Now more than ever local businesses need our support. And since everyone loves food, why not make this holiday season an edible gift-giving affair!
Check out our top picks for tasty stocking stuffers and gourmet gifts, all from homegrown Arizona businesses.
See Salt. The mother daughter duo behind this Arizona company swear that good salt makes a huge difference in taste. So that's what they do, sell really good salt. Their hand-harvested fleur de sel is soft, light and adds a little crunch. Pure fleur de sel is available or try it infused with flavors such as herbs de Provence, lemon, cayenne/lime, and orange bitters to name a few. Buy 5, get one free using code: SAVEMORE Visit www.seesalttaste.com to shop.
Zak's Chocolate. Maker's of award-winning, small batch chocolates, Zak's is one of only a few shops that make 100 percent of their own chocolate. They use only ethically sourced cocoa beans and their superior attention to detail is evident in everything from taste to packaging. Pick up some bars to tuck into stockings or a brownie flight for a hostess gift. Visit www.zakschocolate.com
Fiery Phoenix Hot Sauce. Heat up your holidays with this spicy sauce from Miracle Mile Deli. This tasty condiment packs a wallop. This sauce is made exclusively for the iconic deli and would make a great gift to anyone that appreciates bold flavors and a punch of heat. It's a delicious addition to pretty much anything edible. Pick up a few bottles to gift along with Miracle Mile swag or gift cards. Miracle Mile Deli is located at 4433 N. 16th Street.
AZ Bitters Lab. These bitters and flavor extracts are a fabulous gift for the cocktail enthusiast in your life. Print off a few of the recipes available on their website and give them with a bottle of bitters. Flavors include Mi Casa, Orange Sunshine, Figgy Pudding and Mas Mole. Click here to find a retailer near you. To buy visit www.azbitterslab.com.
Iconic Cocktail Co.: These uniquely-flavored, small-batch cocktail mixers are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. Their versatility makes for a tasty drink with or without alcohol! Add to sparkling water for a refreshing mocktail or experiment to create your own signature drink. Flavors include: Lime Leaf Tonic, Ginga Syrup, Spiced Honey, Prickly Pear, Cranberry Thyme and Mesquite Date. Available in single bottles or variety packs. Shop online at www.iconiccocktail.com
Cutino Sauce Co. Another spicy gift idea! These sauces are handmade in small batches with fresh, all natural, high-quality ingredients. They are available in jalapeño, habañero, chipotle, miso and verde. Sold individually or in customizable packs. For more information visit www.cutinosauce.com
Proof Bread. Give the gift of baked goods this holiday season. Proof bakes up some incredible sourdough in the form of loaves, croissants, English muffins, sandwich bread and more! Grab some bread for your own holiday celebrations and pick up some to gift to your favorite people. You can pick up Proof goodies at local farmer's markets. They also have some pretty cool swag. Visit www.proofbread.com for details.
Fairytale Brownies. This iconic Arizona brand has been sweetening the holidays for years with their high quality brownies, blondies and cookies. Visit their bakery shop in Tempe to pick up some goodies for your loved ones or order online and ship the goodness to friends and family. The baked goods come in a variety of delicious flavors including pecan, white chocolate, raspberry swirl, cream cheese, caramel and so many more! Customizable gift boxes available. Order at www.brownies.com.
Cookieto. Don't forget your loved ones who are following a Keto lifestyle. Cookieto is mixing up sugarless gourmet chocolate chip cookies. They're fresh-baked and super soft with only one net carb per cookie. Delicious! And don't miss their limited edition flavor, Peppermint Hot Chocolate. You can order Cookieto at www.getcookieto.com
Cucina Tagliani. Put together a gourmet gift basket of your own! Local Italian eatery Cucina Tagliani sells their legendary marinara sauce by the jar. Grab a few and pack them up with a box of dried pasta and a loaf of crusty bread (maybe from Proof bread mentioned above) for a gift perfect for busy families. We promise, they'll love it. Cucina Tagliani sauce is available at their northwest valley restaurant or online. www.cucinatagliani.com
Arcadia Premium. The list above is just a small list of the many, many amazing Arizona food products out there. Please shop local this holiday season. Support our local economy and do your part in keeping these businesses up and running. Check out the store Arcadia Premium for a great variety of local products, some of the products in this gift guide are even available there. Arcadia Premium is located at 5618 E. Thomas Road.