Flanboyant Eats’ Ultimate Foodie Last Minute Christmas Gift Guide 2011, Pt II

I unapologetically mentioned in my last post how classic of a procrastinator I am. I’ve always lived my life that way. I’ve also benefitted from it — work gets done and done fast if I wait until the last minute.

Such is the case yet again in offering my Atlanta peeps some FABULOUS  FOODIE options to gift your friends, neighbors, co-workers (this group, perhaps after the new year), your lawyer, posse and yes, your family. I did some yummy homework for you. Yes, I did. Consider it my gift to you.

If you’re in the Metro area, closer to Midtown, Vinings, Downtown, Decatur, East Atlanta, etc… make your way to Parish Foods & Market. Not just for dinner in the chic Inman Park neighborhood, rather to grab some quick goodies the Market makes on an almost daily basis.

Yes, dinner there is good, but the in-store snackage will make your recipients really happy. This year, they have a plethora of delicious treats that are easy to pick up and stuff in a lovely, yet earthy gift bag. Don’t get too fancy with packaging. Let the delectables shine. Literally.

Most goodies are made fresh, almost every day. All of them are local which is a great way to support our community.

Following are some utter yumminess I tasted for you (and me!) that are bonafide pleasers.

1. Izze Drinks… love me some grapefruit Izze. Other flavors and brands are available like Whynatte and a really good pineapple, apple, ginger bottle juice. 100% juice. 3 ingredients. Boom.  For the Izze, buy a single one or a case of four, which is the cheaper route. One will run $2.

2. Chocolove: I featured this chocolate last year and it left such a great presence, I couldn’t leave it out again. One bar is $3. Totally worth it, especially if you can find the dark choco bar with raspberries.

3. Chocolate Truffles: Not much to say other than YUM! Made in house, pick a few up for $1 a piece. Too cute.

4. Bacon Brittle: Say what!! I attacked this piece of heavenly candy not realizing it was swing! SWOON! I repented as soon as I realized what I was enjoying. No foul, no sin as I had no clue going in! A pack of 3 large pieces,

5. Pumpkin Muffin: Best I’ve ever had. No lie. Not too sweet, perfectly moistened and generous in size. Buy for sure. If not for your gift list, treat yourself. $2.50

6. Vidallia Onion Jam: Locallly made in Fairburn, GA, this spread has some serious kick to it. Spread on everything! $8

7. Pumpkin Latte: Not on the menu, but the kind empoloyees are game for making what ever you’d like. Not too sweet either which makes enjoying with the pumpkin muffin just so perfect. Get a giftcard for drinks. $3.50

8. Banana Walnut Bread: Gasp. Hearty, healthy and robust. Wrapped up for you, this is every bread lover. No butter needed. $3.50

9. Reuben Sandwich: Best I’ve had in Atlanta, hands down. Thick, cheesy and the bread is grilled to perfection. Not necessarily easy to gift, but a great suggestion if you stick a gift card in the stocking. $8.

10. Pink and Green Macaroons: Too cute for words. Doesn’t hurt that they’re tasty, either. Great, great stocking stuffer. Pack of 4, $3.50

Other things not pictured but totally worth considering are the ridiculous Nutter Butter cookie. I can’t even remember what’s in here but goodness, it’s pure sugar! Budge $2.50. The Pecan Sandies are a staple in the Market. Comes in a 3 pack for $2.50.

Visit Parish Market: 240 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307

For the rest of us not in Atlanta, there are some delicious options to treat your list to. Be practical, but share something they’ll talk about next year!

Margaritas & Other Cocktails! You can always buy your lush friends some alcohol and even teach them how to make a good cocktail. With Sauza Blue Agave tequila, I’ve made a blueberry ginger margarita that was drool-worthy and refreshing for days.  If not a margarita, make plenty of other concoctions with the silver liquor.

A pumpkin (clearly, I’m obsessed) butter and ginger harvest drink is also a must and perfect gift. Make an ultra large batch, store in the largest Ball glass jar, tie with a pretty ribbon and say “From Me to You!”

Herbs & Spices: Every good home cook appreciates satchels of fresh herbs and spices, especially those are aromatic and can be doubly used for potpourri or boiling for diffusing cooking odors… Genius! Some appropriate seasonal ones include fresh cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, whole nutmegs, a rosemary plant, lavender,  an oregano plant, allspice and cilantro seeds. Sure there are many more, but these are lovely.

Homemade cookies: No one should ever turn down a batch of homemade cookies (or cake). If you’re into baking, this is a perfect gift of love that won’t cost you tons of money. Take a bit of time and create something that reflects the season. These Jekyll & Hyde cookies and brownies are a good idea. Print and share the recipe, too!

So much more, but we’re on a crunch, right! These options are real and true! Regardless of where you are, all of these are goodies you can pick up from your local artisan shop or bakery. And of course, there’s the option of making treats yourself!

What would you be on your last minute gift guide?? I’d love to know! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Eat well, love unapologetically, pray with true intention, and take care of yourself.

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