{"id":7564,"date":"2022-11-23T09:46:16","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T17:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/?p=7564"},"modified":"2022-11-24T12:24:02","modified_gmt":"2022-11-24T20:24:02","slug":"the-best-damn-food-drink-gift-guide-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/the-best-damn-food-drink-gift-guide-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Damn Food &amp; Drink Gift Guide 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>For the third year in a row, we\u2019re back! Our annual food and drink gift guide features our favorite products \u2014 ones we\u2019ve used ourselves, received as gifts, and\/or gifted to others.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"732\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final-1024x732.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final-1024x732.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final-1536x1097.png 1536w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/FoodDrinkGuide_2022_final.png 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Like <a href=\"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/the-best-damn-food-drink-gift-guide-2021\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">last year<\/a> (and <a href=\"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/the-best-damn-food-drink-gift-guide-on-the-web\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the year before<\/a>), there\u2019s no ulterior motive. There are no affiliate links or kickbacks. Just the products we love and most often recommend to our own friends and family when they seek gift giving advice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>A distribution of gift options between $20-$300, with very few at the top end of that range, and plenty of affordable selections. There are even a few options under $20!<\/li><li>A diverse range of products that can accommodate every palate and dietary restriction<\/li><li>No mass market stuff&nbsp;<\/li><li>A focus on small businesses and diverse ownership (companies founded by women, PoC, and other under-represented groups all made our list)<\/li><li>US &amp; Canada focused, with every option shipping to the continental US<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To give you completely fresh, new ideas, <strong>you won\u2019t see repeat recommendations<\/strong> from our past gift guide editions. We stand by those past recommendations. We\u2019ve just uncovered a slew of newly discovered and not-previously-mentioned products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this 2022 edition, three of us have compiled our gift recommendations. Here\u2019s a little more about each of us so that you get a better sense of what informs our perspectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rand Fishkin: <\/strong>Cofounder and CEO at SparkToro, married to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everywhereist.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Beard award winning food writer<\/a>. Infamous for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everywhereist.com\/2021\/12\/bros-restaurant-lecce-we-eat-at-the-worst-michelin-starred-restaurant-ever\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">selecting<\/a> one terrible restaurant in Lecce, and only slightly less infamous for suggesting a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.everywhereist.com\/2022\/07\/i-tried-21-flavors-of-mountain-dew-for-some-reason\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">taste test of every Mountain Dew flavor<\/a>. Rand\u2019s also a ludicrously picky eater, surprisingly passable home chef, and mostly wants all his friends to buy the people they love good, consumable things that won\u2019t clutter up their homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Amanda Natividad: <\/strong>VP of Marketing for SparkToro, former test kitchen cook at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/food\/la-xpm-2012-sep-06-la-dd-test-kitchen-tips-cleaning-stubborn-pots-and-pans-20120905-story.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Los Angeles Times<\/a>, Le Cordon Bleu graduate, has strong opinions about everything she buys, and is a proud recommender of the Travelpro Carry-on Spinner suitcase since 2015, before the Wirecutter started recommending it in 2017. (She would share her Amazon product review screenshot as proof but she doesn\u2019t want to doxx her username, so I guess just trust her?) She also has a discerning palate but isn\u2019t a food snob. (She likes Flamin&#8217; Hot Fries which makes me question how discerning her palate actually is, but I can appreciate her non-snobbery.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Andrew Bohrer: <\/strong>A close friend of mine whose <a href=\"http:\/\/www.andrewbohrer.com\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">food and drink opinions<\/a> have never steered me wrong. He\u2019s a cocktail-competition-winner, bartending legend, artist, connoisseur of all things tasteable and taste-worthy. He had to sit out last year\u2019s guide, but he helped me put together our inaugural one. Andrew not only brings an expert point of view, but he\u2019s also consumed, used or visited all of his recommendations, which means he\u2019s giving tried-and-true, thoughtful advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Without further ado, onto our list of 38 recommendations, organized by category and in our own respective words:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For foodies and home cooks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nut Butters from <a href=\"https:\/\/grounduppdx.com\/collections\/products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ground Up<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7558\" width=\"498\" height=\"498\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/groundup_cashewbutter.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 498px) 100vw, 498px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Have you gone over to your friend\u2019s house and seen two mediocre jars of \u201cartisan\u201d almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter in their fridge with teaspoon-spoon sized holes in the nutpaste, strongly suggesting they dig in directly with a spoon when they\u2019re hungry and don\u2019t have time for anything else?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course you have. And this is the perfect gift for those friends. They\u2019re just a little too pricey to be an everyday nut butter, which makes them the absolute perfect gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ve tried coconut+cashew, macadamia+chia, cardamom+cashew, and even the salted eggnog. All are good, but the cashew-based ones are my favorite. Cardamom + cashew might be the winner. The monthly subscription and holiday tasting flight are great options, too. Just one suggestion: confirm your friend\u2019s nut allergies BEFORE you buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">100 Cookies Cookbook by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thevanillabeanblog.com\/100-cookies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sarah Kieffer of the Vanilla Bean Blog<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/100-cookies-1-of-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7551\" width=\"412\" height=\"492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/100-cookies-1-of-1.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/100-cookies-1-of-1-251x300.jpeg 251w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 412px) 100vw, 412px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This is Geraldine\u2019s favorite cookbook. I will now transcribe a conversation had in a rather small, Courtyard-by-Marriott hotel room about this cookbook:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>R: \u201cHey KTL (I call her KTL; it&#8217;s a secret acronym, sorry), what should I tell people about the 100 Cookies Cookbook you love so much?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G: \u201cMmmm\u2026 That ummm\u2026 it\u2026 do you just want me to write it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>R: \u201cYes, please.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G: &lt;continues talking as though she hadn\u2019t just agreed to write this next part, which I will now transcribe> \u201cThere\u2019s tons of baking books out there. What makes this one distinct? It\u2019s a mix of recipes for reliable classics perfected and entirely new, innovative recipes. It focuses exclusively on cookies, bars, and brownies. And unlike other cookbooks where you find yourself making only one or two recipes, you will find that you make many of these again and again. You know, finagle, clean it up, but\u2026 yeah, write that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>R: \u201cOK, thank you, I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>G: &lt;giggles quietly in a really adorable way and goes back to scrolling r\/AmItheAsshole on Reddit><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sodium Citrate from <a href=\"https:\/\/modernistpantry.com\/products\/sodium-citrate.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Modernist Pantry<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"bag of sodium citrate\" class=\"wp-image-7540\" width=\"571\" height=\"571\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/modernistpantry_sodiumcitrate_front_50g__66600.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Let me tell you about the ten most anger-inducing times in my life: Number one, top of the list for sure was when I was betrayed by my best friend who I loved with all my heart, and then lied-to, and then hurt repeatedly for no reason I can understand even to this day. Numbers 2-10 were when I tried to make Cacio e Pepe and ended up with glumpy, clumpy, gross wads of gummy cheese and pepper instead of silky smooth, rich and creamy cheese and pasta-water sauce like every Italian can do from the time they turn three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, now you can give someone the gift of never dealing with 2-10. Number one, you\u2019re on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This secret powder came to me via my friend, <a href=\"https:\/\/mastodon.social\/@seattlefoodgeek\">Scott Heimendinger<\/a>. He\u2019s a certified culinary genius and food scientist, formerly of Modernist Cuisine and Anova, so, yeah, industry cred. Scott told me,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cRand, it\u2019s OK. A lot of guys need help with this. It happens to almost every man at your age. You\u2019re trying to get your cheese-based sauce to maintain consistency through temperature fluctuations, but you can\u2019t do it yourself. Take this white powder that looks suspiciously like cocaine and call me in the morning.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And oh what a morning it was. Joyous. Beautiful. Like the first day after you\u2019ve won the lottery or discovered lumbar support. I mixed it in with the grated pecorino, added the peppery pasta water, and presto! Perfect, creamy, rich, fantastic cacio e pepe, no matter the temperature of the bowl or the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Miracles exist amici: I submit sodium citrate as proof. (Amanda can personally attest to the deliciousness and perfect consistency because I made this for her during her last Seattle visit!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Chorizo Bilbao from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spanishtable.com\/product\/37479001160.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Spanish Table<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"129\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chorizo_bilbao.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7548\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m about to perform magic\u2026 Ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chorizo is delicious in paella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now watch the comments and tweets about this post. They will rapidly fill up, as though through eldritch power, with the incensed voices of proud Spaniards decrying the gastronomic heresy committed by the sentence above. They\u2019ll say, \u201cThat\u2019s NOT a paella! It\u2019s arroz con chorizo! Just because it\u2019s prepared exactly the same way and every other ingredient is the same doesn\u2019t mean you get to use the word \u2018paella,\u2019 you monster.\u201d Pretty impressive, right? I didn\u2019t even go to wizard school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, that\u2019s not the only magic I\u2019ve got for you. Spanish chorizo, the right Spanish chorizo, especially *this* Spanish chorizo is phenomenal as an appetizer, in stews, sauces, on some soft bread, maybe dipped in a bit of tomato sauce. All of these suggestions will make Spanish culinary puritans scream. But, what do they know? Not how to make paella, that\u2019s for sure. (Gianluca, \ud83d\ude18 I wrote this just for you)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Chorizo Bilbao is a pain to find in stores. Only one place in Seattle sells it. So we were thrilled to see this readily available for online purchase. If you buy a pack, consider whipping up Amanda\u2019s all-time favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/www.latimes.com\/recipe\/barkitchens-shrimp-and-grits\">Shrimp and Grits recipe<\/a>, which she personally sourced from the Los Angeles-based restaurant that serves it and that she tested twice during her stint at the LA Times Test Kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soba or buckwheat noodles from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yamibuy.com\/en\/p\/kabuto-japanese-buckwheat-noodles-zaru-soba-4lb\/1149018131\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kabuto<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kabuto_sobanoodles-796x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7554\" width=\"386\" height=\"497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kabuto_sobanoodles-796x1024.jpg 796w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kabuto_sobanoodles-233x300.jpg 233w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kabuto_sobanoodles-768x988.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kabuto_sobanoodles.jpg 1166w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Years ago, we were in the Japanese mountain town of Karuizawa, wandering up a disturbingly-steep, deserted street. Every restaurant was closed. We were starving. Only one place was open\u2014a soba noodle spot. Geraldine complained bitterly, \u201cI don\u2019t like soba!\u201d I convinced her we\u2019d get even angrier at each other if we didn\u2019t eat. Twenty minutes later, she\u2019d converted to the gods of buckwheat noodledom. She still says \u201cRemember that day you didn\u2019t want to get soba, but I insisted?\u201d because my wife is the queen of rewriting her personal history to appear blameless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Guess what? Kabuto\u2019s soba, while not quite as good as the mountaintop spot in Karuizawa, is very delicious. It\u2019s noticeably better than the other three brands I\u2019ve tried from Seattle supermarkets. If you cook it <em>al dente<\/em> (which requires draining and quickly tossing with ice), you\u2019ll get a fantastic texture. I particularly love this <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonpost.com\/recipes\/spicy-pork-vegetables-and-soba-noodles\/17814\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">quick dinner from the WaPo<\/a> (though we\u2019ll sometimes use salmon in place of pork; equally good if not better). Buy your recipient <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yamibuy.com\/en\/p\/amanoya-japanese-mini-rice-cracker-98g\/1017003491\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">some of these rice crackers<\/a> while you\u2019re at it. The perfect snack while you\u2019re waiting for soba and sipping Sapporo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My favorite method of prep for these noodles is tossing them in spicy peanut dressing along with edamame, sliced carrots and cucumbers, and a fistful of freshly chopped cilantro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Calabrian hot chili powder from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/TuttoCalabria-Calabrian-Natural-Non-GMO-Product\/dp\/B08CY3RBDN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TuttoCalabria<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/tutocalabria_chilipowder-662x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7552\" width=\"282\" height=\"435\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/tutocalabria_chilipowder-662x1024.jpg 662w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/tutocalabria_chilipowder-194x300.jpg 194w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 282px) 100vw, 282px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s the deal: you know how sometimes you use a jalapeno in a Thai dish, because you couldn\u2019t find Thai bird\u2019s eye chilis at the grocery store? Or maybe you\u2019ve used New Mexican hatch chilies in a Caribbean dish? Not the same as habanero by any means. Culinary excommunication looms, but it mostly works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Same thing with spicy, Mediterranean dishes and American chili powders or flakes. It\u2019s not the same. If you\u2019ve been to Calabria, Naples, Sicily, and eaten the spicy foods of those regions, you\u2019ve had Calabrian chili. This stuff. Now when someone says \u201cthat\u2019s a spicy a-meat-a-ball!\u201d you can say \u201cthanks! Unlike your hackneyed stereotyping, it\u2019s authentic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Matcha powder from <a href=\"https:\/\/chachamatcha.com\/collections\/matcha-powder\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cha Cha Matcha<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chachamatcha-1024x838.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7542\" width=\"517\" height=\"423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chachamatcha-1024x838.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chachamatcha-300x245.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chachamatcha-768x628.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/chachamatcha.png 1186w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 517px) 100vw, 517px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When I first started reading about matcha powder and where to buy it, I learned that green teas (even organic ones), particularly tea grown <a href=\"https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/Health\/things-matcha\/story?id=30073116\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in China<\/a>, may contain lead. And while there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/15998560\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">research<\/a> to show that over a thousand Chinese tea varieties exceed the recommended safety levels, wary consumers may want to be sure they\u2019re buying their matcha sourced from Japan. Cha Cha Matcha provides exactly that: ceremony-grade matcha sourced from Uji, Japan.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Instant noodle variety pack from <a href=\"https:\/\/shop.momofuku.com\/products\/noodle-variety-pack-20-servings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Momofuku<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/momofuku_instant_noodles.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7535\" width=\"475\" height=\"476\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/momofuku_instant_noodles.png 1020w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/momofuku_instant_noodles-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/momofuku_instant_noodles-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/momofuku_instant_noodles-768x770.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 475px) 100vw, 475px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll level with ya. I love instant ramen noodles. Calm down, many chefs love them too \u2014 they just don\u2019t cook with those Top Ramen seasoning packets. These Momofuku noodles are now a pantry staple for me, and I <em>do<\/em> use the provided seasoning. All I do is add a protein \u2014 usually some seared sirloin steak quickly marinated in a dash of soy sauce with squeeze of lemon and glob of garlic \u2014 and a sauteed vegetable, and it\u2019s an easy weeknight meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Spoon holder and steam releaser from <a href=\"https:\/\/ototodesign.com\/products\/red-spoon-holder-steam-releaser?_pos=1&amp;_sid=b94a4c117&amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ototo<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/redthecrab_ototo.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7536\" width=\"613\" height=\"414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/redthecrab_ototo.jpeg 740w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/redthecrab_ototo-300x203.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 613px) 100vw, 613px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>At $20, this is among our more economical picks! This might look frivolous but it\u2019s not. A while back, my husband noticed an odd cooking quirk from me: I have a habit of balancing my pot lids on the pot just off-center. I do this to retain most of the heat without risking the liquid boiling over. And occasionally, the lid will fall off the pot. Until my husband got the Red the Crab Steam Releaser for me, I had no idea such a product existed! Now, this little crab holds my cooking spoon in place (allowing the saucy spatula to drip into the pot) or keeps my pot lid in place (allowing a pathway for the steam).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cooking concentrates from <a href=\"https:\/\/rheagoods.com\/collections\/stocked\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rhea Goods<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/rhegoods_liquidsunshine_deepblack.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7550\" width=\"594\" height=\"595\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I arrived at my friend Tony\u2019s house and after greeting me he ran to the fridge eagerly asking, \u201cTry this, have you had it? It&#8217;s so good.\u201d&nbsp; He later revealed that while, yes, he loved the Deep Fermented Black Garlic Concentrate, he mostly wanted to be the one to introduce me to something new. And that he did! I think I\u2019ve sent a half dozen of the set of Liquid Sunshine (preserved lemon concentrate) to other folks I know in a similar \u201cHa, first!\u201d fashion. What do I do with these concentrates? A flick of Liquid Sunshine on any vegetable, roasted, poached, whatever. I mostly use the Deep Black in marinades for pork belly or flank steak. I\u2019ll add other ingredients but I don\u2019t need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Y-peeler from <a href=\"https:\/\/kuhnrikon.com\/us\/kitchen-essentials\/peeler\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kuhn Rikon<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7547\" width=\"590\" height=\"590\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kuhrikon_ypeeler.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 590px) 100vw, 590px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Drag your vegetable peeler across the palm of your hand. Now if you aren\u2019t dialing 911 with your other hand, then your peeler is dull and needs to be replaced. Rikon makes great Y-peelers that are so inexpensive that they are often sold in 3 packs. If you are more interested in cooking gear in the style of \u201cI am become death, destroyer of worlds,\u201d then go with the Titan Peeler. I\u2019m on my 12th year with mine.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing compares to these peelers. With their small, sharp size, they\u2019re easy to maneuver and help you peel fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Boos Block Board Cream from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.johnboos.com\/product\/boos-block-board-cream-for-butcher-blocks-and-cutting-boards\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">John Boos&nbsp;<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/boos_boardcream.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7538\" width=\"364\" height=\"364\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/boos_boardcream.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/boos_boardcream-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/boos_boardcream-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/boos_boardcream-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 364px) 100vw, 364px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the culinary equivalent of socks for Christmas. But like socks, it\u2019s essential. I do all of my cutting boards once a year but I should probably do them more often. This board cream is a natural blend of bees wax and mineral oil. Basically it fixes the divots in your cutting board that your well-meaning friend put in while pretending to be the Swedish chef. It also is a natural antibacterial and antifungal sealer that protects porous wood. Also, Boos makes a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.johnboos.com\/products\/boos-blocks\/cutting-boards\/shop-online\/\">good cutting board<\/a> if you want one of those too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Mexican Pantry from <a href=\"https:\/\/providorefinefoods.com\/collections\/cooking\/products\/the-mexican-pantry?variant=41297779622079\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Providore Fine Foods<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB-682x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7574\" width=\"-202\" height=\"-303\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB-682x1024.jpeg 682w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/MEXICAN_PANTRY_WEB.jpeg 1333w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Y\u2019all know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/matthewbrownpdx\/\">Matt Brown<\/a>? Picky, picky guy. Especially when it comes to food. Just imagine Eric Ripert but from Portland, Oregon. Anywhoodle, Matt bought us this gift box in September. It\u2019s nearly gone. We loved every item. Every. Item. Do you know how rare that is in a gift box?<br><br>The mole was spectacular. Better than many restaurants. The salsa seca? Divine. The blue corn? Fuggedaboudit. Buy it for someone you love. Then go for a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Panettone from <a href=\"https:\/\/thepanettone.com\/product-category\/fiasconaro-panettone\/?v=7516fd43adaa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fiasconaro<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/fiasconaro_pannetone.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7562\" width=\"638\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/fiasconaro_pannetone.jpg 900w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/fiasconaro_pannetone-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/fiasconaro_pannetone-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I buy a lot of panettone. It\u2019s a go-to gift when we bring something over to a friend\u2019s house around the holidays (or even into February). It\u2019s shelf-stable, which seems odd for a bread product, and I probably wouldn\u2019t trust it if it were American, but it\u2019s Italian, so\u2026 yeah, they wouldn\u2019t make it or ship it if it wasn\u2019t amazing and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This brand is the best. Or, at least, my most consistent favorite. I\u2019ve had others I loved equally, but then I try another variety from them, and they fall flat. Fiasconaro delivers over and over. You can buy some from <a href=\"https:\/\/supermarketitaly.com\/products\/fiasconaro-tradizionale-panettone-2-2-lbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Supermarket Italy<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ditalia.com\/products\/fiasconaro-traditional-panettone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">D&#8217;italia<\/a>, or even Amazon. Get five delivered to your own house and treat them like flowers or wine: a more creative riff, oozing with savoir faire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rand gifted me one of these once! It was divine. I&#8217;d only ever had American panettone bread and for the life of me, couldn&#8217;t figure out what made this stale massive hunk of bread a seemingly important holiday staple. But yeah. Sorry. The American grocery store versions are not good. At all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Star of David Bundt Pan from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nordicware.com\/products\/star-of-david-bundt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nordic Ware<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nordicware_starofdavid.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7563\" width=\"422\" height=\"422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nordicware_starofdavid.jpg 780w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nordicware_starofdavid-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nordicware_starofdavid-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/nordicware_starofdavid-768x768.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 422px) 100vw, 422px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>You never call. You know I sit by the phone all day hoping someone will call, but no one ever does. What shame have I brought to this family that I deserve such loneliness? And such hunger\u2013no, no, don\u2019t get up, I\u2019ll get it myself. My legs have been cramping something awful, but I can walk\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bubby! STAHP it. Look, Geraldine made a nice cake for us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh. That *is* a nice cake. Such a lovely shape. How did you do it, dear?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s how the gentile won over her Jewish inlaws. With a bundt cake pan. Use this knowledge wisely, and make a Red Sea Pedestrian very happy. OK, maybe not \u201cvery happy,\u201d maybe just \u201cbriefly not complaining too much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda and Andrew (ha ha ha, just kidding, obviously Rand)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now I might buy this for myself just to make sure Rand truly feels welcome at my home the next time my family and I have him over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For home bartenders<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.skurnik.com\/sku\/sake-vermouth-japanese-bermutto-oka-kura\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Japanese Sake Vermouth<\/a> from Oka Kura<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake-vermouth-japanese-bermutto-oka-kura-2-348x600-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7531\" width=\"336\" height=\"579\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake-vermouth-japanese-bermutto-oka-kura-2-348x600-1.png 348w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake-vermouth-japanese-bermutto-oka-kura-2-348x600-1-174x300.png 174w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 336px) 100vw, 336px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Wait, Japan makes vermouth? That\u2019s what I thought the first time I saw this display at my local spirits purveyor. Bought some, mixed it with yuzu syrup and bitters, fell in love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s very different from Western vermouths, but very delicious. You can <a href=\"https:\/\/punchdrink.com\/articles\/japans-first-foray-into-sake-vermouth-oka-kura-bermutto\/\">read all about it in Punch<\/a>. Or you can try it at your friend\u2019s house after you buy it for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u200b\u200bLucky Envelope Brewing\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.totalwine.com\/beer\/brand\/lucky-envelope?viewall=true&amp;pageSize=24&amp;aty=1,1,1,1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fine Beers &amp; Sours<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/luckyenvelope.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7575\" width=\"420\" height=\"420\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/luckyenvelope.jpg 490w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/luckyenvelope-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/luckyenvelope-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>My doctor says I have pre-pre-diabetes. So I\u2019m mostly cutting out beer. It\u2019s a tragedy, but a tolerable one. I still get to sneak in some spirits and wine. I\u2019m not yet over the line into the technical \u201cpre-diabetes\u201d area. I just gotta watch it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, when I indulge in my one beer every few months, I gotta make it good. Lucky Envelope brews right down the street from us, and they\u2019ve won a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.luckyenvelopebrewing.com\/our-beer\/\">whole mess of awards<\/a>, local and national, for \u2018em. My absolute favorite is the Vienna Lager, which reminds me of the many lovely beers I drank in Bavarian pubs with my late father-in-law (who hated almost everyone but seemed to like me &#8211; I like to think it\u2019s because I\u2019ve always been good to his daughter, and he loved her dearly, but struggled with expressing emotions because that\u2019s what men of his generation did). My second is the Raspberry Sour; delightful. Screw anyone who says real men can\u2019t drink sours. Real men, women, and nonbinary folks can A) drink whatever the \u201cf\u201d they want (as long as their doctor says it\u2019s OK) and B) aren\u2019t defined, offended by, or interested in the opinions of those who place arbitrary, antiquated gender norms on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Helles Lager is also quite good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sake Advent Calendar from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.namazakepaul.com\/product\/2022-sake-advent-calendar\/565\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Namazake Paul<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7541\" width=\"687\" height=\"515\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Namazake-Paul-Advent-Calendar-0874-2.jpeg 1728w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 687px) 100vw, 687px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Advent calendars are a fun way to count the days leading up to Christmas (if you celebrate). And this particular calendar is especially great for sake lovers. Packed in padding with lots of love, each day comes with about two servings of sake, some served chilled or hot. (Don\u2019t worry, it comes with a little booklet to help you learn about each sake.) A thoughtful gift for someone you love, or a great gift for yourself to get you into the holiday spirit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear sake set from <a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/hK2JsWl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DUJUST Store<\/a>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7553\" width=\"543\" height=\"543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/sake_set.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I have been searching far and wide for a sake set with my preferred criteria of being clear (so I can see precisely how much sake is left), and allowing me to maintain a hot or cold bath for the tokkuri. This set offers everything I was looking for, and it\u2019s under $30.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Audrey Saunders Sour Glass from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cocktailkingdom.com\/audrey-saunders-7oz-sour-glass?___store=default&amp;UseLoc=US\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cocktail Kingdom<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/audreysourglass.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7539\" width=\"424\" height=\"424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/audreysourglass.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/audreysourglass-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/audreysourglass-150x150.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 424px) 100vw, 424px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>A perfect glass. I like a small glass, I\u2019ll have a second cocktail if I want more. I like a glass that doesn\u2019t spill, I\u2019m a fella who likes to gesture. I love a sour glass that has a touch of Nick and Nora that is also perfect in size and shape for an Irish Coffee. Get these glasses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Oak barrels from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.babybarrels.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Baby Barrels<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/babybarrels.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7556\" width=\"578\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/babybarrels.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/babybarrels-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/babybarrels-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 578px) 100vw, 578px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I care about barrel aged cocktails like I care about pet rocks. But if you are into that, go with the gods or whatever. What I am into is making bespoke house blends of whiskey or rum. My current house rum blend is mostly Jamaican (probably always will be) with a bit of Haitian, Cacha\u00e7a, and some old Demerara. Blending all of these together makes an affordable sipping rum that can\u2019t make a bad cocktail and is only ever available at my house.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tiki Mugs from <a href=\"http:\/\/mondoshop.com\/collections\/tiki-mugs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mondo Shop<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs-1024x329.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7532\" width=\"765\" height=\"245\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs-1024x329.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs-300x96.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs-768x247.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs-1536x493.png 1536w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/mondo_tikimugs.png 1694w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t really drink exotic cocktails out of other peoples\u2019 gods\u2019 heads anymore. That\u2019s a good thing, but now, you can drink from the heads of the new gods, the gods of media. I really like the Mondo mugs because they are a bit of a nod to classic tiki without being, um, colonial. Tiki at its origin and exotic drinks now were\/are about traveling without traveling and having a bit of fun. These certainly deliver on that promise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For frequent hosts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Linen napkins from <a href=\"https:\/\/food52.com\/shop\/products\/8447-madre-linen-napkins-set-of-4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Madre<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/food52_madre_linennapkins-1024x743.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7544\" width=\"662\" height=\"480\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/food52_madre_linennapkins-1024x743.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/food52_madre_linennapkins-300x218.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/food52_madre_linennapkins-768x557.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/food52_madre_linennapkins.png 1130w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 662px) 100vw, 662px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I am in love with these napkins. I\u2019ve washed and dried them half a dozen times and they still look great. The easygoing fabric doesn\u2019t feel at all starchy, nor does it feel flimsy. And with the golden trim, the overall vibe is casually lux. The colors all play well together, so I\u2019ve mixed and matched several of the colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Champagne saber from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webstaurantstore.com\/laguiole-16-stainless-steel-champagne-saber-with-rosewood-handle-and-wood-box\/2082265.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Laguiole&nbsp;<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/champagne_saber-1024x997.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7537\" width=\"459\" height=\"446\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/champagne_saber-1024x997.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/champagne_saber-300x292.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/champagne_saber-768x748.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/champagne_saber.png 1294w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 459px) 100vw, 459px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Sabering Champagne is one of the most fun things one can do that is slightly dangerous. It\u2019s easy to saber champagne bottles. I\u2019ve done it with a bottle opener, a belt buckle, an iPhone, braver folk than I can do it with a champagne flute, but you\u2019ll never fail if you have a saber. It\u2019s the difference between getting your tires rotated at the shop and just having four friends over to lift your car and hold it still.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oh this is a princely gift. I&#8217;m buying these for some friends right now, because there is not a human alive who doesn&#8217;t enjoy sabering champagne with a fancy scimitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Herbal digestive from <a href=\"https:\/\/underbergamerica.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Underberg<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/underberg_bitters.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7555\" width=\"611\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/underberg_bitters.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/underberg_bitters-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/underberg_bitters-768x463.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I love Underberg. I have an Underberg truck with my name on it and the trailer to follow it that is actually a music box. It\u2019s the best thing to drink after a heavy meal, between beers, before a cheese course, on the golf course, if your stomach is upset, if your stomach is happy, if you are happy or upset\u2014 it might be the best drink there is. It\u2019s a simple, tiny bottle of boonekamp bitters (stomach bitters) which is basically a spirit infused with bitter herbs and botanicals to aid in digestion. You used to have to (and still can) save caps to exchange for secret brand swag but the Underberg store is now open with all kinds of silly gear to promote your interest in bitter drinks and digestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Packaging is adorable. Taste is enjoyable. User experience is 10\/10. Would gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cocktail sets from <a href=\"https:\/\/bullinchinapdx.com\/collections\/cocktail-gift-sets\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bull in China<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bull_in_china_cocktail_set.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7543\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bull_in_china_cocktail_set.jpg 400w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bull_in_china_cocktail_set-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/bull_in_china_cocktail_set-150x150.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Think about something you love, you are passionate about or something you want to learn. Now think about exploring that love with the finest that Target has to offer. Don\u2019t worry, I\u2019m not talking shit about Target. One of my most common expressions is \u201cyou aren\u2019t too good for City Target,\u201d because no one is. But Target isn\u2019t where you go for specialized gear. It takes care of the basics and if you are lucky it makes them pretty and affordable. With that said and to shift Sauron\u2019s Eye from Target to you: whatever cutie pie bullshit cocktail shaker or drink mixer you have is bad and wrong and you should feel bad and wrong. The good news is, resetting your shaker and mixers to something 10x better costs about the same if you buy it from a retailer that curates stock for quality. That\u2019s what you get from Bull in China. Cobbler shakers (three piece) are hard to use for professionals and even harder for the home user. I promise you\u2019ll get a better drink out of a 2 piece, metal on metal shaker. METAL ON METAL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For travelers or experience-seekers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The gift of a distillery tour<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7549\" width=\"707\" height=\"471\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/westland_distillery.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 707px) 100vw, 707px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I have a buddy who has been studying whiskey and it\u2019s inspired me to get tasting, learning, and visiting again. I also just drove across the country and found that gifting a distillery tour to my hosts is a true kindness. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westlanddistillery.com\/visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Westland in Seattle<\/a>, for example, pours you over $50 of booze (where you\u2019d be lucky enough to buy it in a bar). And fellas, (men) when you are on these tours, if it\u2019s more of a comment than a question, keep it to yourself.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other distilleries I visited and loved during my cross-country drive:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/highwest.com\/pages\/experience\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High West<\/a> in Utah<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.leopoldbros.com\/book-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leopold Bros<\/a> in Colorado&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jriegerco.com\/ourdistillery\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">J. Rieger and Co<\/a> in Kansas City&nbsp;<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.georgedickel.com\/VisitUs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">George Dickel<\/a> in Tennessee<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/catoctincreekdistilling.com\/visit\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Catoctin Creek<\/a> in Virginia<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For when you\u2019re looking for something new and unexpected<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Totoro Japanese Tea Cup from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yamibuy.com\/en\/p\/benelic-my-neighbor-totoro-japanese-tea-cup-9oz-symbols\/1029073141\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Studio Ghibli<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7545\" width=\"454\" height=\"454\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/totoro_mug.png 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 454px) 100vw, 454px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I have an embarrassing confession \u2013 I\u2019ve never once drank tea from this cup. I use it for my morning espresso. I love it more than 95% of my possessions. The little characters are so cute and the texture is like if ASMR were a physical thing. The translations: adorable. The size: flawless. The sippability from the lip: perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>True sadness is knowing that only a few things can be this beautiful and beloved in your life. But if you have Ghibli fans on your gift list, this might be just the ticket to their hearts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Soup, bread and cookie gift box from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spoonfulofcomfort.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spoonful of Comfort<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7546\" width=\"510\" height=\"510\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/spoonfulofcomfort-2048x2048.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 510px) 100vw, 510px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This gift box has become my go-to gift for new parents, sick loved ones, and any friend who needs a little extra support during an unusually busy week. Spoonful of Comfort usually delivers in less than a week, and the thoughtful packaging \u2014 complete with metal ladle \u2014 makes for a truly beautiful gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Canned agua frescas from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drinkaguabonita.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Agua Bonita<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/aguabonita.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7533\" width=\"592\" height=\"592\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/aguabonita.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/aguabonita-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/aguabonita-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/aguabonita-768x768.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 592px) 100vw, 592px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m always on the lookout for nonalcoholic beverages, and I was thrilled to stumble upon Agua Bonita. This Latina-owned small business makes delicious canned agua frescas that you can buy directly online or from select Sprouts locations. My personal favorite is Mango Habanero which has a refreshing spicy kick (but don\u2019t worry, not too spicy). I\u2019ll drink it as is, or with a freshly squeezed lime wedge. And sometimes, if I want a low-effort cocktail, I\u2019ll add a shot of tequila as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">French Macarons from <a href=\"https:\/\/thekaylascake.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Kayla\u2019s Cake<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7534\" width=\"529\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/kaylas_macarons.jpeg 1060w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 529px) 100vw, 529px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>I can\u2019t remember what occasion it was (eating my feelings, probably), but for at least a few weeks, French macarons from the best known France- and New York-based bake shops were sold out. I also couldn\u2019t find a macaron shop near me. Then I stumbled upon Kayla\u2019s Cake, <a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/2FQFUiK\">on Amazon<\/a> where I learned they were local-ish to me). Not only was I pleased to see that they also sell directly on their website, they also ship all over the US. The macarons are delicious, and Kayla Cake\u2019s various ecommerce options make their goods easy to buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Amanda<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Straw filters from <a href=\"https:\/\/lifestraw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LifeStraw<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/LifeStraw-3-pack-797x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-7557\" width=\"387\" height=\"497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/LifeStraw-3-pack-797x1024.jpg 797w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/LifeStraw-3-pack-234x300.jpg 234w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/LifeStraw-3-pack-768x986.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.sparktoro.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/LifeStraw-3-pack.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 387px) 100vw, 387px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>LifeStraw contributes 6% of its annual gross income towards its charity program. They have given over 10,000 filters to 1,600 schools in 3 years, and it all came from their own profits. Not only does this company distribute a way to have clean water, but they designed the cost-efficient way to do it themselves. I have 3 for emergency purposes. Super boring way to keep yourself and others safe in an emergency and helping other people in need. Water is the most important drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Andrew<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Go forth and have a delicious holiday season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Thanks for reading! We hope you discovered something new. And if there\u2019s a great (and tasty) gift you think we missed, feel free to drop your recommendation in the comments. Have a delicious Thanksgiving, a very Happy Hanukah, and a Merry upcoming Christmas to all who celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right\">-Rand, Amanda, and Andrew<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For the third year in a row, we\u2019re back! Our annual food and drink gift guide features our favorite products \u2014 ones we\u2019ve used ourselves, received as gifts, and\/or gifted to others.&nbsp; Like last year (and the year before), there\u2019s no ulterior motive. There are no affiliate links or kickbacks. Just the products we love<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-events","category-personal"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Best Damn Food &amp; Drink Gift Guide 2022 - SparkToro<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"For the third year in a row, we\u2019re back! Our annual food and drink gift guide features our favorite products \u2014 ones we\u2019ve used ourselves, received as\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sparktoro.com\/blog\/the-best-damn-food-drink-gift-guide-2022\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Best Damn Food &amp; Drink Gift Guide 2022 - SparkToro\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"For the third year in a row, we\u2019re back! 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