https://www.austinchronicle.com/food/2004-12-03/240288/
Basket Weaving
Give the gift of Austin flavors for the holidays!
December 3, 2004, Food
Virginia B. Wood
Spiceburst (www.spiceburst.com; 970-5808): These excellent flavored salts will quickly become a must-have kitchen staple. The garlic salt is perfect for rubbing on steaks, the chipotle salt adds some spice to corn on the cob, and the orange salt brings a citrus zing to vegetables. The attractive little jars are just the right size for stocking stuffers. Available on the Web or at Grape Vine Market and the Westlake Farmers Market at Sunset Valley.
Joy Peppers (www.joypeppers.com): In my opinion, Joy's jalapeño pepper slices in a tangy bread-and-butter brine are the perfect combination of sweet and hot. Use them on holiday relish trays, on burgers, or as an ingredient in pimento cheese, my newest favorite idea. Get them at Grape Vine Market or order direct from the Web.
Kakawa Whole Bean Chocolates: For lovers of serious dark chocolate, Tom Pedersen's unique little chocolate morsels might just be "the bomb," as they represent chocolate at its most basic. Look for them at the Austin Farmers' Market, Grape Vine Market, and Breed & Co.
Austin Slow Burn's Green Chile Jam (www.austinslowburn.com, 282-7140): Central Market requested that Jill Lewis make some jam with Hatch green peppers this year, and they all struck gold. The chile-head on your list should love Jill's spicy concoction. Get it at both Central Markets or order from the Web.
Bee Cave Honey Company Lemon or Cinnamon Honey (www.beecavehoney.com, 328-7780): Drizzle some of these creamy whipped honeys over Christmas morning scones, waffles, or pancakes for an incredible treat. Gift packs are available. Central Markets, Whole Foods, fine gift shops, department stores, and on the Web.
Dr. Chocolate's Caramel and Chocolate Dipped Apples (1715 W. 35th, 454-0555): The crispiest Granny Smith apples are dipped in luxurious buttery caramel, then drizzled with your choice of dark, milk, or white chocolate and rolled in nuts. Wonderful to slice and share or horde for self-indulgence (www.dr-chocolate.com). It's a good idea to order in advance.
Santa Rita Tamales (1206 W. 38th, 419-7482): This new midtown Tex-Mex joint is offering their signature Chicken Tomatillo or Pork Tamales for holiday giving on two special days, December 23 and 24. Give them at least 24 hours' notice, and $18 gets you a dozen tamales and a pint of freshly made sauce, all packed and ready to go.
MM Pack
I travel regularly to San Francisco, cooler in tow, and have made it a personal mission to introduce Californians to the wonderful artisanal food products of Austin and Central Texas. Here's a list of my greatest successes.
Pure Luck Cheeses
Sarah and Denny Bolton's award-winning goat cheeses are second to none. Special favorites are St. Maure, Claire de Lune, and Del Cielo. Available at the dairy, 101 Twin Oaks Trail, Dripping Springs, 512/858 7034; online at www.purelucktexas.com; or in Austin at Central Markets, Whole Foods, Wheatsville, Portabla, Westlake Farmers Market, Austin Farmers' Market, and Boggy Creek Farm Stand.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Even people who think they don't care for vodka are pleasantly surprised by Austinite Tito Beveridge's smooth and carefully made elixir (www.titos-vodka.com). Available locally at Grape Vine Market, Wiggy's, Twin Liquors, and now distributed in 34 states.
Becker Viognier
Texas Hill Country wines are a source of great pride here, and one of the best is Becker Vineyards' Viognier, simultaneously dry and fruity, and redolent of "violets, peaches, and nectarines." Becker Vineyards, Stonewall, Texas, 830/644-2681; www.beckervineyards.com; Central Markets, Grape Vine Market, Twin Liquors.
Miles of Chocolate
Homeboy Miles Compton's luscious confection of chocolate, butter, and eggs is showing up all over the place, including Balducci's in NYC, Food and Wine magazine, and the Neiman Marcus catalog. Order online (2.25 pounds minimum) at www.milesofchocolate.com/getitonline.asp. Smaller quantities available in Austin at Grape Vine Market, Central Markets, People's Pharmacy, and Boggy Creek Farm Stand.
Texas Gulf Shrimp
Nothing says Texas to me more than the plump, dense, and flavorful pink shrimp from the Gulf. Available by the pound or frozen in five-pound boxes from Quality Seafood, 5621 Airport Blvd., 454-5827, www.qualityseafoodmarket.com.
J-One-S Venison Jerky
John and Sidney Jones raise fallow deer in Driftwood, just outside Austin. Their vacuum-packed venison jerky is just right – not too sweet, not too salty, not too chewy. Order online from www.j1sranch.com. Also available at Central Market.
Chez Zee Bourbon Pecan Pie in Pyrex Pie Dish
Chez Zee makes many wonderful desserts, but a particularly clever gift option is the whole pies that comes in their own Pyrex dishes (now who'd know you didn't make them yourself?). Apple streusel and pumpkin praline are available, but my favorite is classic Southern bourbon pecan. Order from Chez Zee, 5406 Balcones Dr., 454-2666; 48 hours' notice needed (www.chez-zee.com).
Rachel Feit
The Greece in Texas Gift BasketThe climate and geology in Central Texas are remarkably similar to that of the Mediterranean. Consequently, many of the plants and animals that thrive there also do well here. And though Central Texas has not historically had a large Mediterranean population, it is rapidly becoming a production hub for Mediterranean-inspired foodstuffs, from wine to olive oil to fresh goat cheese.
White Mountain Yogurt: Real Bulgarian-style yogurt, made here in Austin. Available at most HEB, Whole Foods, and Fiesta grocery stores.
Phoenicia Bakery pita bread, eggplant spread, date and pecan macaroons, and various nut-filled phyllo pastries: If you have never been to one of the Phoenicia Bakery's stores, do yourself a favor and go there now. It is a veritable bazaar of far-flung delicacies. They ship their fresh-baked thin pita around the country, but you can get it right from the oven and still warm at the store. While you're there, pick up some of their lemony eggplant spread. For dessert, do not overlook their divinely buttery date and pecan macaroons or their delicious little rose water and nut pastries. Phoenicia has two stores, one located on South Lamar and one on Burnet. Their pita bread can also be purchased at Central Market, Fiesta, and Wheatsville.
Tom's Tabouleh stuffed grape leaves: From traditional dill, almond, and rice-stuffed grape leaves to spicy Texas versions, you won't find fresher dolmades unless you make them yourself. Available at Central Markets, Wheatsville, or the Tom's Tabouleh store at 2928 Guadalupe.
Olive oil from Bella Vista Ranch: Texas' first commercial olive grower has been pressing oil since 2001. They just completed the fall 2004 pressing and should have a new supply of their fresh Texas olive oil in stock for the holidays. Order through the Internet at www.bvranch.com or call 847-6514.
Water Oak Farms Ricotta Salata cheese: Salty, crumbly, hard ricotta goat's milk cheese made from high-quality goat's milk. Available at Boggy Creek Farm and Grape Vine Market.
Pavlos Gourmet Triple Chocolate Almond Paximadi: These traditional Greek cookies are like biscotti, only richer, with a thick coating of chocolate and almonds. Available at Phoenica Bakery, or go to www.pavloscookies.com or call 389-2555.
Barbara Chisholm
Texas Cocktail Gift BoxFirst-class cocktails and appropriate accoutrements are to be had with things exclusively Texan. For the sophisticated tippler on your list, may we suggest the following:
1. Tito's Handmade Vodka
www.titos-vodka.com
Available citywide at area liquor stores
A really smooth, micro-brewed vodka made the old-fashioned way: in a pot still. Winner of the Double Gold Medal at the 2001 San Francisco World Spirits Competitions (presented only when the tasting panel of experts is unanimous in their selection).
2. Austinuts
www.austinuts.com
2900 W. Anderson Ln., 323-6887
Also available at grocers and convenience stores areawide
The freshest, finest, crunchiest nuts to be had anywhere. We like the cayenne.
3. Pure Luck Chevre
www.purelucktexas.com
Available at:
Central Markets, Whole Foods, Wheatsville, Portabla, Westlake Farmers Market, and Austin Farmers' Market
An artisan cheese that ranks as among the freshest, best-tasting cheese you can buy.
4. Sass
www.freshdressings.com
Available at area grocers in the refrigerated section
Okay, you're wondering, since when is a salad dressed with sesame/garlic dressing cocktail food? It isn't, but Sass mixed with low-fat (or full-leaded) mayonnaise is a dip from heaven. Add veggies and go.
5. Sabor
1705 Cuernavaca Dr. 78733
Available at Central Markets, Whole Foods, Wheatsville, selected HEBs
Because what's a happy hour without chips and dip? For real fresh, real tasty, real zippy salsa, we choose Sabor hot.
6. El Milagro Tortilla Chips
910 E. Sixth, 477-6476
Available at area grocers
Light, delicate, and unbelievably crunchy from bowl to mouth.
7. Fischer & Wieser Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce
www.jelly.com
Available at area grocers
Is there a host or hostess in these parts who doesn't know about pouring this creation over a block of cream cheese and proudly calling it hors d'ouevres? As gorgeous as it is delicious.
Wes Marshall
Muscat Dessert WinesOne area in which Texas winemakers excel is making dessert wines from Muscat grapes. All of these wines have addictive floral scents to go along with their sweet yet light flavors, which make for a perfect holiday dessert.
Texas Hills Vineyard Orange Moscato ($18): 830/868-2321
Messina Hof "Glory" Late Harvest Muscat Canelli ($17): 979/778-9463
Llano Estacado Muscat Canelli ($9): 806/745-2258
Flat Creek Muscato D' Arancia ($15): 512/267-6310
Becker Vineyards Muscat Canelli ($12): 830/644-2681
Mick Vann
My basket will actually be a well-insulated cooler, because some of my selections need refrigeration. This treasure trove of local gifts is all centered around a luscious steak meal utilizing Harrell Ranch's amazing free-range Wagyu beef (grown near Decker Lake), considered by some of America's top chefs to be the absolute best beef available. These steaks are dry-aged and so heavily marbled that they melt in your mouth. I'd recommend a couple of ribeyes, and you can get The Meat Shop (948 Peyton Gin, 837-6331) to cut whatever size and thickness you like.
The meal should begin with vodka martinis made with Tito's Handmade Vodka, locally produced by Tito Beveridge, and considered by many liquor judges to be the best vodka in the world (available at any local liquor store).
For an appetizer, use some of Pure Luck Farm's locally produced goat cheese, and for side vegetables, whatever is in season from Carol Sayers and Larry Butler's Boggy Creek Farms. They have a wide selection of pristine organic produce. Many of the varieties they grow are heirloom, from back in the day when taste was the deciding factor and shipping fragility wasn't an issue. Boggy Creek has the cheese and the veggies (3414 Lyons Rd., 926-4650). To cook everything and make some dressing you'll need some olive oil. Bella Vista Ranch in Wimberley (512/847-6514) is pressing their annual batch in late November.
For dessert, cruise the case at Teo's (1206 W. 38th, 451-9556) to select one of their magnificent gelatos or sorbets. They come in a wide range of seasonal flavors and, when packed in dry ice, they ship quite well.
This cooler will provide the recipient with the makings for one spectacular meal, constructed from artisanal ingredients that easily compete with the finest available anywhere – and they're all produced right here in River City (or within spitting distance, anyway).
Claudia Alarcón
A jar of spicy cheese thins from High Cotton Baking Co. in Brenham. They're wonderfully crumbly with a bit of spice, excellent with a glass of wine. If you get lucky, you might find some at Grape Vine Market (7938 Great Northern Blvd., 323-5900). Otherwise, call 800/321-9796 or order from www.eatcake.com.
A tin of duck or chicken liver mousse paté from Le Marseillais. Or a thick slice of their rabbit and green olive terrine. Or some salmon rillette, and a bottle of Dijonaise vinaigrette. Or any of their wonderful products, really. Available at Westlake Farmers Market or by calling 462-1915.
Some artisan goat cheese from Pure Luck Dairy. My favorites are the Hopelessly Bleu and the St. Maure, but all of them are delicious in their own right. Available at Central Markets, Boggy Creek Farm, Wheatsville, and at the Westlake and Austin Farmers' Markets (www.purelucktexas.com).
A jar of Cherith Valley Gardens "hot 'n spicy" pickled veggies. They are perfect for an antipasto tray or as a Bloody Mary garnish. Varieties include baby sunburst squash, green beans, hearts of palm, and others. Available at both Central Markets or by calling 800/610-9813 (www.cherithvalley.com).
Some spicy pesto from Sgt. Pepper's. Although I like them all, I especially recommend the smoky chipotle, the fire-roasted jalapeño, or the seasonal chipotle-pumpkin. Available at Westlake Farmers Market and Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop (618 E. Sixth, 499-0766).
A bottle of Flat Creek Estate Super Texan wine. A great example of Texas winemaking on the shelves at both Central Markets, World Market, and Grape Vine Market, and a few HEB locations, such as the one at Parmer and 1431.
A jar of Texas on the Plate Seeing Double chocolate sauce. Rich and delicious, with a hint of sherry. It is great over any ice cream, cake, or fresh fruit that pairs well with chocolate. Available at Central Markets or at www.texasontheplate.com. 
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