My Christmas gift guide for foodies

and a recipe roundup for the festive season

Last year, I published my first Christmas gift guide, and all those recommendations still hold strong. Whether you're looking for stocking stuffers or more substantial presents, you'll find a few good ideas, including a few of my favourite appliances. If you've been following me for a while, you can probably guess which ones made the list.

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to France, where I managed to pack in far more than I usually would. Visiting the South of France for the first time was enchanting, and I’m already dreaming of a return to explore more of Provence and the French Riviera. The beauty of the region is truly breathtaking. Over the coming months, I’ll share snippets from my trip, including my favourite restaurants and must-visit spots—make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss them.

Foodie Christmas Gift Guide

When it comes to Christmas, I adore practical gifts, and there’s nothing better than putting together edible hampers filled with a few special treats—perfect for any foodie. They also work wonderfully for Secret Santa or as stocking fillers. Whenever possible, I love to support local producers and artisans, adding a thoughtful touch to every gift. None of the products I mention here are sponsored.

I created a list of the best food shops and markets in Cape Town where you can buy an assortment of amazing artisan food products.

My favourites are Giovanni’s Deli World, The Olive Branch Deli and Oranjezicht City Farmers Market.

These are 3 products I love

The Rozendal Hibiscus vinegar is my favourite local vinegar. I see it on so many restaurant menus, often highlighted as an ingredient in a dish. It adds a delicious finishing touch to a salad or other dishes that would benefit from a dash of floral acidity.

I was introduced to De Rustica Estate Coratina recently. This exceptional olive oil, recognized as the best in the world last year (from a previous vintage), is truly something special. I save it for salads or dishes where the nuanced flavour of the oil can really shine. You can find it at Woolworths. The farm also produces some of the most incredible lamb I’ve ever tasted, and I’m hoping to visit it next year.

Two in the Bush Rooibos cordial is a lovely, almost sugar-free and most delicious cordial I discovered this year. This is a good option if you like alcohol-free drinks with the bonus that it has so few calories. You can add it to fizzy water or tonic. They have a peach flavour which I haven’t tried and love the regular Rooibos flavour.

Cookbooks are among my favourite things to receive as a gift and despite having about 150 cookbooks in my collection (I have not actually counted them so it could be more) I can never get enough.

These are 3 cookbooks I have loved in the last while.

My friend Di Bibby’s latest cookbook ‘More Good Food’ is filled with delicious recipes for all occasions, many inspired by Middle Eastern flavours. She has a gorgeous blog which I love.

I enjoyed Donna Hay’s new Cookbook ‘Too Easy’ which lives up to its title completely. There are so many quick and easy recipes that I can relate to. If you are shopping online in South Africa, I find Loot often has the best prices for cookbooks around. I see the book is on sale on Amazon.co.za which launched this year, so it’s a good idea to shop around.

I adore Ottolenghi so I had to buy his latest ‘Comfort’. I feel a little tickled as it’s his second book that shares the same name as two I have published (one in print and one an ebook - Sweet & Comfort).

He co-wrote this book with Helen Goh, Verena Lochmuller, and Tara Wigley, each contributing recipes inspired by their unique heritages. This collaboration results in a book that is both diverse and interesting. As with all of Ottolenghi’s cookbooks, it introduces unexpected flavour and textural combinations that might initially seem unconventional but are always intriguing. I find his books to be incredible learning tools, expanding my understanding of food. The opening chapter, where he thoughtfully explores the nuances of cultural appropriation versus appreciation, adds an insightful layer to the narrative.

I love this botanical spherical ice kit from Woolworths. This makes the perfect gift for a foodie who loves parties or cocktails. Woolies has a few amazing Christmas gifts this year across all the departments.

Edible gifts

Making your own edible gifts is the ultimate as far as I am concerned. I just published a recipe for soft & chewy oat and raisin cookies in a jar. All the dry ingredients are layered and you can decorate the jar with a festive bow plus handwritten or printed instructions to complete the recipe.

A few other recipes that would make an amazing gift:

Easy South African ginger cookies, My grandmother’s crunchie recipe is the best ever, Spicy maple candied almonds, and white chocolate, cranberry and macadamia nut cookies.

For mince pies I have you covered (I’m obsessed). I like these 3 versions the most, and they make fabulous gifts for the season.

First up the easiest and quickest way to make a delicious mince pie:

The best apple & mince pie crumble bars

Easy deep-filled Christmas mince pies

Two things make this recipe great. Firstly, the pastry is more like shortbread and you simply press it into the tin. Secondly, the fruit mince filling contains cherries which take it to the next level.

The best shortbread mince pie crumble cookies

I wanted to make these part mince pie and part cookie and they are a little less tricky to make than a mince pie delivering a delicious result.

I keep this post updated on MY BEST CHRISTMAS RECIPES and have added quite a few recipes to the list.

I still have 3 delicious NEW recipes coming this December, and I will be sharing MY TOP RECIPES for 2024 in my next newsletter.

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Thank you for being here this year and for all the likes, shares, and support. Next year is set to be filled to the brim with ongoing delicious recipes. Please like or reply to this newsletter to make sure it comes straight to your inbox. I hope you have an incredible festive holiday season and a merry Christmas if you celebrate.