A Taste Of The High Country – Dec 2021

What Do You Give Someone Who Has It All?
We are blessed with a problem in this part of the world. It often is difficult to figure out what to give to loved ones. They either have it all or are so particular you can’t make them happy. Meanwhile, cop- out presents are getting a bit old; funny pairs of socks or other undergarments, embarrassing onesies or that book no one will read. Heck! Even the latest wine gadget may become useless, provide little joy and find its way in the dark part of a cupboard. Granted, those kinds of presents can become the perfect “regift” at a future office party to that coworker no one likes but, the pleasure is fleeting. All of this is becoming passé and not in sync with our new social norms – environmental mindfulness – quality living and less is more consumer attitude.

If your loved ones have it all but, love eating – there is one delicious solution for you. Buy them a basket of food. But not any kind of food. Top-quality, locally made food or food ingredients. Yes! Only the best of the best that you can find. The stuff they would not usually buy because it is a bit pricey.

Not sure how to do this? Here are a couple ideas.

Recipe in a food basket. First, find a recipe you think your loved one will like. For example, an exotic cake, foreign stew or soup, the “real” croissant, decadent chocolate dessert or the ultimate Christmas fruit cake. You get the idea. Then, buy all the ingredients needed to make that recipe. But, do not buy any kind of ingredients. Buy only the best ingredients you can find. And, as much as possible, go for local ingredients – organic, sustainable, farm-to-table type of ingredients. Then, buy a lovely basket or box, put everything together, complete with side products to accompany the dish such as jam, condiment, cultured butter or a thoughtfully paired bottle of wine. Voilà! The recipient of the present will drool in anticipation of what is coming in the kitchen. Or her anxiety level will shoot right up, wondering if she will be able to master the baking technique involved. Irrespective of the initial reaction, the present will display thoughtfulness and engage everyone in lively discussions over the proposed recipe, its ingredients and the intended outcome.

Basket of fine food: Not sure the person you are giving is up for a culinary challenge even though they love food? Not a problem. Take the said basket or box and fill it with ready-made luxury goods: those unique coffee beans, wild berries jams, exotic craft condiments, handmade crackers, luxurious cheeses, fine delicate teas, wildflower honey. Make a brunch in a basket complete with organic orange juice and a fine prosecco to make a mimosa. Alternatively, make the ultimate cheese and charcuterie board basket. Or a farm-to- table bison or elk steak dinner.

Fine food gift certificates: Still, if the research and shopping involved in preparing the baskets of goods are too much work for you, have no fear. Many of our food producers offer gift certificates. Imagine offering a gift certificate to buy a box of organic meat from a local producer. Or delicious artisan baked goods or honey products. No one will regift that? Guarantee.

An offering of fine food can redefine the joy of giving and sharing. It sends a clear message to others that you care. It is also compatible with today’s issues of wasteful consumerism, bringing us a little closer to the essence of what the Holidays are – sharing and togetherness.

Having said that, the only challenge I have yet to figure out is how to include a subtle hint that, as a gifter, I would want to be invited to enjoy fine food. Humm!

I wish you all a delicious, peaceful holiday season with friends and family.

To help you with your shopping, I prepared a sample list of local food producers to consider.

Farmers markets – perfect destinations where to find local supply of quality fine food. And to get into the Holiday spirit. Many are open year-round or have special days for the Holidays.

Organic and natural food stores
Amaranth, Blush Lane, Community Natural Foods

The Organic Box, Planet Organic Calgary

SPUD, Sunnyside Natural Market

Meat Producers
Harry’s Natural Meats: www.harrysnaturalmeats.com

Big Hill Sheep: www.bighillsheep.ca

Premium Organic Farm: www.premiumorganicfarms.ca

Fine food boutiques:
Fresh and Local Farm Outlet: www.freshandlocalfarmoutlet.com

Trulocal: www.trulocal.ca

Holistic Urban Farmer: www.holisticurbanfarmer.ca

Rocky Mountain Bison Company Bragg Creek: www.rockyvison.com

Preserved – Bragg Creek: www.preservedyyc.com

Silk Road Spice Merchant: www.silkroadspices.ca