Whether you’re looking for dreidel prizes or stocking stuffers, there are plenty of Austin sweets to fill the bill. Chef Keem has added delightful bite-sized Doodlebugs candies to his delicious line of handmade chocolate bars. Look for them at Farm to Market, Royal Blue Grocery, Whip In, Tom’s Tabooley, Plum Blossom, Pitchforks & Tablespoons, Ben White Florist, and Peoples Pharmacy in addition to his stall at the Sunset Valley Farmers Market. I have to concur with the folks at Saveur magazine on their recent choice of Lammes Candies‘ peppermint taffy as a must-have holiday gift. When my mother was alive, I couldn’t go home for Christmas without them. Buy them by the pound or the box at any Lammes location or on the Web at www.lammes.com. Buying Mary Louise Butter’s Brownies (www.buttersbrownies.com or 800/975-6309) by the dozen is much easier this season with the attractive gift-box assortments featuring her classic holiday flavors. She will even custom pack them with your business logo and ship them to clients as sure-to-be-much-appreciated holiday gifts. Look for the individually packaged Butter’s Brownies at Whole Foods and Central Markets, as well as numerous small specialty retailers and coffee shops around town. SXUL Chocolates founder Rick Bristow has a decadent new product out just in time for Christmas giving. Your favorite chocoholic is bound to swoon over SXUL Chocolate Sauce. Look for it in squeeze bottles at Grape Vine Market. Bristow suggests pairing it with a high quality vodka for SXUL-tinis!
This article appears in December 15 • 2006.