Santa’s Fabulous Gifts for ‘Foodies’

Santa has refined his list to include some “must have” items this year. Foodie or not, everyone enjoys food and drink all year round and these unique gifts will be a delight to give or receive this holiday season. Most can be bought online or found in gourmet shops or kitchen and department stores.

For the chocolate lover: The Bialetti Hot Chocolate Pot makes a rich smooth hot chocolate with a creamy foam top layer that is easy to clean when every drop is gone. Sure to be a hit with the entire family. ($99.99 www.williams-sonoma.com)

For the coffee lover: A Nespresso Aeroccino Plus Milk Frother heats milk in seconds with the press of a button and automatically spins to create frothy steamed milk for lattes. ($99.99 yourhome.shoptoit.ca/shop/product)

For the ‘budding’ chef: A subscription to a cooking magazine or cookbooks by popular celebrity TV chefs Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey, and Bobby Flay. (From $22-$30 www.chapers.com)

For the tea lover: A South African red rooibos tea that is naturally caffeine free, low in tannin and rich in anti oxidants. Red rooibos has a sweet, lightly nutty flavour and can be enjoyed like coffee in a range of delicious drinks like Americano, macchiato, cappuccino and lattes. (www.redespresso.com)

For the gourmet: A gift of cooking lessons. Learn to cook French, Thai, or Italian cuisine, make bread, or decorate cakes. Learn from the experts for a fun experience of eating and socializing while acquiring tips from popular chefs. (Check websites and community education calendars in your area)

For the wine enthusiast: A half case of wine with selections from around the world: an Australian Shiraz; an American Merlot; a fresh and fruity Sauvignon Blanc from Bordeaux; a Burgundy Pinot Gris; an Italian Prosecco Aperitif; and a sparkling ice wine for a New Year’s celebration—a magical gift from a Canadian winter. (Available at liquor stores)

For the entertainer: A basket filled with a marble hardwood cheeseboard, specially handcrafted wood-handled cheese knives and a selection of imported cheeses, fruit chutneys, and gourmet olives. (Cheeseboard, $19.99 at Wal-Mart. Set of 5 cheese knives $29.99 at Chapters. Food items at grocery stores or delicatessens)

Christmas morning wouldn’t be complete without Santa filling stockings with a few luxury items as well. Truffle oil, caviar, citrus-flavoured olive oil, Italian balsamic vinegar from Modena, and a few pieces of rich, creamy Belgian chocolate add an extravagant finish to Santa’s shopping.