Even though, yes, my friends and family obviously know that I'm a food nut this year's holidays were exceptional in terms of edible gifts. I mean just look at all of the deliciousness that I got above. I feel the love. And to be honest, there's a lot that was already eaten by the time I got around to taking this photo...
My friend Wendy went all out with edible gifts this year. She gave my boyfriend and I that big, beautiful, ceramic bottle of homemade Jolly Rancher sour apple infused vodka, homemade toffee (didn't make it to the photo...), and all sorts of other treats I won't tell you about because then you'll really think I'm spoiled rotten.
Our friends Steve and Lorna from Humboldt County gave us a dozen of their home cooped chickens' eggs, all that lovely Cypress Grove Chevre straight from the source, homemade blackberry elixir, AND homemade pear brandy.
My brother and sister-in-law gave us all sorts of edible gifts from Cincinnati's Findlay Market (where I'm from -- Cincinnati, not the market of course) including the spicy kimchi and the beautiful box of culinary salts. Our friend Alice and her family gave us herb-infused olive oil, candied almonds (also gone before the photo), balsamic vinegar, and sparkling sake.
So I guess I'm a braggart. I can't help it -- had to share.
And what about me this year -- what did I cook up as gifts? Nada. I know, it's pathetic. The holidays hit my on the head this year and practically knocked me out. I was working and writing and then whamo. Well, I bought lots of edible gifts -- I know, not the same. But locally smoked salmon, local hazelnuts, and slow cookers from Kitchen Kaboodle aren't too shabby. I'll be better next year. I'll get back to my homemade mustard, tea blends, hot sauce, blackberry jam and then some making ways.
What edible gifts that you gave/received this year stood out? I'd love to hear about them...