TOWER OF FLAVOR A “gift stack” from Vervacious is sure to open doors. |
'Tis the season of not wanting to show up to holiday parties emptyhanded. While flowers, candles, and other trinkets are always acceptable stand-ins, food-related hostess gifts remain the most popular — and most warmly received — way to say "thank you for having me."To that end, we explored Portland's shops searching for the perfect little somethings to bring to your next dinner party or holiday fete; we earthed up ingestible presents for wine snobs and foodies, people with sweet tooths and party animals. An added bonus: many of these hostess gifts are made right here in Maine, meaning that whether you're spreading the holiday cheer near or far, you're always showcasing a bit of home.
For the chocoholic in your group, bring along an eight-piece gift box of Dean's Sweets truffles — choose from the Boozy, Fruity, Spicy, or Maine Mix flavor assortments, or mix and match your own ($17.50). These hand-dipped treats, made here in Portland by architect-turned-chocolatier Dean Bingham, combine fine imported chocolates and local ingredients in an ever-changing rotation of (nut-free!) delicacies.
Another choice for sweet-loving hosts is a half-dozen or dozen cupcakes ($14.50 or $28) from East End Cupcakes on Fore Street. Featuring airy cakes (pumpkin, chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, bacon, pear, blueberry . . . the list goes on) topped with smooth, rich buttercreams (salted caramel, cinnamon cream cheese, maple, coconut, chocolate . . . this one goes on too), these classic confections are bound to please everyone at the party.
If you'd prefer to go the savory route, take a spin down Commercial Street. Stop at Vervacious, a foodie's delight that sells culinary condiments ranging from specialty balsamic vinegars to exotic spice rubs to savory preserves that pair well with cheese and seafood — all made in small batches by husband-and-wife team Heidi and Mark Stanvick at the North Dam Mill in Biddeford. Choose from several "gift stacks" (the curvy bottles are designed to fit neatly atop one another) or a box set (stacks of three starts at $24; box sets are $30 and up). Bring these for a hostess who appreciates international inspiration and the finer things in life.
Next stop: LeRoux Kitchen, which displays fine balsamics and olive oils along with other sweet and savory gift foods, in the front of their store. Select a fancy olive oil (choices include Butter, California Mission, and Leccino; $9.29-14.99), combine it with Divina stuffed olives, nuts from the Peanut Shop, or specialty popcorn kernels from Fireworks Popcorn, plus a pretty apron ($20) or a set of three vintage-style tea towels from Now Designs ($9.99), and you've got yourself a gift basket.
Speaking of popcorn, it's a crowd favorite — and you can pick up a gift-sized tin at Coastal Maine Popcorn (one-gallon containers are $15.99; bags are less expensive). Try crazy flavors like dill pickle, buffalo wing, sour green apple, or red hot cinnamon, or go traditional with Maine maple, southwest cheddar, or salt-and-vinegar. For a special holiday treat, ask for the Chocolate Candy Cane popcorn, which its creators say is "just like a chocolate peppermint stick!"
