New Weekly Article - Global Gifting || Your Home and Lifestyle

Netherlands The soft and chewy Dutch waffle cookie known as stroopwafel is the gift solution for the individuals on your list who adore holiday cookies but also love international flavors. The aromatic treats were first made in the Netherlands but today can be sourced through The Good Batch in Brooklyn. There, founder and pastry chef Anna Gordon tested dozens of batches on her Dutch friends to create her classic stroopwafel and cocoa caramel stroopwafel. Both cookies are delightful on their own but even better enjoyed with a warm beverage on the side.

South Africa In 2009, tea “shaman” Steven Smith, of Steven Smith Teamaker, launched a line of small-batch teas that boast exotic flavors, nuanced aromas, and an underlying sweetness in every hand-blended pouch. Among his offerings is a rooibos tea made from the tender red bush leaves that grow near the South African town of Clanwilliam. The sweet, creamy blend is just the thing to sip by the fire this winter.

South America Friends and family who’ve traveled to South America no doubt discovered alfajores and now wax nostalgic about the indulgent treat. The traditional sandwich cookies wed circular shortbread biscuits with a decadent dulce de leche filling to create an unparalleled finish to a South American meal. Chilean-born Maite Zubia of Ann Arbor, Michigan–based Maitelates Alfajores coats her alfajores in dark chocolate, wraps them in elegant black paper, and places them inside a beautiful box.

Spain Fans of Spanish culture understand the pleasures of enjoying a charcuterie plate with a fine glass of wine. Introduce them to the old-world offerings from a stateside producer with a selection of charcuterie from Portland, Oregon–based Olympic Provisions. The salami are the handiwork of chef-turned-salumist Elias Cairo, who studied the charcuterie craft in Europe before returning to the U.S. He now calls on his training to craft twelve European-style salumi, including Spanish-inspired varieties such as Chorizo Andaluz and Spanish Salchichon, a festival salami flavored with warming spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Written by Ashley Gartland.

Whether you’re searching for holiday presents or need impressive hostess gifts this season, December is a time when opportunities for thoughtful gift giving abound. In a pinch, it’s fine to wrap up traditional edibles, such as homemade cookies or a bottle of wine. But with a bit of planning, you can expand your shopping beyond what’s expected and give global treats that will surprise and delight recipients. Globe-trotting friends and family will love that these gifts conjure memories of trips abroad, while homebodies will appreciate that they provide a taste of another culture without a long trip. Ready to start shopping? Here are eight treats to add to your list this season.

France No Paris vacation is complete without a visit to Ladurée to sample the divine macarons. Closer to home, you’ll find similarly impressive flavors—such as salted caramel and passion fruit—at ‘lette macarons in Beverly Hills, California. Owner and macaron enthusiast Paulette Koumetz and award-winning French pastry chef Christophe Michalak have collaborated to create twelve classic flavors and a variety of seasonal specialties. Ship your favorite Francophiles a box of these vivid macarons and they’ll be able to enjoy a favorite Parisian sweet without waiting in Ladurée’s lengthy line.

India Whether they’ve enjoyed Indian cuisine at a neighborhood restaurant or sampled it on a trek to the Taj Mahal, fans of India’s curries will appreciate the chance to re-create their favorite taste memories at home. Penzeys Spices’ four-jar Indian curry set offers a selection of the shop’s most popular curry seasonings, including the versatile Garam Masala blend. Encourage recipients to use the tandoori seasoning for tandoori chicken, and then hope they thank you with an invitation to the feast.

Italy The balsamic vinegar most North Americans are familiar with is the watery version stocked on their grocer’s shelf. But anyone who has traveled to Italy knows that better vinegars exist. In Modena, balsamic vinegar is aged in barrels to produce a sweet, slightly syrupy vinegar. In New York, Dean & Deluca carries a range of aged balsamic vinegars, including Balsamico Suite Balsamic Vinegar. The vinegar is made in Modena from the must of Lambrusco grapes, delivering an intensely rich flavor and a sweet finish. Gift it with the suggestion to use it as a finishing vinegar on cheese plates, salads, and steak.

Korea Fiery, flavorful kimchi can be a polarizing food, but those who appreciate its spicy complexity would agree with artisan kimchi producer Lauryn Chun that it’s the champagne of pickles. Chun is re-creating her family’s house-style kimchi in New York and selling it under the label Mother-In-Law’s Kimchi. Give frequent travelers a jar so they can relive their South Korean sojourns, whether they enjoy kimchi as a condiment or eat it straight from the jar.