523110 Tue May 27 15:58:05 -0700 2008 19 61 Austin 0 3725066 We owe some out-of-state friends of ours thank you gifts for helping us move a family member down here to live with us. We'd really like to send them something Austin-y (or Texas-y, if all else fails), as such. I'd love to hear any and all ideas you have!! IDEALLY, the gifts would be small enough so we could package them along with thank you cards ourselves, mail them to about 4 or 5 different destinations (shipping time = approx. 3 days), and not spend buckets of money. However, we're open to making something else work. . . . In fact, the only thing I've really thought of so far (hence my asking for brainstorming help :p), Miles of Chocolate, would require overnight shipping from Grapevine Market. A big thank you in advance! Tue May 27 15:58:06 -0700 2008 163159 RuthieBaby 1 3725312 Tito's vodka, fresh tortillas, shiner boch, austin nuts Tue May 27 17:12:46 -0700 2008 3725066 100641 amykragan 1 3725338 Lammes Candies pecan chewies. I think they cost about a buck each, or you can buy them by the box. I bring these every time I go home. Austin Slow Burn green chile jam. It's in a glass jar, but if you wrap it well it should ship ok. Mary Louise Butters Brownies. Tue May 27 17:22:43 -0700 2008 3725066 175519 chrischris 1 3725634 Salsa, hot sauce, and jalapeno jelly (I haven't tried the green chile jam listed upthread, but that could be a good option). Maybe some chili sauce for fruit? Tue May 27 18:46:18 -0700 2008 3725066 109687 Hsien_Ko 2 3725712 Kakawa Cocoa Beans, yum. http://www.cocoapuro.com/ Tue May 27 19:18:17 -0700 2008 3725634 15883 nypb 1 3725780 I second amykragan's vote of Tito's Handmade Vodka. I would also include one of Paula's made-in-Austin spirits.... http://www.paulastexasspirits.com/ Tue May 27 19:40:17 -0700 2008 3725066 98574 yorkshirepud 1 3725820 If you consider salsa, I'd recommend this one from Texas Texas: http://www.texastexassalsa.com/v/vspfiles/V4_Backup/store/trad-med.html I picked up a jar on a whim recently and absolutely loved it, ate it with a spoon. I think I got mine from HEB or Wal-Mart of all places, but it is local, and it's so delicious, just a perfect classic salsa. Tue May 27 19:54:06 -0700 2008 3725066 41163 renz 2 3726379 I like this salsa a lot as well. The hot version has a good amount of heat, but not too much. The only unfortunate thing is that salsa is an expensive thing to ship (because of the weight). Wed May 28 04:51:55 -0700 2008 3725820 17648 rudeboy 3 3727974 Since you cannot send liquor over state lines, if you want to send Tito's you need to find a distributor in the state that your friends live... That is what I have done to gift it as far away as MA. I also like to send local peach jam and El Chile salsa (I know not everyone likes it, but I do...) Wed May 28 12:51:45 -0700 2008 3726379 87030 kirelerya 4 3728160 I love rudy's bbq sauce...and so does my dad...I always bring a bottle home with me when I visit. Wed May 28 13:38:20 -0700 2008 3727974 131578 chowinginaustin 5 3745545 I thought that Rudy's must have changed the formula. I was just looking at a bottle of their sauce and the second ingredient, after water, is High Fructose Corn Syrup. Then tomato paste and vinegar. Tue Jun 03 11:18:48 -0700 2008 3728160 17648 rudeboy 1 3728373 www.texastraditions.com very nice quality and interesting products. jams, rubs, etc... Based out of Central Texas. Wed May 28 14:28:31 -0700 2008 3725066 142391 danoc 2 3728727 http://www.texas-spice.net/ this place is in RR, I have liked many of there products and sent as gifts. Wed May 28 16:15:53 -0700 2008 3728373 85880 familyof3 1 3731894 Maria's chimichurri has always been a hit as a gift. Available at Taco Xpress and Whole Foods. Thu May 29 13:56:34 -0700 2008 3725066 24991 mkwng 2 3733610 Ooohhh! GREAT idea! Fri May 30 06:05:52 -0700 2008 3731894 12615 amysuehere 3 3733962 I believe Cooper's BBQ ships. Fri May 30 07:42:24 -0700 2008 3733610 79200 El General 1 3736784 You've already gotten tons of great advice here, but I really like the Hill Country Homestyle Canning products -- I have bought my dad several jars of their sauerkraut and dill pickles and he LOVES them (the sauerkraut IS very good). We get their stuff at the Saturday Sunset Valley Farmers' Market. http://www.hillcountryhomestyle.com/ Sat May 31 05:36:53 -0700 2008 3725066 20271 bookgrrl72 1 3736957 Pecans from Berdolls in Bastrop (esp. their milk chocolate-caramel pecan clusters and their cinnamon-sugar pecans) Flavored agave nectars by Agasweet (Chef Achim, made here in Austin)-- so good on scones, in tea or coffee... esp. like the lavender agave in a glass of champagne! Rose hip syrups by Venus Love Arts, again made here in Austin... yum on pancakes and toast... Peach preserves from Fredericksburg (close enough) Sat May 31 07:50:11 -0700 2008 3725066 91204 salsera 2 3737662 I did Kerby Lane pancake mix, Ruta Maya coffee and a local cane syrup (ca'nt remember the name) for an Austin breakfast. I've been thinking about doing dried lavender from Sweet Dreams farms with the cookbook they sell, or putting together a little recipe book. Sat May 31 13:50:59 -0700 2008 3736957 140255 televiking 1 3739864 Okay, so I'm super late in saying this, but THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for sending all these fantastic ideas my way!! Sounds like I also have some fun new things to try now! Gotta love this board. Sun Jun 01 16:28:17 -0700 2008 3725066 163159 RuthieBaby