A Foodie Gift Guide: Au Natural

It’s getting down to the wire – for gift-giving, that is!  We have one week left to find the perfect presents for those we know and love. And for folks who like things natural (i.e., organic, healthy) it can sometimes be especially challenging. But, as I mentioned in my last post, if you focus on “foodie-inspired” gifts, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list (even the most health-conscious!). To get you started, check out these options – almost all of which can be ordered online and delivered right to your door . . . happy shopping!

For the snacker . . .Just because the folks on your list like to eat well, doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the occasional sweet or treat! Stuff their stocking with one of these items – or, buy them all and create a little gift basket! --Pamela’s Products Organic Cookies – These gluten-free wonders taste just like homemade and are very reasonably priced – you can get a “case” of 6 boxes for under ($20). --Askinosie Chocolate – Created by a former criminal defense attorney, this fantastic chocolate comes in dark, dark-milk and white and is made with just three ingredients: cocoa beans, organic cane sugar and cocoa butter. Although technically not organic, Askinosie prides himself on promoting Fair Trade practices and being able to track each and every bean back to its origin – something you can feel good about while you indulge!  --Justin’s Nut Butter – Made in Boulder, Colorado, these spreads come in great flavors like honey peanut, chocolate hazelnut and maple almond – perfect on toast, with fruit or as a topping on ice cream – they even come in “squeeze packs” top take on the go ($6-$10). 

For the vinophile . . . Organic and biodynamic wines are gaining more and more popularity – probably because they taste better and better!  Napa Valley, Oregon and Washington are all producing some great gift-worthy selections – and most are relatively easy to find (just ask your local wine merchant). --2006 Bonterra Mendocino County Zinfandel – A leader in the organic wine movement, Bonterra uses techniques such as composting, integrated pest management, and natural fertilizers to produce this mellow, boysenberry-scented red wine ($15).

--2006 Cooper Mountain Pinot Noir (Mountain Terroir) – Located on the slopes of a volcano, this biodynamic Oregon vintner produces a range of wines including this mild, raspberry-flavored Pinot ($50).
--2004 Boudreaux Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon – Although this wine is not organic, it is made in a  Washington winery that’s powered completely off the grid (i.e., doesn’t take any of its power from the state).  Instead, the owner uses nature (solar), propane and a battery bank to help make this wonderful, rich and very drinkable Cabernet ($42).

For the do-it-yourselfer
--Lollipop Tree Bread Mixes – These certified organic mixes make it easy for anyone to create homemade treats like cranberry-ginger bread, pumpkin bread or Asiago, tomato and rosemary garlic loafs. There’s even a mix for that age-old favorite: Monkey bread (the pull-apart bread laced with chocolate chip, bananas and nuts – so good!  ($7-8.50 per mix) 
--Tortured Orchard Sauces – Faced with the challenge of finding condiments and sauces that are tasty and healthy, a mother/daughter team decided to create their own and founded Tortured Orchard. The sauces – ranging from Sweet Apple Blush to Garlic Balsamic Drizzle – can be used as marinades, dressing bases, meat glazes, barbeque basters or condiments, making them perfect for the creative cook on your list. And, they are low-sodium, cholesterol-free with no additives or preservatives ($6.99 per jar). 

And one more thing . . . for anyone on your list!

--Further Hand Soap – I just LOVE this soap. A friend gave it to me this year for Christmas and it smells fantastic – a great blend of bergamont and olive.  But, what’s really cool is the way it’s made. Every month, Further Soap, an LA-based company, uses 1,600 gallons of oil from Mario Batali and Nancy Silverton’s Mozza restaurants to produce glycerin hand soap and biofuel – way to recycle! ($19).

- Sharen Santoski, www.SignalRockCommunications.com
Click here for more of Sharen's posts. 

Sharen Santonski, foodie extraordinaire, and a former member of the Spirited Woman Blogger Team will be guest blogging for Spirited Woman on her favorite subject "food." Growing up in an Italian/Polish/American home, Sharen cultivated her love of food at a very early age. She is an amateur aficionado of cooking, dining, entertaining and exploring. Bon Appetit!