Vegetables

In addition to fresh broccoli, asparagus, corn, peas and salad makings, one fun way to get your veggies is by sipping delicious soup or spreading an artichoke dip on crackers.

Two Rugged Elegance Selections here:

Anko Cream of Zucchini Soup

Vegetable Spreads by Delices du Luberon - Green Olive Tapenade

The tastes and aromas of Provence are represented in these wonderful vegetable caviars and tapenades.

They come from the charming antique town of L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, proprietor M.Jerome Ceti of Les Delices du Luberon produces a range of specialties based on olives, olive oil, and the abundant vegetables gathered from the rich agricultural area called Luberon.

An The Italian Gift Basket of cheeses includes Ligurian olive oil from Fratelli Carli, an amazing 3-Leaf Balsamic vinegar from Modena and a jar of black olives.

Hickory Farms Almonds

Almonds

Hickory Farms Almonds

Their six-pack collection includes six 5.5 oz. tins of Roasted Salted, Onion & Garlic Flavored, Smoked Hickory Smoke Flavored, Barbecue Flavored, Roasted Blanched Salted and Cheese Flavored Almonds.

Marcona Almonds Imported from Spain

Garlic

Basil & Garlic Grapeseed Oil Bread Dipper

Garlic Stuffed Olives

Here you get your garlic and veggie in one. Try adding these queen olives stuffed with fresh garlic cloves to your favorite martini.

Viansa's Garlic Lover's Collection

This is an ideal assortment of gourmet garlic products.

Garlic Keeper & Baker Set - two unglazed terra cotta jars: one to keep your garlic fresh, the other to help mellow the flavor to turn it into a spread.

Wine

A set of two dishwasher-safe Riedel O Cabernet/Merlot Wine Tumblers is more stable and easier to store than the handblown variety.

However, we recommend those too.

May we suggest Riedel Sommeliers Series 30-Year Anniversary Tasting Set of 3.

You get a Burgundy Grand Cru glass which highlights fruit in certain red wines, a Montrachet/Chardonnay glass for balancing fruit/acidity in certain white wines, and a Bordeaux Grand Cru glass which enhances flavor in younger Bordeaux region wines. All three are handmade of mouth-blown full lead crystal.

The Riedel Sommeliers Blind Tasting Glass, packed in a single tube makes a great gift for those who love an element of surprise. It is Riedel's only black glass. The glass is hand-made and mouth-blown in Austria by renowned glassmakers. A wonderful host/hostess gift any time!

Personally, in addition to Merlots and Cabs, I am partial to Syrahs. I love the shape of Riedel's handblown Sommelier Rhone/ Syrah glass.

At Williams-Sonoma I recently paid $400 for four. At the times of this post, you can get them through our marketplace for $67.95 each.

If you're in San Francisco, may we recommend the PlumpJack Wine Store for some of the best selections in the country.

Dark Chocolate Assortment from: SA Confiserie Leonidas

Dark Chocolate

For the chocolate lover, Leonidas' Classic Gold Ballotin is worth the indulgence. And it's good for you. Imagine that?

Fish

Finally, here are some ideas for fish delivered directly to your door.

2 Lbs. Each of Snapper, Salmon & Tilapia

Great Gourmet Ahi Tuna Steaks

Fresh Halibut

Dean & DeLuca's Herbs for Fish

Inspire & Be Inspired (R).

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "Dutch Dining" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King