Looking for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, condiments for the holidays, a treat for yourself or a big-time gift like a Staub cocotte? Find them here.
Barú Chocolate Powders
Barú is a Belgian company that plays on the Belgian chocolate heritage in a playful and modern way. Their hot chocolate mixes are dreamy. Each has a surprise in store from mini figures in dark chocolate and pieces of salted caramel to mini marshmallows, making every sip a delight. They also taste very real—no artificial flavours for this company. Find the Peppermint Chocolate Powder and the Salty Caramel Drinking Chocolate at all the Italian Centre Shops and Bella Casa, $10 each.
Lakrids by Johan Bülow
Lakrids, our favourite liquorice from Scandinavia, is back in three new flavours, Caramel Rouge, Dark Sea Salt and the Salty Caramel Choc. Find at the Italian Centre South, $15.
Opies Pickled Walnuts
Let Opies Pickled Walnuts with Ruby Port transform your cheese board from nice to spectacular. The walnuts are picked while still green, before the shells are formed, then pickled in red wine vinegar with ruby Port. Made in Britain. Stocked at the Italian Centre Shops South and North, $15.
Staub Artichoke Cocotte
Joining the Tomato and the Pumpkin of the Staub Garden Series is the Artichoke cocotte—it might be the most gorgeous yet. The intricately patterned, rich basil green exterior and matte black enamel interior has a smooth base compatible with all cooktops, including induction; it’s oven safe to 500ºF and the lids are designed to self-baste. The durable finish of the interior won’t discolor, scratch, rust or chip and is ready to use—no seasoning required. Made in France and stocked at Bella Casa, Heart of the Home, The Pan Tree, Barb’s Kitchen Centre and other fine housewares retailers, 3 litre cocotte, $350.
Prepara Taco Holder
These cheerful taco holders from Prepara will ramp up your taco game. Also available are matching taco warmers, spoons and a three-section condiment tray in the same colourful patterns. Find the taco holders at Heart of the Home, The Wired Cup and Gifts and Gadgets, $11.
Metal Straws
Cut down on plastic even in a small way with shiny metal straws that come with their own cleaning wand, just in case you were wondering ‘how do I wash them’? Set of four/$10, at the Italian Centre South, The Wired Cup, Bella Casa and Zocalo.
Copper Tapas Collection
We like this copper tapas collection at Zocalo. Three pieces for warm hors d’oeuvres, such as roasted olives, cheesy crab spread or bagna cauda. Irresistible for the copper collector, $45 each.