Gobble Up New Jersey Gifts for the Holidays

By Pat Tanner

Gifts of food and drink from the best of New Jersey’s artisans are always welcome. But this year, given the state of the economy, they seem especially apropos. They’re practical yet indulgent, come at many price points, and help support the local economy. Be sure to check delivery dates on these, my favorites (expedited shipping may be necessary).

Book: Talk about low-cost dining! Fans of the Star-Ledger’s Munchmobile, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary, will dig right into “Jersey Eats” by Munchmobile maven Peter Genovese. munchmobilebook.com

Coffee, chocolates, and biscotti from the most famous name in New Jersey chefdom, Craig Shelton. They don’t come cheap, but connoisseurs of every stripe will thank you. chefscoffee.com

Classes in the art of cheese making from two fine practitioners, Eran Wajswol of Valley Shepherd (valleyshepherd.com) and Jonathan White of Bobolink (cowsoutside.com). White combines his with bread baking at his open-air hearth.

Potpies wholesome, delicious, and frozen from Griggstown Farm Market (griggstownquailfarm.com) and Twin Hens, whose all-natural pies are available through Dean & Deluca: deandeluca.com.

Baskets of Jersey-grown and produced comestibles from Terhune Orchards, including apples, honey, and baked goods, come in two sizes and can be shipped throughout the U.S. They are among ten selections at the farm store on terhuneorchards.com.

Support your local restaurant: Who wouldn’t appreciate a gift certificate to a favorite eatery? Almost every restaurant is happy to oblige. Independent, locally owned restaurants especially deserve our support in these tight times.

You do good/your friends dine well. Discounted tickets to the 17th annual Taste of the Nation Princeton, which will be held the evening of April 20, are available through December 31. 100% of the ticket price goes to fighting hunger. Enter discount code HOL at tasteofthenation.org/princeton or call 800.969.4767.

For more gift ideas, see our Gifts for Food Lovers and Gifts for Wine Lovers on newjerseylife.com