Babblin' Babs Herb Spice Blends
Make eating at home more exciting in 2012 >>>
Chef William Mueller of Babblin' Babs Bistro takes the guesswork out of knowing which herbs, spices and seasonings to use when cooking with his signature line of herb-spice blends. Instead of using salt, sugar, MSG or other less desirable ingredients, Mueller's blends are healthy and sure to produce smiles - thanks to mint, lemon peel, dried tomato, chili, lemongrass and ginger. The FDA-approved products are also nitrate, chemical and gluten free. Creole, African, Thai, West Indies and Mediterranean herb-spice blends quickly transform raw ingredients into creative flavorful meals. Price: $12.95 - Jennifer Johnson
WHERE TO FIND IT: Two-ounce bottles of this culinary magic are available at Babblin' Babs Bistro (2724 North Proctor Street, Tacoma, 253.761.9099) online (babblinbabs.net), Harbor Greens (5225 Olympic Drive, Gig Harbor, 253.851.7911) and Smooth & Juicey (1121 Court B, Tacoma)
Black Sheep Creamery
Baa Baa Great Cheese >>>
Hormone and antibiotic-free, the Black Sheep Creamery ewes roam on pasture land that's part of owners Brad and Meg Gregory's farm - grazing on natural grasses. Multiple breeds of sheep - including East Freisian, Rideau-Arcott and Lacuane - make up the Gregory's milking flock, producing limited cheeses throughout the year. Oregon's Tin Willow Farm contributes milk for the making of Tin Willow Tomme, a creamy, earthy cheese with distinct sage and grassy flavors. The Tomme is available September through May. Prices vary depending on size. - JJ
WHERE TO FIND IT: Black Sheep Creamery products are sold at Proctor and Dash Point Metropolitan Market, The Olympia Food Co-op and at The Heymann W(h)inery wine shop in Centralia. On the web at blacksheepcreamery.com
Rolf's Choice Salmon
Gifts from the sea >>>
With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a lighter salt taste than might be expected, naturally smoked Alaskan Red salmon from Rolf's Choice Salmon has a subtle sweetness. A five-ounce package ($5) makes a great stocking stuffer. Even better, it's lightweight enough to mail to out-of-town friends for a taste of the Pacific Northwest at Christmas. Torgerson's products are simply made: salmon, salt, brown sugar and hardwood smoke. Selling direct to customers allows Torgerson to keep prices reasonable. As whole fillet or individual pieces, fresh frozen and smoked King and Sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay, Alaska runs $5-$11. - JJ
WHERE TO FIND IT: Contact Rolf Torgerson at 253.884.1055 or email rolfschoice@harbornet.com for special order and delivery options.
Ultimate Snowman Kit
Kim Alexander knows "Scrumpalicious" >>>
Three vanilla cake pops stacked on a stick, covered in white chocolate and sprinkles will save you from any impending Frosty The Snowman headaches this holiday season. Coming in a 6-inch box resembling a 1950's retro toy, purchasers get to decorate the outside of the box while experiencing "No cold noses or toes," as Scrumpalicious co-owner Kim Alexander explains. Enjoy either room temperature or direct from the fridge. Price: starts at $3. - Steph DeRosa
WHERE TO FIND IT: etsy.com/shop/Scrumpalicious
Canned Cranberries
Grandma would be proud >>>
Giving the gift of canned cranberries is an excellent choice for the foodie in your life. It is practical, delicious and would make your grandmother proud. Plus, with their rich color, canned cranberries look amazing. Follow these easy steps and brace yourself for compliments: Gather a few mason jars, then clean and boil for ten minutes. Cook two bags of cranberries down to a sauce. Sweeten to taste. Scoop the sauce into the hot jars, leaving quarter-inch space from lid. Wipe any spill around lip of jar. Tighten lids, then gently drop jars into large pot of boiling water (make sure jars are completely submersed). Let boil for about 15 minutes. Ta da! - Nikki Talotta
WHERE TO FIND IT: Your kitchen, though a trip to the supermarket may be required
Vinturi Wine Aerator
Let your Boone's breathe >>>
Simple fact: wine is better after it breathes. What if there's no time for this? A magical device by Vinturi, the wine aerator, releases full flavors and deep aromas in mere seconds, turning a good bottle into a great one. From cabernets to roses to blancs, Vinturi aerators are made separately for red and white wine. Take wine shop owner Abby Valleton's advice, "Buy one and just use it for both wines." Valleton is also a fan of the travel aerator. The sleekly tapered, James Bond-esque black case makes it easily portable. She uses hers in restaurants and on trips to ensure a brighter bouquet and smoother finish. $40. - JJ
WHERE TO FIND IT: Abby's on Broadway, 739 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.292.2209, abbysonbroadway.com
21 Cellars
Drunks and non-drunks will enjoy a bottle of local wine >>>
This unassuming storefront shelters one of the South Sound's coolest boutique wineries. Two families own and operate 21 Cellars and focus on both Old World and newer, experimental winemaking techniques. The results make great gifts. Two releases are brand new this November - a 2010 OmRikki Sauvignon Blanc (currently the winery's only white wine, $15/bottle), and 2008 Promesse 21 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (around $24/bottle). They have several other wines as well. If you want to enjoy a tasting before selecting your gift, a session includes four tastes for $5. Tastings paired with a bottle of wine also make great gifts. - Kristin Kendle
WHERE TO FIND IT: 2621 N. 21st St., Tacoma, 888.211.1267
STINK/Füdie
Taste the Holiday spirit >>>
Jesus! First, he gets his own holiday. Then, I use his name to express my amazement at the speed in which Tacoma's favorite downtown deli-restaurant has expanded. With all that STINK and Füdie has to offer - such as wine tastings, kitchen gadgets, cool beers and delicious food - it's a wonder anyone can choose only one thing to spend their money on. Which is why I recommend just buying a damn gift card. Your loved one will love you even more than your mom (and she loves you because she has to, by the way) when you reach out and give the gift of STINK. - SD
WHERE TO FIND IT: STINK: Cheese and Meat/Füdie, 628 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma, 253.426.1347
Little Rae's Nut-Free Cookies
Take the nut out of the holidays >>>
Metropolitan Market carries these charming cookies that make great gifts for a number of reasons. Number one, they are often adorable and decorated with bright colors - seasonal cookies are festive and fun. Number two, Little Rae's is a uniquely nut-free bakery, inspired by the president of the company's nut allergy. The entire Little Rae's operation is now 100-percent nut-free, meaning that if you know someone with nut allergies, these cookies may be one of the few baked goods that won't send them to the hospital - the best gift of all. Price: $8.99. - KK
WHERE TO FIND IT: Metropolitan Market, 2420 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.761.3663
Libertine Tacoma Salts
Kitchen essentials >>>
Libertine Tacoma's gourmet culinary salts tickle the taste buds and, coincidentally, sting just as bad when you pour them into open wounds. Although I don't recommend pouring these extraordinarily awesome rock salts into open wounds, I do insist you stock them as part of your kitchen essentials. Definitely purchase the Kampot Rouge and Balinese Sea Salt blend. It has aromatic notes of caramel and vanilla, and is used as a dessert pepper sprinkled on cheese and fruit. I dare you to say that isn't both different and intriguing. Double dog dare you. Price: $5-$40. - SD
WHERE TO FIND IT: etsy.com/shop/LibertineTacoma
PINKS Original Bakery Gourmet Cookies
Cookies that change you >>>
About 10 years ago I had a cookie made by Mostly Muffins Bakery and it literally changed my life. It was that good. Mostly Muffins changed its name to PINKS, but continues to make baked goods so amazing that you may commit crimes to get more. The Uncle Seth's Original Pink Cookie is their flagship item, a shortbread cookie with cream cheese frosting. The company also makes other cookies, including the aforementioned black and white cookie that changed my life. In Tacoma, the items are mostly found in coffee shops. Price; $2.30 / The Spar Coffee Bar. - KK
WHERE TO FIND IT: The Spar Coffee Bar, Espresso Yourself Fircrest, Fox Hollow Coffee, Cutters Point Coffee
Friday's Cookies
Gourmet treats >>>
Both Friday's Cookies and Bite Me Cookies are owned by Deborah Tuggle. Both companies produce a lineup of delectable, gourmet cookies worthy of gift giving goodness. Friday's Cookies "Signature Cookies" are upscale and involve ingredients such as white chocolate drizzle, cranberries, wild blueberries and coconut. If you want to make a batch yourself and package it specially, cookie dough is available in the refrigerated section at Met Market, Tacoma Boys and Harbor Greens in Gig Harbor. Met Market also carries Friday's adorable flower-shaped cookies. Price: $7.99 Bite Me! / Tacoma Boys. - KK
WHERE TO FIND IT: Met Market, Tacoma Boys, Harbor Greens