Cooper Street Bakery started operations in 1990 and has been in its current facility in La Salle, Illinois, since 1992.
It specializes in crafting an extensive variety of cookies to suit any occasion. From dropped, wire-cut, or bar-baked cookies, the company can create chewy bars or crispy mini biscotti in individual-sized serving packages to serve as stocking stuffers. Cookies can feature a range of delicious inclusions, such as chocolate chips or fruit, or be made without inclusions for classic simplicity. For more information, go to CooperStreetBakery.com.
Sesame Street
Get creative with the 45 recipes, each with a unique sesame twist — in this stylish, palate-pleasing Middle Eastern cookbook with global inspirations. Like a little black dress, tahini can seamlessly transition from day to night, from savory to sweet. “Open Sesame” reimagines how tahini can fit into your everyday repertoire with all the style and whimsy from the host of the James Beard Award-nominated podcaster Rachel Belle. $22.95, available at most book retailers.
You’ve Been Served
Served insulated serveware is built to help you share those incredible dishes you prepare for holiday gatherings. It makes a great gift as well. Vacuum-insulated, double-walled, copper-lined, and stainless-steel construction keeps food warm or cold, and silicone-sealed lids keep food in, and not on the floor mats of your car. Serving bowls range from $49.99 to $99.99 and pitchers are $89.99. Available at Walmart, QVC and ShopServed.com.
Nice, But Tastes Naughty
Lexington Bakes is an eco-conscious bakeshop serving classic American treats such as cookies, brownies, and oat bars, remade with better-for-you and the planet recipes using real, organic, and fair-trade ingredients. A treat box of a half-dozen goodies will run for about $33. You can even arrange to have a monthly goodie box sent. Go to LexingtonBakes.com.
Going Up
Upstate Elevator has been revitalizing the connection between humans and plants since 2017. The Vermont-based company offers clean crafted CBD + THC products. Gummies start at $4.99 a package, an 8-pack of THC seltzer is $49.99, you can subscribe and save. The Max Relax gift set, containing two THC drinks and a package of gummies, is $39.99. Go to UpStateElevator.com.
Joe-Tini
If the Cosmo epitomized the ‘90s, the espresso martini is the epitome of the 2020s. El Guapo offers the perfect gift with EspessoJoie, featuring the company’s espresso syrup and chocolate bitters, coffee beans for garnish, and a recipe card. Available at World Market, many liquor stores and at elguapobitters.com for $89.99.
Joe-Tini-2
For the coffee-freak on your list. Treat them to Dave’s Coffee Syrup. This Vermont favorite is made by roasting Brazilian beans, then resting them for two days. The beans are then ground and cold-brewed for 18 hours in stainless steel kettles. Finally, the cold-brewed coffee is drained and combined with pure cane sugar. The mixture of coffee and sugar is brought to a boil and simmered for about 45 minutes, as the syrup reduces and the sugar begins to caramelize. It is transferred into the company’s signature amber glass bottles. The amber glass protects the sweet flavor of the coffee syrup. Vermont folks add it to milk for a sweet morning drink, but it also makes a great martini flavoring, or you can add it to hot water for instant, sweet coffee. It’s just $15 for a 16-ounce bottle from DavesCoffee.com, but I’ve seen it as high as $50 in stores.
Latte-Da
While we’re on a coffee kick, let’s talk about Projo Power Coffee. It was developed by Charbel Mawad, a professional natural bodybuilder and lifelong student of nutrition and performance, trying to balance how the body processes caffeine and what could help balance its effects. He discovered that adding protein to coffee slows down caffeine absorption, providing a smoother, more sustained energy curve without the spike-and-crash cycle that causes jitters or anxiety. Instant Flavor pack range in price from $14.99-$27.99 and a 6-pack of canned lattes is $30. Go to IDrinkProjo.com to order.
Dynamic Duo
For the foodie who has everything and the cocktail lover who’s always mixing up something new, the Carandini Duo Set is the gift that inspires creativity in every recipe, whether that be as a drizzle or shake. It features Emilio Silver Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Bianca Sweet White Vinegar. From glazes and marinades to mocktails and craft cocktails, these two Italian staples bring versatility and a touch of gourmet festive flair to any pantry or bar cart. Available at Fresh Market and Winn-Dixie for $35.
