Artisanal foods given as presents are increasingly popular. Here’s a selection of local gift ideas for the foodie in your life.
The Cheshire Macaron Company
These pretty French Macarons would make the perfect present for someone who loves a taste of the continent. With an ever-expanding product range, The Cheshire Macaron Company offer these little treats in a variety of vibrant colours and flavours. They can be found at various farmers’ markets around Cheshire; at Nantwich on the last Saturday of each month, Sandbach on The Cobbles on the second Saturday of the month, and Brown & Green artisan food store at Trentham in Stoke-on-Trent.
Various prices, facebook.com/cheshiremacaronco
Box Clever Hampers - Jolly Red Christmas Hamper
This sumptuous gift is sure to please. It’s brimming with a luxurious collection of the tastiest goodies from premium fizz, fine wine, and savoury delicacies to gourmet chocolates. This festive hamper would make a stunner of a gift for a discerning foodie. Box Clever is based at Waugh Brow Farm, Mobberley.
£105, boxcleverhampers.com
Whitmore and White champagne breakfast hamper
A good breakfast is all very well, but one with champagne is better! Around Christmas, adding champagne to most things should not only be expected but encouraged. Whitmore and White who have two lovely shops - in Frodsham and West Kirby - seem to appreciate that. In this hamper, alongside bubbles, you’ll find British and continental treats, from Kandula English breakfast tea, Love Shortie shortbread biscuits and blueberry and apple jam. Just perfect for a festive morning.
Mrs Darlington’s Jam
If you’re looking for that genuine homemade quality, without having to make it yourself, then everything you need is here. With a proud farming heritage and based on the doorstep in Crewe, the Darlington family has been creating delicious preserves for generations. With an extensive range that includes over 70 traditional jams, curds, marmalades, chutneys and condiments, there is something for everyone. Why not try the Christmas Preserve jam, which is made with plums, port and spices? It tastes exactly like Christmas should taste.
Prices start at £2.29 per jar, mrsdarlingtons.com
Smokehouse North West Box
For over a century, Cheshire Smokehouse, based at Morley Green in Wilmslow, has been specialising in cured and smoked foods using tried and tested methods passed down through generations, with many products being made on site. This artisanal food box features local items such as Cheshire honey, hickory smoked almonds and cashews, and Bollington Beer, along with many other delicious treats for that beloved northerner in your life.
Second Son Cheshire Gin
With its recent rise in popularity, gin is now many drinkers’ favourite tipple. The people at Second Son, one of the smallest distilleries in the UK, are so proud of their product that John, the founder, put his face on the label. Each bottle is hand distilled, labelled and bottled by John and Anna themselves in the little village of Norley, near Frodsham. Second Son’s Cheshire Gin is based on an age old recipe with a modern twist. Made with crushed Juniper berries from The Balkans, Spanish lemon peel and cardamom seeds from India, it makes for an amazing gin and tonic, with a garnish of either citrus peel, raspberries or blackberries.
£32, secondson.co.uk
Simon Dunn Chocolates
Simon Dunn, based in High Lane, near Disley, has been creating beautiful chocolate creations for over 25 years. For any chocoholic, a chocolate Christmas decoration would go down a storm, and this tasty bauble has the bonus of being personalised. Or you could try giving a box of Simon Dunn personalised truffles.
Various prices, simondunnchocolates.co.uk
