So here we are, the week before Christmas, and it can be so easy to give in to the temptation to pick up the cheesy, last-minute gifts near the check out line. Don’t do it! We can help!
If you feel yourself sliding down that slippery slope, think outside the box. Everyone loves food! And nothing’s better than southern food. There are many Louisiana businesses that would appreciate the local support and have some fabulous products that would make the perfect holiday gift.
Send some love from Louisiana to someone who’s missing home, show off LA’s skills to your out-of-town friends, bring a Christmas party host some of their local favorites, or be the one who introduces someone to something they didn’t know they needed.
Here are some tasty local Louisiana companies you can support while gift-giving this holiday season.
Jay D’s Handcrafted Louisiana Barbecue Sauce (Baton Rouge, La.)
Holiday Bundle, $25
Local food and bev blogger turned food network star, Jay Ducote, has seen success with the launch of his small batch BBQ Sauce Jay D’s. If you still need a gift for the grillmaster who has everything, shop the Holiday Bundle, which Includes the sauce, the awesome molasses mustard, a T-shirt and a Jay D’s patch! http://www.jayducote.com/shop/holiday-bundle
LA Canne Sugar (Lafayette, La.)
Pecan Smoked Sugar, $3-$8
Give someone sweet in your life some Canne Sugar, uniquely smoked over pecan shells for a rich but subtle hint of smoke. Their raw sugars are also available in Lavender, Ginger and Regular, and are perfect for adding a twist to baking or cocktails. http://www.lacannesugar.com/
Cellar Salt Co. (Lafayette, La.)
Hand Crafted Gulf Sea Salt
If you lean more towards savory, try Cellar Salt. Handcrafted, delicate flakes of sea salt fresh from the Gulf of Mexico. This hot product is currently on backorder, but their next batch will be available 12/19/15, just in time for a Christmas shipment! http://www.cellarsalt.co/shop/
Aunt Sally’s Pralines (New Orleans, La.)
Praline Treat Sampler, $8.99
A treat sampler or gift basket from Aunt Sally’s full of her homemade pralines and other goodies is a wonderful way to say Merry Christmas. Her products are gluten-free and kosher and their website also has yummy stocking stuffers like candied pecans if you’re playing Santa this year! http://auntsallys.com/
Tabasco (Avery Island, La)
Family of Flavors Gift Box, $31.96
World-famous Tabasco is created on beautiful Avery Island, LA. Since they have so many flavors, why not let someone try them all with the Tabasco sampler kit? Everybody knows someone who loves hot sauce, and with this array of flavors they can turn up the heat on any meal.
Avery Island itself is worth a visit too! Plan a trip and tour the Tabasco facility and Jungle Gardens—a 170-acre botanical escape. http://countrystore.tabasco.com/TABASCO-Family-of-Flavors-Gift-Box/productinfo/05706/
Abita Brewing Company (Abita Springs, La)
Bayou Bootlegger Hard Root Beer, price varies by distributor
Give them the gift of their new favorite adult beverage! Abita has come out with a hard version of their beloved root beer, packing a wallop with 5.9% ABV. This hard root beer is the first soda from their Bayou Bootlegger Hard Soda Series and is available starting this month.
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