By now you’ve probably been so bombarded by holiday shopping ads that whenever someone strikes up a conversation you begin hearing Jingle Bells. For those Last Minute Lonnie’s such as myself, you may not have gotten all of your holiday purchases out of the way just yet. But even if you have, check out a few of these local treats for gift giving ideas. If all else fails, you can keep it for yourself. Happy holidays, from you to you.

 

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Sea Salt Caramels. Photo courtesy of Dallas Caramel Company.

Dallas Caramel Company

Upon sampling caramel from Dallas Caramel Company for the first time I witnessed a man close his eyes and dance in place with excitement. With a tiny smirk on her face, his wife remarked, “he could be the advertisement.” Rain McDermott, the owner has mastered caramel. It’s smooth without being slimy and chewy, but you won’t need dentures after eating it. You can’t go wrong with any of the flavors, but my personal favorite is the Sea Salt Caramel. One bite and you’ll quickly realize sweet and salty were always meant to be together. Holiday delivery available through December 17. Various Locations.  $-$$

 

A bunch of great granola. Photo courtesy of White Rock Granola.
A bunch of great granola. Photo courtesy of White Rock Granola.

White Rock Granola

Granola has never really been part of the exciting food world, but when it’s mixed with dried cranberries, cayenne pepper, cinnamon and cashews, it may be time to reevaluate things. Made in small batches, White Rock Granola re-imagines everything we think we know about rolled oats and nuts. Choose from six different flavors, including C4, my personal favorite mentioned above. For additional granola sass, check out Oh Snap, a combination of pumpkin seeds, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg sweetened with rich molasses. Located in the Shed at Dallas Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. $-$$

 

Peckish Pie's pot pie. Photo courtesy of Peckish Pie.
Peckish Pie’s pot pie. Photo courtesy of Peckish Pie.

Peckish Pies

Pie is kind of a big deal during this time of year, so it may feel redundant to give the gift of nosh. But Peckish Pies isn’t just making your average pumpkin and apple crust fillers. Their menu offers a tasty assortment of sweet and savory pies that mingle with English and classic southern flavors. Pies can be 3”, rolls or even placed in mason jars. Try their spin on the classic Chicken Pot Pie, the Aussie Ground Beef Pie or the Lhov- a blend of lemon cream and blueberries. Located in the Shed at Dallas Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. $-$$

 

Old Fashioned,The Aviation and Cosmopolitan from OTR.
Old Fashioned,The Aviation and Cosmopolitan from OTR.

OTR

It’s not everyone’s lot in life to make a great cocktail. Mastering the correct concoction of spirits and ingredients is a gift. Thankfully, the team behind On The Rocks Premium Cocktails has this craft all bottled up. OTR specializes in fully prepared bottled cocktails. They are sold in three different lines that include Signature, Craft and Tropical. For the classic bourbon boozer, you’ll definitely need their Old Fashioned, made with bitters, and a dash of cherry and orange. Warm your buddy’s bones with their Jalepeno-Pineapple Margarita, a spicy mix of tequila, triple sec, lime, pepper, and pineapple. Or, keep it cool with The Aviation, a blend of new world gin, lemon, violet and just a touch of cherry. Even if you’re not into gin, this cocktail will convert you. Simply put it on the rocks. Various Locations. $-$$

 

The incredibly delicious Melting Moment, this is a vanilla lovers dream. Photo courtesy of Proper Baking Company.
The incredibly delicious Melting Moment, this is a vanilla lovers dream. Photo courtesy of Proper Baking Company.

Proper Baking Company

Specializing in authentic British baked goods, Chef Tina Miller’s creations at Proper Baking Company are pastries done properly. Get the sausage roll, wrapped in fluffy puff pastry, or the infamous Scotch Egg, a double breaded hard-boiled egg surrounded by seasoned pork then deep fried to perfection. It’s like breakfast in a ball. But, if you’re looking for a new obsession try the Melting Moment. Two lusciously soft shortbread biscuits encompass the butteriest of all vanilla buttercreams. If you order a dozen, keep at least 10 for yourself. It is the proper thing to do. Located in the Shed at Dallas Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays.  $-$$

 

 

 

 

Raspberry, Strawberry Daiquiri and Jalapeno Pepper Jelly.
Raspberry, Strawberry Daiquiri and Jalapeno Pepper Jelly.

MaDear’s Jellies

Made in small batches by owner Monique Littleton, MaDear’s Jellies remind you of peeking over your grandmother’s shoulders and watching as she magically creates preservatives. She knows what spices are needed simply from the feel of the fruit in her hand. You’re not exactly sure how she does it, but every jar, every flavor tastes as if it were sealed with love. MaDear’s offers a number of seasonal preservatives, including Lemon Berry a sweet and zesty marriage of blackberries and lemon and Apple Cinnamon, a charming and delicious reminder of the holiday season. For those who prefer more of a punch in their preservatives, you will quickly fall for the Jalapeno Pepper. Pair it with cream cheese, or add it to your charcuterie board. Be sure to visit MaDear’s in the summer when the Peach Cobbler flavor is available. Forewarning, you may end up dropping the cheese, meat and bread in favor of simply eating it by the spoonful. Located in the Shed at Dallas Farmers Market on Saturdays and Sundays. $-$$