and do some last minute shopping. And you’re definitely going to hit the grocery store a few more times (it doesn’t help that your nephew decided to go full keto recently). Oh, and now the oven is acting up.
Sometimes it’s best to play it safe and let someone else handle the heavy lifting. We’ve rounded up a bunch of sweet standouts that can be ordered directly to your door. It’s pie season, so we’ve included several of those as well as great mail order cookies, cakes, and even some non-baked ice cream additions because when it comes to dessert, the more the merrier.
Send them to someone you love, or have them delivered to your own house to help save your sanity this holiday hosting season.
Four & Twenty Blackbirds Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan Pie, $79 from Goldbelly
Goldbelly
This article is intended to bring some relief to the holiday cooking and/or gift-giving process, but let’s be honest, trying to decide which incredible dessert to order from Four & Twenty Blackbirds can be stress-inducing. The Brooklyn-based bakery has a number of delicious options including their famed Salty Honey Pie.
But for Thanksgiving, this option takes the traditional pecan pie you know and love to the next level with a generous dose of chocolate ganache and tons of roasty toasty pecans.
Piedaho Salted Caramel Apple Pie, $35
Piedaho Bakery
Stamped with Oprah’s seal of approval last year, this gorgeous pie packs all the sweet, sticky, fruity flavor of caramel apples into a tender, cinnamon-speckled crust with a judicious hint of salt to make everything pop.Buy Now
Bien Cuit Pumpkin Bread Pudding with Caramelized White Chocolate, $8
Bien Cuit
Having a small Thanksgiving gathering this year? These single-serve bread puddings are the perfect pie alternative. With blonde chocolate, pumpkin, and dulce de leche-soaked pan de mie, these rich, bready bites are a nice break from tradition that still capture the seasonal flavors you’re craving. This heavenly bakery is anchored in New York with three locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan but delivers their sweets nationwide.Buy Now
Vanilla Salted Caramel Cake by Ovenly, $79 from Goldbelly
Ovenly via Goldbelly
For those looking to go beyond classic pie offerings during the holidays, Ovenly’s Vanilla Salted Caramel Cake will fit the bill. The key is a double dose of caramel, whipped into the buttercream and drizzled on top that makes this sweet treat an absolute showstopper. But don’t miss their perfect pumpkin olive oil loaf either.Buy Now
Lady M Mille Crêpe Cakes, $90+ each
Lady M
Need something super sophisticated that’s also super delicious? A mille crêpe cake from Lady M will wow, whether it’s one of their classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate, or a seasonal treat like their chestnut version. The delicate layers of tender, lacy-edged crepes (at least 20 in each cake) and pastry cream or custard look incredible, and taste just as good too. In addition to their signature striped sweets, you’ll find impressive checkerboard cakes and cheesecakes, including a limited edition Pumpkin Nuage that beats plain old pie any day.Buy Now
Savannah’s Southern Pecan Pie by Savannah’s Candy Kitchen, 2 for $79.95
Savannah’s Candy Kitchen
If, however, you remain staunchly Team Pie, you certainly can’t go wrong with serving up a slice of Southern hospitality. This particular pecan pie features a delightfully gooey center and is topped, of course, with a crunchy layer of homegrown Georgia pecans. Buy Now
S’mores Pie by Butter & Scotch, $42
Butter & Scotch
This New York bar and bakery had an instant hit when it introduced its Instagram-worthy S’mores Pie. A graham cracker crust and creamy chocolate filling provide the foundation to a roasty, toasty marshmallow topping that is oh so addictive. They also have a Bourbon Ginger Pecan Pie for those who want a bite firmly anchored in fall.Buy Now
Fall Cookie Set by Southern Sugar Bakery, $54
Southern Sugar Bakery
Straight out of North Carolina, this autumnal assortment from Southern Sugar Bakery are mini works of edible art. Along with fall colored leaves, the collection includes plaque cookies with the message “Happy Fall Y’all” to help reinforce that these were indeed baked in the south. Buy Now
Milk Bar Pie by Milk Bar, $46
Milk Bar
The dessert formerly known as Crack Pie is the signature offering from Christina Tosi’s Milk Bar and for good reason. This sinfully sweet and salty creation is housed in an oat cookie crust and finished off with a light dusting of powdered sugar. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at your holiday gathering provided there aren’t any dentists at the table.Buy Now
Maple Wicked Whoopie by Wicked Whoopies, 12 for $30
Wicked Whoopies
Amy Bouchard has been making whoopie pies for over two decades. In fact, her company Wicked Whoopies has produced over 30 million of the beloved hand-held delight. Wicked’s pies come in a variety of flavors but their maple version featuring rounds of syrup-infused cake filled with fluffy cream is a favorite for the holidays. Buy Now
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie by Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, $38.95+
Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe
Kermit’s Key Lime Pie is the best in Key West, or anywhere else for that matter. Local key limes are the key (oh, dad puns!) to a bright, tart filling that complements the pie’s signature graham cracker crust. A ring of whipped cream offers just the right touch of sweetness. Buy Now
Dutch Apple by Julian Pie Company, $20.95
Julian Pie
The Smothers Family knows a thing or two about apple pie. Not only do they continue to run the Julian Pie Company, the Southern California institution which they founded over 32 years ago, they even bought their own apple orchard. Not surprisingly, apples find their way into nearly all of the bakery’s pies, but the Dutch version, which features a crunchy crumb topping, is a standout. Buy Now
Maman’s Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies, 12 for $65
Maman
There is no occasion that won’t be improved by chocolate chip cookies, and these beauties from Maman bakery are packed full of dark chocolate chunks and a blend of salted nuts for crunch. They were Oprah-annointed in 2017 and are still a delicious contender for best chocolate chip cookie in NYC—but you can order them from anywhere in the continental U.S.Buy Now
Deep Dish Pumpkin Pie by Harry and David, $49.99
Harry and David
An extra-thick layer of creamy pumpkin pie filling is topped off with fluffy whipped cream. It’s a classic, but even more of it than usual, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You can also order a gluten-free pumpkin pie, though it’s not deep dish.Buy Now
Sugar Cream “Hoosier Sugar Pie” by My Sugar Pie, $28
My Sugar Pie
If you’re not familiar with the Hoosier Pie, it might just be the best thing to come out of Indiana aside from Larry Bird and David Letterman. It doesn’t get much better than My Sugar Pie’s version which keeps things traditional with the trinity of butter, sugar, and cream. It’s the kind of slice that after taking one bite you’ll be asking, “Where have you been all my life?” Buy Now
Pumpkin & Cookies Mochi Ice Cream by Mochidoki, 4 for $10
Mochidoki
Though not technically a baked good, Mochidoki’s ice cream stuffed rice cakes are sure to provide a sweet end to any holiday meal. Flavors run the gamut from Black Honey Walnut to Vegan Lychee, but if you want a taste of the holidays, Pumpkin & Cookies can’t be beat. This seasonal mochi features pumpkin spice ice cream studded with chocolate and vanilla creme cookies for the ultimate two-bite dessert. For now, shipping is only available around the eastern United States so cross your fingers and make sure your state is on the list. Buy Now
McConnell’s Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream, $12
McConnell’s
Who says ice cream is only for summer? Vanilla is a classic for topping pies, but you’ll find plenty of delicious seasonal fall and winter flavors from several ice cream companies that ship nationwide, including California favorite McConnell’s. Their ultra creamy pints are always made from grass-fed milk and cream, and this one is swirled with roast pumpkin puree warmly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and molasses.Buy Now
The PieCaken, $99 from Goldbelly
Goldbelly
If you truly can’t decide on your favorite holiday dessert, there’s always the modern classic/monstrosity that is the PieCaken. You get pumpkin pie, pecan pie, spice cake, cinnamon buttercream, and apple pie filling all in one towering Turducken of sweets. (Fingers crossed for the return of the Christmas PieCaken later in the season.)Buy Now
For more great gift ideas, see our Gourmet Food and Drink Gift Guide, and our Best Kitchen Gadgets, Tools, and Appliances Gift Guide.
And see our sister sites’ tech gift guides, gaming gift guides, fashion and beauty gift guides, and TV gift guides.
Related Video: How to Make the World’s Easiest Crustless Pumpkin Pie
]]>If you want to cook Caribbean food at home, stock up on these chef-approved pantry staples.
Living in Toronto, you’re never very far away from amazing Caribbean food. From the eateries of Little Jamaica to newer fusion-inspired spots like Patois and Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen it’s impossible to ignore the Caribbean influence on the city’s food and culture as a whole. (Case in point: Toronto’s iconic Jamaican restaurant, The Real Jerk was chosen as the location for Drake and Rihanna’s “Work” video).
As a Torontonian, I got used to being able to find delicious Trinidadian roti, perfectly fried tostones, and freshly baked Jamaican patties whenever the craving struck.
When I moved to the west coast a few years ago, I was no longer able to find many of my favorite Caribbean food and pantry items at the local grocery store. Instead, whenever I would travel to the Caribbean (or other larger cities where there’s a Caribbean population), I’d always make sure to bring back jars of my favorite hot sauces, marinades, and sweet treats. However, with international travel currently on hold, I’ve had to get creative with my shopping.
The good news: If you’re looking to add a taste of the Caribbean to your pantry, there’s a plethora of delicious options that you can easily order online—from Jamaican marinades and Aruban hot sauces to Puerto Rican sweets and Cuban aji cachucha peppers.
Whether you yearn to recreate your favorite island comfort foods or are simply looking for ways to kick your pantry options up a notch, we polled Caribbean chefs and rounded up some of our favorite products that are available online stateside.
Hot Sauces
Chowhound
One of the easiest ways to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen is with an amazing hot sauce—and there are many to choose from.
Louis Soon, co-owner of Atlanta’s Lapeer Seafood Market, which is known for its fresh take on seafood and Caribbean dishes, recommends Pickapeppa Sauce as a “can’t live without” Caribbean food staple. This Jamaican hot sauce has a complex, spicy, raisiny taste to it that delivers next-level flavor to marinades, dipping sauces and smoked or braised meats.
Another fiery yet versatile hot sauce is Pica di Papaya, a local Aruban pepper sauce that Ever de Peña, Executive Chef at Aruba Marriott Resort, swears by as a go-to ingredient.
Made with papaya, de Peña says, “It has a tropical flavor with a small kick of heat from the peppers, though not too strong. What I personally love is that it can be altered and used in a number of ways. For example, it makes a great dipping sauce on the side for fries or vegetables, or you can mix it with other ingredients to create new sauces—a Creole sauce for fish Creole is one of my favorites. You can also make it into an aioli that pairs well with sandwiches or with Funchi fries, a local staple here in Aruba,” says de Peña. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative. “If you’re mixing the Pica di Papaya with seafood or chicken, you really can’t go wrong.”
Looking for another great option? Chef Ariq Flax-Clarke of the British Virgin Islands recommends adding local favorite, Sunny Caribbee Calypso hot sauce to your arsenal. “It can be utilized in a variety of ways, however, my favorite is to turn it into an aioli which can be used as a condiment for a taco, on some pelau, or even in a sandwich.”
Chowhound
Flax-Clarke prepares his signature spicy aioli by roasting two sweet bell peppers which he then adds to a blender with three tablespoons of Sunny Caribbee Calypso hot sauce. Once it’s puréed, he slowly adds one cup of oil into the blender on high speed so that the mixture emulsifies. “When thickened to your liking add a squeeze of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of vinegar for little acidity, a pinch of salt and it’s finished,” he says.
Lastly, you can’t forget Grace Jamaican Scotch Bonnet Pepper Sauce, says Chef Carmen, head chef at Bluefields Bay Villas in Jamaica. Made with a dash of sweetness and a lot of heat, “with this hot sauce, you are sure to bring Jamaican flavor to everything!” she says.
Peppers
Chowhound
Peppers are a key ingredient in Caribbean cuisine. Chef Stefan Friedrich Spath, Corporate Executive Chef at Couples Resorts in Jamaica, is a fan of Scotch bonnet peppers which can easily be purchased online, along with other Jamaican ingredients like papaya leaves and ackee seeds from JerkLikeUs.
“The heat from them is quite unique; they are not JUST spicy, but they have a wonderful roundness and balance of flavors. But don’t be fooled—they can be fierce. Of course they are essential in local Jamaican cooking, but they complement most international dishes really well. Whenever I get fresh ones, I like to chop them up and put them in a glass jar. I then top them with olive oil and keep it in the fridge. It lasts for months and the oil with the peppers can be used for cooking just like the fresh peppers. It also makes the perfect condiment on pasta or pizza,” says Friedrich Spath.
Cuban-American Chef Alejandro Porben, Executive Chef at Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar in Miami, encourages home chefs to also check out Aji Cachucha (Cachucha Peppers). Easily available on Amazon, Porben says, “Aji Cachucha is a small mild pepper used in many traditional Caribbean dishes, and can be found in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. In Cuba, my family always had these peppers on hand for dishes like black bean stew and chicken fricassee. They are not spicy, but they do add a nice touch of peppery flavor.”
Curry Paste
Chowhound
Curry is another essential element to Caribbean cuisine. Executive Chef Sebastian Perez of the Caerula Mar Club in South Andros, Bahamas says, “one of my favorite traditional Caribbean dishes is coconut curry. The flavors pair perfectly for a quick fish stew or seafood soup, but can really be used with any protein or vegetable when you’re in the mood for something different with a kick!”
For an easy, richly flavored dish he recommends the Curry Marinade Seasoning Pack from Reggae Spice Company. You can also make your own coconut curry using curry powder and canned coconut milk—his favorite is from Caribbean Choice.
Jerk Seasoning
“Jerk seasoning is a staple pantry ingredient in Jamaica, used to make our world famous jerk chicken, fish, pork, and various seafood dishes, it adds just the right amount of spiciness and really enhances the flavor,” says Executive Chef Anthony Miller, from Hedonism II Resort in Negril, Jamaica.
Hot Jerk Chicken
Miller says that Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning is known as the best in Jamaica. But it’s not for the faint of heart. “Be warned, jerk seasoning is very strong and you only need to use about 1-2 teaspoons when cooking for two-four people,” says Miller.
Chef Carmen also vouches for Walkerswood Jerk Seasoning. “For best results, make sure to marinate generously and overnight,” she says.
Caribbean Spices
“Cooking with fresh spices of the Caribbean brings out the soulful flavor of the Islands. There are many sources found in the grocery store, but getting impeccably sourced fresh herbs & spices make your cooking aromatic, earthy and complex,” says Chef Allen Susser from Jade Mountain Resort in Soufriere Bay, St. Lucia. He suggests stocking your pantry with whole cumin seeds, cinnamon, allspice, turmeric, and nutmeg from Burlap and Barrel.
Grains and Beans
Eva Kolenko
Chef Susser also suggests investing in some high-quality staples to add to your dishes like the coarse yellow grits, farro piccolo, Carolina Gold rice, peas, and beans from Anson Mills. “Heirloom varieties produce amazing flavor with staples of Creole and Caribbean cooking—the grits, rice, peas and beans. It’s all in the details,” he says.
For home chefs looking for a very quick meal idea, make sure to check out A Dozen Cousins, a line of pantry friendly bean dishes made using authentic Caribbean, Creole, and Latin American recipes. Try the delicious ready-made Cuban Black Beans and Trini Chickpea Curry (the Mexican Cowboy Beans are great too!)
Seasoning Mixes
Chowhound
I’m the first to admit that I am a very lazy home chef. That’s why I’m a huge fan of Island Spice All Purpose Seasoning—a spice mix I originally discovered while in Jamaica. Made with sage, oregano, and what I can only imagine is “magic,” this seasoning salt is great for adding umami to everything from hashbrowns to grilled shrimp. Having this mix on hand, makes whatever ingredients on hand taste delicious.
Green Plantains
Yes, you can order this delicious staple online! Curacao’s Chef Helmi Smeulders recommends purchasing them at Cuban Foodmarket.com.
“Plantains are used all over the Caribbean, either green (unripe) as a veggie and yellow to even black (ripe to very ripe) as a fruit. Every stage of ripeness has its own use. Green plantain is great to make chips and tostones.”
“My favorite way to use ripe plantains is to make plantain soup, which has a fantastic balance of sweet and savory, or to make plantain waffles. On Curacao, slices of yellow plantain are pan fried in butter and served as a side dish in any local restaurant,” says Smeulders.
Tamarind
Chef Smeulders also suggests adding tamarind to your pantry. “We have an abundance of tamarind trees in the Caribbean. Every island has different recipes and uses. In Curacao we make tamarind lemonade and sweets. I prefer to use it for sauces and glazes.”
“It brings a lot of flavor and freshness. If you can’t find fresh tamarind, you can use store-bought packages of Somboon brand wet seedless tamarind pulp,” she says. (You can also find other brands; they come in blocks and are also labeled tamarind paste.)
Sweets
Chowhound
Sweet tooth? We’ve got you covered. Joancarlo Parkhurst, a Puerto Rican chef based in Washington, DC enjoys starting his morning with Mallorcas La Orocovena. “This is a Puerto Rican sweet roll we eat for breakfast in PR.” While he’s looking forward to serving guests a homemade version when he opens his restaurant La Famosa in DC’s Navy Yard neighborhood, he says the store bought sweet buns that you can get at Antojo Boricua are still very good.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, he suggests pairing your morning sweets with a cup of Café Alto Grande, a Puerto Rican coffee which is available from El Comado. “It’s a super-premium coffee and is rumored to have been enjoyed by John Paul the 2nd at the Vatican,” he says.
Rum
Chowhound
Lastly, you can’t mention the Caribbean without rum. “Being from Trinidad, I’ve been a student of rum my entire life. It’s played an active role in so many moments of celebration and it’s very much a part of our cultural fabric,” says Marc Farrell founder and CEO of the Caribbean rum Ten To One.
Ten To One features elevated rums that are authentically Caribbean and perfect for craft cocktails.
Their dark rum is a blend of 8-year aged Barbados, Dominican and Trinidadian column still rums combined with high ester Jamaican pot still rum and finished in ex-Bourbon American oak casks (think: heady notes of baking spice, cedar, nut loaf, leather and apple). There’s also a refreshing and zesty white rum that’s a blend of column still rum from the Dominican Republic and high ester pot still rum from Jamaica.
Both are delicious and can be enjoyed on the rocks or in a cocktail. “You’ll often find me drinking our dark rum with a splash of soda water or in a Rum Old Fashioned. And during the summer months, maybe a spicy daiquiri served on the rocks. It’s delicious, refreshing and carries the flavor well,” says Farrell.
Related Reading: The Best Places to Buy Alcohol Online
Check out the best rum recipes on Chowhound for more ideas.
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Fall is still fairly young, and you have plenty of time left to do your Christmas shopping, right? Well, maybe. But if you’re shopping online this year, you can probably expect longer shipping times than usual, so the sooner you start the better.
If you’re looking for the perfect thing for a gourmet of any stripe, these are all the best food and drink Christmas gifts you can buy online—so start checking off your list.
From delicious individual food and drink gift ideas to ongoing food and beverage subscriptions and even kitchen tools to help your food-loving friends and fam make great meals at home, we’ve picked the best Christmas presents for all sorts of palates, personalities, and situations—and if you start now, you’ll have plenty of time to get them by Christmas.
Related Reading: The Best Holiday Stress Relief Gifts for Yourself (or Someone Else)
Click a link below to jump to a specific category or just keep scrolling to see them all.
Gourmet Food Gifts
The Best Edible Advent Calendars for 2020
Harry & David
Get ready to count down the days ’til Christmas with a parade of edible (or drinkable) treats, from wine and cheese to chocolate and beer—even pork rinds and popcorn (and pet treats too)! See our picks for the Best Food and Drink Advent Calendars for 2020, or zero in on the Best Boozy Advent Calendars if you’re after wine, beer, or something stronger.
The Best Food & Drink Subscriptions to Give
Harry & David
There’s a subscription out there for everyone, and we rounded up the best ones for food and drink (plus some great gift card options). These make a perfect present, and you can buy them at the very last minute in case you know you’re going to wait. See the best food and drink subscriptions for last minute Christmas gifts.
Sweet Gifts for Chocolate Fanatics
Sur La Table
From off-the-charts chocolate confections to charming chocolate items you can’t actually eat, these are the best Christmas gifts for chocolate lovers.
Gifts for Food-Loving Families
Sur La Table
Know a tight-knit clan that lives in the kitchen? Treat them to one of these family-friendly options that’ll bring them even more joy at meal time. See our favorite Christmas gifts for families that love food.
Gifts for Meat Lovers to Sink Their Teeth Into
Sur La Table
Know a true meathead (in the nicest way possible)? Check out the best Christmas gifts for meat lovers on your list.
Super Secret Santa Gifts (That You Can Eat)
Amazon
These delicious gifts are great for present swaps at the office (uhhh, maybe not this year), but also perfect for lots of other people on your list. See our favorite Secret Santa food gifts, from chocolate to hot sauce.
Charming Etsy Food Gifts
Elle Merced Macarons/Etsy
It is possible to support small businesses and still shop online. Check out these great Etsy food gifts for Christmas.
Great Gifts for Acquaintances
Macy’s
Shopping for your close friends and family can be a trial, but picking a gift for someone you only sort of know is even harder. That’s why we collected some things practically anyone would love. See our picks for best gifts for neighbors, friends of friends, and acquaintances.
Hot Gifts for Spice Fiends
Truff
Have a hot head on your list? These gifts are *fire emoji* (aka, perfect for them). See our picks for the Best Gifts for Hot Sauce Lovers.
Gourmet Stocking Stuffers Under $10
Macy’s
Looking for a little something? These stocking stuffers are all under $10 (most under $5), and sure to please any food or wine fan. See our Favorite Stocking Stuffers Under $10.
Vegan-Friendly Food Gifts
Mouth
Vegans love food gifts too, but you have to be careful about what you buy (hidden honey, animal-based gelatin, and other non-plant-based ingredients can crop up where you don’t expect them). To take the guess work out, we rounded up the Best Vegan Food Gifts to give.
Best Gifts for Healthy Eaters
Sakara
Got a friend who loves to eat, but puts a premium on healthy habits? See our Chowhound Gift Guide 2019: Best Gifts for Food Lovers Who Are Also Health Nuts.
Great Gift Ideas for Cheese Lovers
Harry and David
Curd nerds, cheddar heads, and brie fiends will all melt for these delightfully cheesy gifts. See our Chowhound Gift Guide 2019: Best Gifts for Cheese Lovers.
Star Gifts for “The Great British Baking Show” Fans — updated Sept. 21
Amazon
Even those who still aren’t over losing Mary, Mel, and Sue (or Sandi…) will cheer up when they unwrap these showstoppers. See our Chowhound Gift Guide 2020: Gifts for Fans of “The Great British Baking Show”.
15 Under-$15 Food Gifts Hand-Picked For You
Urban Outfitters
Our executive editor picked out 15 amazing under-$15 gifts for every food lover on your list (and OK, one is $16, but it’s too adorable to pass up)! See the best food gifts under $15.
Homemade Food Gifts You Can Make No Matter What Your Skills
Shutterstock
A homemade gift is always extra-special, and often a lot more affordable for the giver too. These easy homemade food gifts would make anyone smile this season.
Better-Than-Homemade Goodies You Can Order Online
Harry and David
Whether you need dessert for your own holiday table or want to show someone love via baked goods, these cakes, cookies, pies, and more can be delivered nationwide. See the Chowhound Gift Guide 2019: Best Mail Order Cookies, Cakes, Pies, and Treats to Order Online.
Gourmet Drink Gifts
Best Beer Clubs and Beer Subscription Box Gift Ideas
Jack Andersen / DigitalVision / Getty Images
If you want to treat the suds lover in your life to an ongoing subscription, they’ll love you for it. See our Best Beer Clubs and Subscription Boxes guide.
Festive Craft Beers for Gifting
Teerapon Tiuekhom / EyeEm / Getty Images
If you’d rather put a bow on an actual bottle (or six), check out the best holiday craft beers to give.
Best Wine Subscriptions to Give as Gifts
Shutterstock
A nice bottle by itself is a great gift, but a wine subscription is the ultimate present for your favorite oenophile. See Chowhound sister site CNET’s Best Wine Subscriptions guide.
“Grape” Wine Gifts You Can Wrap
Amazon
Still, if you want something you can actually wrap up and tie with a bow, try these charming (and useful) wine gadgets and gifts on for size instead. See our picks for best gifts for wine lovers (and don’t forget these other fun wine accessories).
Decanters We Can’t Get Enough Of
Sur La Table
Know a wine or whiskey drinker who deserves to sip in style? Get them one of these fun and functional decanters.
Chic Bar Cart Gifts Under $100
Food52
From lots of fun and thoughtful little extras to a couple of affordable bar carts themselves, these gifts are perfect for your favorite cocktail fan (with some picks for wine lovers and mocktail mixologists too). And there’s something for every budget, with nothing topping $100. See our Best Home Bar Gifts.
The Best Coffee Subscriptions to Gift Your Favorite Java Fiend
Trade Coffee
Whether your favorite coffee fanatic is into fair trade, trendy drinks, maximum efficiency, or just good old espresso, there’s an ideal coffee subscription to give them (even one for dog lovers!). Check out our picks for Best Coffee Subscriptions.
Kitchen Gadgets & Tools
Cute Coffee & Tea Gifts for Caffeine Fiends
Mae Kathryn/Etsy
If your main coffee addict is already full of beans and your top tea fan leaves you hanging when it comes to what they want, you can still delight them with a cute accessory like these charming (and useful) gifts for coffee and tea lovers. And don’t miss these 12 coffee products you never knew you needed (even if your recipient already has them, you might want to add them to your coffee nook!).
Under-$25 Gifts You Can Order on Amazon
Amazon
If you have Prime, you can still snag these budget-friendly gifts in time! See the best under-$25 Christmas gifts you can get on Amazon.
Under-$70 Amazon Kitchen Items
Chowhound
If you have a bit more wiggle room in your budget, these chic kitchen items from Amazon will come just in the nick of time too, and all are under $70. See the best Amazon kitchen Christmas presents you can still order.
The Best Looking Appliances & Cookware to Class Up Any Kitchen
SMEG
We value form and function, but we can’t lie: It’s these appliances’ looks that drew us in. (The reliable quality made us stay.) See the most beautiful kitchen gadgets, cookware, and appliances to give.
The Best Big-Ticket Kitchen Gadgets & Cookware to Give
Mealthy
These kitchen tools, gadgets, and appliances are great gifts for anyone just starting to outfit a kitchen or in need of an upgrade (and anyone who’s been dreaming of an Instant Pot or air fryer but hasn’t gotten one yet). See our picks for the best cookware and kitchen appliances to give.
Global Kitchen Gifts for Internationally Inspired Cooks
Sur La Table
For those who love cooking international cuisine, the proper tools and pantry items can come in handy. See some of our favorite international kitchen gadgets for global cuisine and cooking.
8 Great Affordable Knives to Gift
Brigade Kitchen
Good knives are absolutely essential in the kitchen, and any of these will make you look sharp. See the best affordable knives for 2019.
Tools That Make a Cook’s Life Easier
Sur la Table
These kitchen tools are on a smaller scale but will still prove infinitely useful to any cook. Check out our favorite kitchen gadgets and tools to give.
The Best Dutch Ovens for Every Type of Cook
Sur la Table
Everyone needs a Dutch oven—they can do so much, and they look so good. These are our 10 favorite Dutch ovens of the year; they’ll hold up forever and make their new owner happy for a lifetime. See the best Dutch ovens of 2020.
Sizzling Skillets to Wrap Up This Year
Sur la Table
A skillet is an absolute kitchen essential, and if you know someone who could use a new, high-quality pan, these are our favorites in every price range. See our picks for the best skillets of 2020.
Cookware Sets for Every Budget
Amazon
If you’re feeling generous and want to outfit a lucky cook with the works, we also picked out the best cookware sets for a range of budgets and preferences. See our collection of the best cookware sets of 2020.
The Best Direct-to-Consumer Cookware Brands to Buy
Made In
In a whole other category, direct-to-consumer cookware brands offer great quality, often-stunning looks, and competitive prices as well; the only caveat is that you have to buy them online—but most of us already do that anyway. Browse the best direct-to-consumer cookware brands and pieces of 2020.
Related Reading: I Tried the Always Pan That Claims It Replaces Eight Kitchen Tools & Here’s What I Thought
Cookbooks
The Best New Cookbooks Coming Out This Fall
Chowhound
There’s a slew of new cookbooks coming out this fall that are perfect for gift-giving season. See our Favorite New Cookbooks for 2020.
The Best Holiday Cookbooks for a Truly Happy Season
Amazon
These titles, both new and classic, will help you celebrate in style—with less stress—from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve. Check out The Best Holiday Cookbooks.
Pop Culture Cookbooks for Movie & TV Fans
Amazon
If you know a home cook who’s also a major “Downton Abbey,” Star Wars,” or “Supernatural” fan, you’re in luck. Here are the best new movie and TV cookbooks to give as gifts.
Meaty Reads for Carnivorous Cooks
Amazon
Know a committed carnivore who loves to cook? See our picks for The Best Meat Cookbooks.
Toast-Worthy Wine Reads
Amazon
For wine lovers who thirst for knowledge about their favorite grapes and those who want to cook with the good stuff, check out The Best Wine Books and Cookbooks.
Eye-Opening Books for Coffee Lovers
Amazon
From cookbooks to coffee manuals, these titles are sure to give any java fan a jolt of pleasure. See the Best Books for Coffee Lovers.
Best Books to Give to Bakers
Amazon
From classic tomes to brand new baking books, these make great holiday gifts (but would also be a huge help to you during holiday baking season). See the Best Baking Books to Give as Gifts.
Global Cookbooks for World Travelers
Amazon
These international cookbooks let you go globetrotting in your own kitchen and help satisfy a little wanderlust along with simple belly hunger. See the Best Travel Cookbooks for International Cuisine.