Foodie Gifts Foodie Fun

The gift giving season is upon us. It's the time of year to stress about what would be the perfect gift. Luckily foodies and homes chefs are the easiest people to buy for. There's always an interesting food or new gadget that's sure to please them. That's what makes shopping for them so much fun but shoppers do need a guide This helps in selecting the right gift.

Yesterday's New York Times Food section knows this and supplied readers with a two page gift guide in their holiday section. There are some interesting ideas that are sure to please everyone. Candy canes are front and center in this  and they're in both traditional and very non traditional flavors. Hammond's Candies of Denver Colorado produces the old fashioned peppermint kind along with sugar plum and birthday cake flavors. (however  be warned one candy cane is $2.95 and $30.00 for a dozen) Anglophiles and butter lovers will go mad for English toffee.from Littlejohn's Candies. This Los Angeles fave also has bacon caramels for the Paleos in your life  as well as fudge in a variety of different flavors.Tired of sweet, then try unami and spicy Gochuan Korean Hot Sauce ,a hot chili paste that's sweet, spicy and savory. It's not just for bulgoki but for adding zest and zing to ribs, burgers and dogs.For something truly different try Scourtins the savory butter cookie with the addition of a briny olive paste.(!) Lark Fine Foods bake them in their Essex Massachusetts facility.They're known for their interesting pairings such as burnt caramel and rosemary in the company's other cookies.If you have a true meat lover in your life then gift him or her with Nodine's Smokehouse bacon sampler. It has the German influenced juniper infused bacon along with garlic flavored and the classic apple wood smoked one. Get nut lovers pecans from Cleveland Organics for both nibbling and baking,

The guide has some intriguing gadgets for home chefs.A sweetly  old fashioned  one is the Chef Time from Piq.This is an ultra cute kitchen timer with a toque wearing chef's mustache sporting head on top. Messy home chefs and home bakers will appreciate the sturdily made apron from Les Toiles de Soleil. It's pricey at $75.00  but it's made of a durable cotton that will last through splashes and washings.It's in a bright striped pattern that will liven up any kitchen Innovative chefs will appreciate the Spiralizer from Kitchen Aid.. It's the size of a mixer and comes with four different peelers. You can not only make carrot ribbons with it but also peel and slice apples along with coring and slicing.Another must is a set of thirteen wooden spoons from Dura Artisans. These are hand carved beechwood from India and are all different sizes and spoon shapes. If your home chef craves elegance then surprise them with a classic looking cabbage leaf bowl from Williams -Sonoma.It's a beautifully crafted bowl from Portugal with a special commemorative stamp celebrating the store's centennial. If your home chef s more the Pioneer Woman kind of cook then  thrown in a triangle dinner bell from Schoolhouse Electric. It's a high end gift at $65.00 but a fun one that will last years.

This holiday season give your special foodie, home chef or home baker a unique gift. Using the Times Food Holiday guide , you 'll find the right present that will be thoroughly enjoyed. It's just a little help that will go a long way in the marathon that is the holiday shopping season.