Local food treats for Christmas gifts

[creamydeluxe]

Would love to hear some recommendations for gift baskets utilizing local food specialties. I'm travelling back to Chicago and would love to bring the fam some local nuts, dried fruit, candy etc...what treats are super special that you all would include?

[d_doubleyew]

In the past, I have sent (via mail):

Mustard and pickled peppers from Philippe's

See's Candy

Persimmons from the Pershing Square Farmers Market (in season)

Dried dates from the dates guy at the Hollywood Farmers Market

Tortillas from Grand Central Market

Habanero salsa from Chichen Itza

Almond Honey from the Our Lady of Angels Cathedral store (downtown LA) - (this may not be technically local, I later found out...)

Haitian Coffee from TiGeorges

Saltwater Taffy from Fosselman's

-----
Philippe the Original
1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Fosselman's Ice Cream Co
1824 W Main St, Alhambra, CA 91801

Grand Central Market
317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Chichen Itza
3655 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

TiGeorges' Chicken
307 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Hollywood Farmers Market
1600 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA

See's Candies
10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

[J.L.]

A tin of freshly baked famous Diddy Riese cookies from Westwood.

www.diddyriese.com

[vickie2172]

(available at Costco)

[David Kahn]

Two of my favorites are:

-- The wonderful pumpkin spice bread from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in the Hollywood Hills (See: http://www.op-stjoseph.org/nuns/angels/gift-shop.htm

)

-- The unbelievably delicious toffee from Little John's in the Farmers Market on Fairfax. (See: http://www.littlejohnscandies.com/

)

Both are the type of thing that make you feel like you've discovered a hidden historic Los Angeles gem.

[bad nono]

Thanks for the monastery recommendation, it's one of those things I always thought I should try and never think about doing. Any idea how much those pumpkin spice bread sell for?

[David Kahn]

Last time I was there, I think it was $9 a loaf. (And cheap at twice the price!)

[bad nono]

Thank you!

[Emme]

i was going to rec Little John's as well!

[OCAnn]

Mustard from Philippe's.

[foodforus]

Here are a few yummies that I have given as gifts and received rave reviews;

-Little Flower Candy Company, Sea Salt Caramels
Go to their store to purchase in Western Pasadena or see the list. I have also purchased them at Joan's on Third and Leonidas on Larchmont
http://www.littleflowercandyco.com

-Morning Glory Brittles, all are good
I purchase at Cube on La Brea, right at the counter
http://www.morninggloryconfections.com/servlet/StoreFront

-Little Next Door preserves, I love the Blood Orange, and the homemade Dulce de Leche spread
I purchase right at their shop
http://www.thelittledoor.com/lndhome.html#

Chocolates:
-Valerie Confections are always delicious, unique flavors
I purchase right at the shop
http://www.valerieconfections.com/

-Compartes. So imaginative and delicious! Jonathan is master!
Again either at the shop or online.
http://www.compartes.com/chocolate-truffle-guide.php

-Jin Patissere. Kristy does super macaroons, cookies and chocolates.
Shop on Abbot Kinney or online
http://www.jinpatisserie.com/

Enjoy!

[creamydeluxe]

Ooo, thank you!!! These are some lucky dogs getting this good stuff!

[SeaCook]

Try E. Waldo Ward & Son in Sierra Madre.

http://www.waldoward.com/

It has been in business over 100 years and they use only local ingredients. They have tasting room in 100 + farmhouse. It's really cool.