GIFT GUIDE: Damn Good Food Edition

We already shared our gift guides for the mama and runner in your life, but how about the foodie?  It can be overwhelming shopping for a foodie since there are so many options and you may not know what kitchen tools they have in their artillery. Do not stress mama, whether they like creating damn good food or enjoying it, we have got some pretty special gift ideas. Our goal with all of our gift guides is to support small, local, women-led, and black-owned when possible! 

‍

Cookbooks $20+ 

Now as bloggers that share our own recipes, this may seem to be an ironic suggestion BUT we love a good cookbook. They are a great source of inspiration for your own creative process or  simplify life and just follow a recipe verbatim. Some of our personal favorites: 

Simply Real Eating by Sarah Adler (local to Seattle, 5 ingredients or less, simple and delicious) 

Run Fast Cook Fast Eat Slow by Shalane Flanagan & Elyse Kopecky (Olympians, Marathoners, Mamas what's not to love about these nutrient dense, fast meals) 

Half Baked Harvest by Tieghan Gerard (cozy, hearty, sometimes healthy with a good dose of cheese) 

‍

Fancy Olive Oil $27 -$62

If it's one of Oprah's favorite things, then it must be great!  Exau is a black-owned olive oil that apparently has a waitlist to purchase. Wow wow wow we are impressed and wish we knew the bouncer so we could cut the line. Husband and wife started this business together and grow the olives in Calabria, Italy. Looks like the gift set Due is available on Amazon, but a little steeper price than their website! 

‍

Ceramics $40+ 

KJ Pottery is from Spokane and has some STUNNING pieces that we are sure you will love. You can purchase an individual bowl or splurge on an entire set. There is something about handmade pottery that makes a meal feel even more cozy and inviting. If you don't live in the Seattle area, look into other local artists and help keep meals on their tables by enjoying a meal in your home on one of their original pieces.

‍

A Virtual Cooking Class $75+

The Pantry is a coveted cooking community local to Seattle. Prior to COVID-19, you had to be on top of class release dates to guarantee a spot in one of their cooking classes. Due to the pandemic, they are now offering virtual cooking classes for a myriad of cuisines. They even have the option to book cooking class + ingredients and you can add an optional wine pairing. Check out their calendar for December and January offerings. We are eyeing The Korean Bar Food and Dumpling Camp! 

‍

Assemble a Cocktail Box

An idea that takes a little more planning, but will definitely leave a lasting impression is a make your own cocktail kit or picnic basket full of favorite and unique treats. You can support local and small businesses by purchasing their items and curating a personalized gift!

Example for a cocktail kit: Purchase your spirit from a local distillery, we love Oola and Westland which are local to Seattle and have hosted us for Burn & Brews in the past!  Then add in an awesome natural sweetener like Just Date Syrup or Just Pomegranate Syrup. Finish it off with a cute mixer like Topo Chico and a hand written recipe card or note. Check out Just Date Syrup for awesome cocktail recipes that will leave you feeling inspired.

‍

P.S. If you need a cute stocking stuffer or want a festive treat to snack on while doing your last minute Christmas shopping and wrapping, try our maple spiced nuts recipe here.

‍

xx Ives & Christy