10 Edible Gift Ideas for Foodies

Foodies are people who thoroughly enjoy food and appreciate not only the flavor, but the process, time, and ingredients that go into preparing each meal. Perhaps you have a foodie, or at least some who aspires to be one, on your holiday shopping list this year. For your shopping convenience, I have assembled a list of edible gourmet gift ideas from across the country for the foodie in your life. Bon Appétit!

1. Wheat Montana is a family-owned operation run by Montana wheat farmers. Their products are available across the nation. You can also find wheat, several other whole grains, and milled flours on their online store. Try one of their wheat products, like their bread machine mixes. Available in Cowboy White, Honey Wheat, and Sundried Tomato, all these mixes require are butter and water to make a two-pound loaf of freshly baked bread. ($3.29-3.50; www.wheatmontana.com)

2. Indulge someone's sweet tooth with a cookie mix from Beverly's Cookie Fixin's. Assembled and shipped from Texas, these mixes, in such delectable flavors as Double Chocolate Cherry and Hawaiian Gold will simplify dessert for your gift recipient. ($7.95-15.95; www.beverlyscookiefixins.com)

3. When you're chilled through from bitter winter weather, nothing quite thaws you out like a bowl of hot soup. Give the foodie on your list a hearty taste of the Northeast with one of Plentiful Pantry's soup mixes. Choose one of nine flavors, like Chicken and Dumplings or Cheesy Enchilada, or customize your gift with the Six Pack of Savory Soups. ($5.95 for one, $32.12 for six; www.yankeegrocery.com)

4. Many new apple varieties are now being offered by Wisconsin apple growers. Check out Kickapoo Orchard's selection. They have your classic Red Delicious and Granny Smith, as well as over 40 more varieties, like the crispy Empire and the sweet Honeycrisp. Availability varies, but check their Variety List for apples that will be ready for holiday shipment. Order apple packs before December 12th. ($16-55; www.kickapoo-orchard.com)

5. Warm your gift recipient to the very tips of his or her toes with Gourmet Hot Cocoa from Moonstruck Chocolate Company. Available in a traditional American or piquant Mexican blend, these rich cocoa mixes come packaged in elegant one-pound containers. 20 Moonstruck Marshmallows will perfectly complement either cocoa. ($9.95; www.moonstruckchocolate.com)

6. The coffee-loving foodie on your list would adore a gift from the highly-rated Hawaiian Kona producers, Moki's Farm. They offer a medium and dark roast, either ground or in whole bean form. Their coffees are touted to be mild, but not overly so. Packages of ground or whole bean cost between $12 and $56, depending on size. (www.mokisfarm.com)

7. Washington
wineries are emerging as some of the most elite in the country. For the perfect accompaniment to your foodie's favorite steak or pasta dish, try the award-winning 2002 Syrah from Maryhill Winery. ($18; www.maryhillwinery.com) Lighter dishes will be well-balanced by the 2004 Columbia Valley Chardonnay from Woodward Canyon. ($36; www.woodwardcanyon.com)

8. For foodies who enjoy a little kick to their meals, try Sweet Cajun Fire hot sauce. This tangy condiment is thicker than typical hot sauce, providing the extra spiciness and flavor of jalapeno and cayenne peppers. ($5.25; www.purecajun.com)

9. Check out Tuxedo Chili's for another spicy gift option in the form of their salsa gift boxes. You can choose from the mild, medium, or hot versions to best suit your gift recipient's tastes. Each gift box includes two salsas, a spice or hot sauce, and a bag of pita chips. You can also customize your gift with your choice of salsas, spices, and hot sauces. ($19.99; www.tuxedochilis.com)

10. Give someone a taste of Alaska with one or a selection of Alaskan Native-Made Jams and Jellies. These wildberry preserves are available in 13 unique flavors, from lingonberry jam to salmonberry jelly. The jams and jellies come in several sizes and gift packs. Individual jars range from $2.15 to $5.90, and gift sets from $15.95 to $39.95. (www.alaskajamandjelly.com)