Let’s be real… a big part of why we Vermonters live in this great state other than the natural beauty, the warm people who comprise our community, the lack of traffic, the clean water and air, the slippery slopes and the mountains that keep calling, is the food.
I would argue that more than any other state, Vermont spoils its inhabitants by giving us ready access to quality, flavorful food—in bulk: organic produce, creamy cheese, woodsy maple syrup, the best craft beers in the world, unique spirits, hearty bread, fresh roasted coffee. Shall I go on? Whether I’m in need of a unique hostess gift or simply want to show off what is coming out of Vermont, I find myself more and more gifting Vermont-made edibles.
Here—just in time for the holidays—I’ve compiled some of my favorite made-in-Vermont gifts for the foodies in your life, from the beer snob to the caffeine-addicted to the home cook. What Vermont-made gifts are your list to purchase this holiday season? Share your ideas below.
Vermont Gifts For the Beer Snob: A Quality Bottle (or two) from Hill Farmstead
Heady Topper might still be one of the hardest beers to procure on a regular basis in Vermont but likely your beer aficionado friends or family members are over it by now (Focal Banger on the other hand…). Hill Farmstead, named the best brewery in the world by Ratebeer.com, is creating some seriously amazing libations. Over the past year, they’ve upped their production and expanded their facilities to make the brewery my number one must-visit beer destination in Vermont. For the hard-to-buy-for beer snob on your list, buy a bottle or two (bonus points for a special release) or fill a growler of some of Hill Farmstead’s best brews. Double Galaxy, Harlan, Abner and What Is Enlightenment are a few of my favorites. They recently lifted their growler limit and have managed to limit waiting times, but you’ll still want to make an afternoon of your visit and pick up a few extra bottles or growlers for yourself. Hill Farmstead bottles look good under the tree and even better on your holiday dinner table.
Vermont Gifts For the Coffee Connoisseur: Coffee CSA from Carrier Roasting Co.
There’s no reason to suffer through mediocre coffee any longer in Vermont. Carrier Roasting Co. is opening up access to small-batch roasted coffee right here in Vermont. And it is seriously To. Die. For. The beans are obtained from fair-trade sources in South America and Africa and roasted in a converted barn and ceramics studio in Northfield. The best part? Carrier Roasting Co. offers a coffee CSA (how cool and unique is that?) with options for pick-up in Randolph, Montpelier or Winooski, or shipped straight to your home for a few extra bucks. Give the gift of fresh coffee, roasted locally, that keeps on giving throughout the year. (I’ll be gifting myself a CSA this Christmas…mmmm.)
Gifts For the Discerning Drinker: Stonecutter Spirits’ Gin
I love a good gin and tonic but sometimes it’s nice to branch out and try spirits that truly stand on their own without the need for any embellishments. Stonecutter Spirits opened in Middlebury this year with bourbon-barrel aged gin that’s super unique with hits of caramel, juniper, cardamom and other unique flavors for a gin. Their website has many recipes for cocktail inspiration; the Tree’s Knees with lemon juice and maple syrup is the perfect winter libation. Pick up a bottle ($55) and some local maple syrup or some low-ball glasses from Simon Pearce to really impress the friend with a discerning palette and sophisticated taste for spirits.
Vermont Gifts For the Home Cook: Olive Oil from The Olive Table
The Olive Table’s olive oil might not be made in Vermont, but their extra virgin olive oil is procured from family members in Greece to ensure optimal harvesting and processing methods. No middle men and no wholesalers. The result? Some seriously fine, premium olive oil with delicate, fresh flavors. When I first sampled the oils, I was surprised that there were unlike others I’ve tried. The Premium Reserve EVOO ($17.99 for 50ml) is herby, yet fruity with a hint of pepper and low-acidity. I sampled it alongside a hearty loaf of bread from Red Hen Baking. Yum! I could also see it being perfect for homemade salad dressings or with fish, pasta or steak. The Olive Table’s oil makes a great, semi-local gift for your foodie friend who enjoys a bit of the exotic. (Bonus points for gifting their Greek Honey as well.)
Vermont Gifts For the Entertainer: Cutting Boards from Vermont Farm Table
One of these years, a Vermont Farm table will be on my Christmas list. Their craftmanship is stunning. I love to gift their handcrafted cutting boards that come in a variety of styles. All are made with a blend of hand-selected reclaimed materials and eco-friendly finishes. The Slim Every-Day Boards ($52) are the perfect Vermont gift for a friend or family member who is always cooking. The Live-Edge Walnut Boards ($35-95) also make a beautiful serving board for local meat and cheeses with a distinct rustic elegance to them.
Gifts For the Local Eater: The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook
Give a taste of the Green Mountain state by gifting the Vermont Farm Table Cookbook, written by local food writer and stylist Tracey Medeiros. Not only is the cookbook (and quasi travelogue) chock full of gorgeous photos, it also has 150 recipes highlighting Vermont’s best veggies, meats and cheeses from the state’s best chefs and farmers. With each recipe, there’s a story about where it came from, giving some true Vermont character to each of the recipes. Perfect for the novice cook or home chef, or anyone who drools over Vermont products and the stories behind them.
What Vermont-made gifts are your list to purchase this holiday season? Share your ideas below.
Categories: Artisans, Food, Made in Vermont, The Best of Vermont