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Give the gift of good food
What do you give to a friend who appreciates good food? More good food of course!
So here it is- a list of some great food gift ideas you can likely find at your favorite farmers market (thus also supporting your local economy).
Dried and Preserved Fruits: Dried fruit, jams, fruit butters, marmalades, syrups, sauces, and chutneys all make wonderful additions to gift baskets. Make your own preserves from what's available at your market right now, or buy from the farmers and artisans in your local market who have preserved stone fruits, peppers, quince, and other fruits at the height of their seasons.
Charcuterie: Salamis, terrines, sausages, pates, or jerky are great presents for party hosts and will undoubtedly be devoured at any holiday gathering.
Cook for Your Friends and Family: A nourishing meal is a wonderful present! Everyone loves to eat a home-cooked meal and linger around the table. Prepare a seasonal feast with food from your local farmers' market and feed the people you love.
Pickled Vegetables: Pickled cucumbers, beets, beans, and roots are unique presents that will be an appreciated break from holiday sweets. Make your own or buy items skillfully prepared by artisans in your market.
Oils and Vinegars: Many varieties of olive oil (here in California) and several types of vinegars (nationwide) are available at farmers markets and make practical gifts that can easily be shipped.
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership: A season of fresh food from one of the farms in your local market is truly a gift that will keep giving! A CSA is an advance share in a farm's products, and for your investment you receive a box of produce each week.
Sachets, Hydrosols, and Essential Oils: Winter is the time of year when we spend the most hours indoors. Earthy scents like lavender, sage, lemon verbena, Douglas fir, bay, and rose are great presents for people's homes and selves.
Nuts: Shelled and unshelled nuts are a tradition at the holiday table. At many farmers markets you may also find an assortment of flavored nuts and nut butters.
Cheeses: Aged and fresh cheeses are abundant at most farmers' market. Choose a combination of cow and goat milk cheeses made in various styles.
Bee Products: Honey reflects the local flavor of the place from which it is collected. At some markets you may also find sweetly scented beeswax candles.
Here are some additional seasonal items currently available at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market:
The arrival of winter also means the return of citrus, such as these Mandarin oranges- a traditional holiday season treat.
A beautiful deep hue and highly nutritious, I like to use kale in a quick an easy fritata on lazy weekend mornings.
Another winter favorite of mine- I'm glad that Dungeness crab are once again plentiful.
| December 14 2010 at 09:12 AM
Editor's note:
This is an SFGate.com City Brights Blog. These blogs are not written or edited by SFGate or the San Francisco Chronicle. The authors are solely responsible for the content.
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