2020 Food-Lovers Gift Guide
The holidays are going to be different this year, but maybe that’s okay. Many of us can’t gather in person with friends and family. We’ve lost so much that it feels strange—inappropriate even—to think about giving and receiving gifts. And at the same time, I feel a stronger than usual urge to tell the people I love that I love them. I want them to know that I’m thinking of them and sending best wishes for a hopeful future. I want to do what I can to give them even a small amount of comfort and joy. So, I’ve decided to support my favorite women-owned businesses by buying online and sending packages to dear ones near and far. Here are the gifts (all under $50) that I wholeheartedly recommend:
Sichuan Chili Crisp – Fly by Jing ($15) – I’ve written before about my love for this spicy, crunchy condiment. Every year, Graham and I name our Condiment of the Year—the one we feel wins as most loved by us for that particular year—and we unanimously voted for Fly by Jing’s Chili Crisp, no questions asked.
Turi Olive Oil – Exau ($27) – Order this oil pronto! There’s limited stock available because Exau was recently included among Oprah’s Favorite Things 2020.
Apple cider vinegar – Pineapple Collaborative ($20) – Ever had apple cider vinegar that actually tastes like apples? This one, produced in collaboration with farmer Joanne Krueger, is made from a blend of organic Gravenstein, Red Rome Beauty, Golden Delicious, and Pink Pearl apples.
Single-Origin Pragati Turmeric – Diaspora Co. ($12) – Vibrant, joyful ground turmeric from a company that’s putting money, equity, and power into the hands of Indian farmers.
Gochujang – Mother-in-Law’s (4 jars for $38) – Another favorite condiment that I cook with pretty much every week. It’s thick and concentrated, so it lasts a while. I like to thin it with a splash of rice vinegar and a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and then spoon it over rice bowls.
Love Potion baobab juice – Teranga ($6.50) – A refreshing, invigorating drink made from fruit of the baobab tree, this juice is also packed with soluble fiber and nutrients. Bet you didn’t know that baobab has more vitamin C than oranges, more magnesium than kale, more potassium than banana, and more calcium than milk.
Coconut Cilantro Chutney – Basbaas ($9.99) – You’ll want to put this tangy green sauce on everything, and you’ll feel great knowing it is organic, non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free.
Silk Road Halvah – Halvah Heaven ($6.50) – Graham’s family has been eating halvah, which they call halawa, for generations. I’ve been lucky to try lots of different kinds, and this one really stands out as a star. But don’t just take my word for it—this halvah won a Good Food Award.
Tahini – Soom (2 jars for $16.50) – Speaking of sesame seeds and awards, Soom’s tahini is top-notch, and the three sisters who founded the company were included among Forbes’ 30 Under 30 the same year I was, so I feel a real kinship!
Espresso blend coffee beans – Ruby’s Roast Coffee ($13) – Intensely flavorful, with a gorgeous thick crema, and roasted in Berkeley by two best friends.
Breathe Tea – Leaves and Flowers ($17) – I think it’s safe to say we could all use a cup of hot tea that helps us breathe a little easier these days.
Country Bread – Tartine (2 loaves for $39) – Until recently, you had to live near San Francisco’s best bakery to buy their extraordinary pastries and naturally leavened loaves. But now they offer national shipping!
Culinary dish tote – Àplat ($50) – This canvas tote is très chic for bringing picnic provisions to the park for a safe, socially-distanced hang with friends.
Sweetie Pie dish – Great Jones ($45) – Great Jones’ brand-new line of bakeware is on every home cook’s wish list. I love this ceramic pie dish’s wavy rim and appetizing color options.
Ceramic flower bud vase – Zuzana Licko ($35) – Nobody does glaze colors on ceramic vases better than Zuzana Licko. Her one-of-a-kind pieces look effortlessly elegant and at home on a dining table.
Oval plate – Sarah Kersten ($48) – A perfect size for when you’re cooking for just one or two, and then a useful serving platter for side dishes, when you’re serving food to friends again at some wonderful time in the future.
Ice cream bowl – Colleen Hennessey ($34) – All I want to eat right now is a bowl of ice cream. You too?
Pine and cedarwood candle in ceramic mug – Heath Ceramics ($42) – Two comforting gifts in one! When the candle’s done, you’re left with a ceramic mug that feels smooth and lovely in your hands. (From experience, I can tell you that the peaceful forest scent needs a thorough scrub and sudsy soak, but it does dissipate entirely.)
Seasonal produce calendar – Maria Schoettler ($38) – Each month of this seasonal calendar is adorned with watercolor-painted fruits and vegetables. There’s such a feeling of hope and anticipation in flipping the page and seeing what’s in store for the coming weeks.
Beer greeting card – Sophie Tivona ($5.50) – If you can’t gather in person with friends and family for the holidays, a card with a cheerful illustration of beer, bacon, or perhaps a trio of donuts might be the next-best option.
An Onion in My Pocket – Deborah Madison ($26.95) – With a title as good as that, I would’ve been excited to read Deborah Madison’s memoir even if I didn’t already admire and look up to her.
The Newlywed Table – written by me! ($29.95) – Quite a few friends’ weddings were postponed or cancelled this year, and though I missed the ceremonies, happy tears, and cakes, I’m so glad I have this book to share with them. Buy it from a women-owned bookstore like the wonderful Book Larder in Seattle if you can.
One-Bowl Meals & Boards, Platters, Plates – also written by me!($19.95 each) – My next two cookbooks are available for pre-order now. You can pre-order online or from your local independent bookstore. If you buy my cookbooks from Omnivore in SF, I’ll personally sign them for you when they come out!
