Delmarva Foodie Gift Guide: Holiday/Winter 2021
Looking for something special for a holiday hostess, a cherished friend, a favorite child — or even a ‘To-Me-From-Me’ treat — these gift ideas celebrate local Delmarva!
Kombucha/Federal Brewing Company
FedBrew brings forth a flavorful selection of small batch Kombucha (750mL; about $12.99), a fermented, effervescent tea beverage often cited for its health benefits. Founded by a holistic health coach/herbalist and US service veteran who survived a near-fatal stroke, the owner bought a building in her hometown and created the line, respecting the 2,000-year-old tradition. New this fall, a line of CBD products ($45 and up) designed to help decrease stress and create a healthier lifestyle. Purchase both at the shop in Federalsburg, Md., at area farmers markets and from retailers listed on the website.
Garlic Baker/DiFebo’s Market
A walk through this delightful shop is likely to result in delicious calories at the make-and-take counters, but check out the market side, too. Among a selection of reasonably priced kitchenware was this 7” terracotta Garlic Baker ($20). To use in a regular, convection or microwave oven, add a little olive oil, butter and some herbs and bake an hour (or microwave 4 minutes) for tender garlic to use in recipes or as a spread. The best gift may be that the recipient can wash it in warm, soapy water and let it air dry.
788 Garfield Pkwy, Bethany Beach, DE
Maple Spiced Rum/Dogfish Head Brewing
Eggnog-lovers unite! Let DFH warm up chilly evenings with the release of Maple Spiced Flavored Rum. A barrel aged rum sweetened with a touch of New England Maple Syrup and infused with a medley of spices, it is perfect as a traditional mixer or as an addition to a hot toddy, holiday punch or eggnog. The 750mL bottle will be available for $30 at The Milton Tasting Room & Kitchen and the Off-Centered emPOURium in Rehoboth Beach starting Nov 26.
6 Cannery Village, Milton, DE
Carrot Cake/Good Earth Market & Restaurant
A great gift doesn’t need to break the bank, and at $11 this carrot cake slice takes - you guessed it - the cake. Hand-made in store each day as one of an amazing assortment of desserts, it is the perfect ending to a meal. Order by phone or pick up in-store for your holiday party or as a contribution to someone else’s. Each slice can comfortably feed two, or when plated with others, four smaller portions.
31806 Good Earth Ln, Ocean View, DE
Custom Gift Baskets/Fifer Orchards
A visit to Fifer’s to buy gifts is a gift to yourself! Orchard-fresh apples and cider, produce, baked-in-store baked goods, and canned goods are just the start. We could wax lyrical about the baked-daily apple cider donuts. Most amazing are the gift baskets created by the staff, each customized to your specifications, in all price ranges and featuring dozens of Delmarva-made products (Fifer’s and others.) Plan to spend time browsing and enjoying the setting as a break from the hectic lead-up to the holidays. Closes 12/23 for the season.
1919 Allabands Mill Road, Camden-Wyoming, DE
Kitchen Helper/Tip Tough
Need a gift for a teen chef invented by a teen? Look no further than Tip Tough ($19.99). The stainless-steel kitchen gadget was created by a Salisbury, Md. teen to protect his chef-father’s hands, and the product’s tagline says it all: “Cut your food, not your fingers!” Available in two sizes (including a plastic $9.99 Home Chef version which is great for kids), it makes a great gift or stocking stuffer. Visit the website to buy and for retail locations.
Christstollen/Bavarian Bakery
This traditional fruit bread is made with nuts, spices, and dried or candied fruit. It’s often iced or sugared on top. From the Saxony region of Germany, its origin dates back to the 16th century. Today it’s available at Bavarian Bakery in Dover, only during the holiday season. Whether you are putting it on your own table or taking as a gift, order early in-store or online. While they make countless loaves during the fall, this popular bread sells out.
1819 South DuPont Highway, Dover, DE
Bloody Mary Mix/George’s Beverage Company
This “microbrewer of Bloody Mary’s” based in Berlin, Md. offers an array of flavors, including an OId Bay® Mix created through a partnership with McCormick Spices. The founder, a veteran of the restaurant service industry, created the mixes in response to complaints from customers that they could not find a reliable mix. Now, all your gift recipient (or, well, you) needs to add is the spirits and some olives for a delicious drink every time. From Mild to Spicy, starting at $19.99 online and at retail nationwide.
Gourmet Salt/Henlopen Sea Salt
When your ancestors were farmers and fishermen in the area dating back to the Colonial Era, you can’t help but be connected to the land and the sea. This is hand-harvested sea salt directly from local saltwater. The product is a premium flaky salt with a bright, briny flavor that avoids harsh chemical bitterness of commercial salt. Use it on grilled meats, fresh-picked veggies and in baked goods. Salt and blends are available at many Eastern Shore locations and on the website, starting at $7.95 for a a 2-oz. packet.
30952 Edgewater Dr., Lewes, DE
Toys and Games/100 Most Jewish Foods
Hanukkah is notoriously hard to shop for, so these products from Workman Publishing arrive just in time. Spend hours remembering great meals and traditions as you build this 500 Piece Circular Puzzle ($19.99), paste memories with the 450 Sticker Book ($16.99) and play the Jewish Foods Memory Game ($17.95). All based on the terrific book “100 Most Jewish Foods.” Available on the website, at bookstores and Judaica shops nationwide.
Gift Boxes/Spice & Tea Exchange
For a last-minute gift or stocking stuffer for a griller, chef or tea drinker, stop in this fragrant oasis in Rehoboth Beach, De., long a not-so-secret source for locals. Beginning in November, look for their holiday teas ($15.99/2 oz.) and candles ($24.99) in Warm Bread Pudding, Chocolate Candy Cane and Ginger Berry Citrus, as well as best-seller Cozy Spiced Cocoa Mix. The “Gift of Grilling” ($83.69) and “Life is What You Bake It” ($42.95) gift boxes are also sure to delight.
10 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE
Kitchen Items/Lewes Gourmet
Packed with kitchen items and hard-to-find products, the location is often the heart’s desire of residents and visitors from Europe. Featuring a wide selection of foodstuffs, if you stand there long enough, you’re bound to hear “I can’t believe they carry this!” and giggles of glee. The store carries an excellent selection of Christmas and Hanukkah gifts, and, for the Brits on your list, brands sure to evoke a squeal or two of recognition in a stocking or gift basket.
110 Front Street, Lewes, DE
EagleWingz Hot Sauce/Delaware Sauce Company
Someone in your life like it hot? Delaware Sauce Company has many options, most notably its award winning EagleWingz Chesapeake Brand Gourmet Hot Sauce. Created by a Delmarva native, it was named “3rd in the World” at the 2016 World Hot Sauce Awards. You can find it in gift packs at the store and online. Or, at $6.99 a bottle, make it a stocking stuffer for all the chefs in your life. There are many other options to choose from, such as Teriyaki, Ghost Pepper and Cayenne flavors.
639 N. Phillips, Seaford, DE
Hydroponic Bibb Lettuce/Baywater Trading Company
Restaurants around the region have long benefitted from the hydroponic and heirloom field crops of Baywater Farms. With the opening of Baywater Trading Company, you too can bring Maryland-grown produce and locally sourced baked goods and gifts to your table. Lettuces — including the often raved about Bibb, shown here — radishes, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes … the bountiful harvest will bring tremendous flavor to your holiday meals.
27000 Ocean Gateway, Hebron, MD
