The holiday season seemed to arrive faster than ever this year, but our gift lists aren’t any shorter. Here are some ideas for edible treats to share with those on your list.
Larry Shiller uses his mom’s recipes at his Lily Bloom’s Kitchen in St. Paul, creating gluten-free, Belgian chocolate–coconut macaroons in a variety of flavors (lilybloomskitchen.com; available at all Twin Cities Kowalski’s Markets). Key lime, peppermint, and Bailey’s are a few of my favorites. He also makes adorable Poparoons (macaroons on a stick) and arranges them in whimsical bouquets. Combine your favorite for the perfect gift or party favor.
Another sweet idea comes from sisters Hope Klocker and Jule Vranian of Sweet Jules Gifts (sweetjulesgifts.com, 320-282-8379; available at Sugar Sugar, 3803 Grand Ave. S., Mpls., 612-823-0261, sugar-sugarcandy.com; and Salty Tart in the Midtown Global Market: 920 E. Lake St., Mpls., 612-874-9206). Their handmade caramels come in boxes as delightful as the artisan treats that fill them, making additional wrapping unnecessary (and saving you time!). And with such flavors as Café Italiano, Bananas Foster, Sicilian Orange, and Beer & Pretzel, you’ll be sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Sue Zelickson is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center’s Kids Cafe. She is the former host of WCCO Radio’s Food for Thought.