Chocolate-covered pretzels dressed up and party-ready happen to be hyperlocal. (Photo by Susan Ericson. Click to enlarge)
By SUSAN ERICSON
Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift with some culinary influence? Something for the foodie on your list?
PieHole has a handful of hyperlocal ideas to share with you.
For starters, head for the gourmet bakery department at Sickles Market in Little Silver, where you’Ll find a beribboned basketful of chocolate-covered pretzels dressed up in candy bits from Daisy Chocolates. Made by Fair Havenite Lynn Volker, it doesn’t get more hyperlocal than this, and provides the perfect gift to impress a hostess or fill a sweet tooth’s Christmas stocking. At $16.99, each bag contains 14 pretzels, but you can also purchase a pre-made platter that will set you back a bit more.
Sandy Hook Iced Tea, an alcoholic blend of green tea, malt barley and fruit juices made by Matthew Brescia, originally in the Sandy Hook area, can be found at Spirits Unlimited on Newman Springs Road in Red Bank. A six-pack will set you back $7.95 and makes a fun addition to a gift basket with a local theme.
On Monmouth Street in Red Bank, Carter and Cavero Old World Oil Oil Company carries a variety of flavored olive oils and vinegars in dark bottles wrapped and tied with a festive red bow. A small tasting gift pack of two vinegars, imported from Italy, makes a happy addition to any gourmet kitchen, and will set you back a mere $12.95. Larger gift sets of oil and balsamic vinegar include a terracotta tasting dish, and run between $29.95 and $39.95.
Nicole Rice of Coastal Decor and Interior Design, a retail shop on River Road in Fair Haven, carries a novel bamboo-wood cheese board for $55. The tidy attaché case includes a built-in wire slicer, a metal cutting surface and a trio of hefty, stainless-steel cheese knives.
Finally, something silly for the beer drinker who likes a bit of a zing in his or her suds: Michelada Beer Mix is a 24-ounce styrofoam cup with its lip pre-dipped into chili powder and carrying additional flavorings inside. This Mexican favorite sells for $2.50 at Rincon Latina Super Market on Shrewsbury Avenue in Red Bank.
