A foodie Christmas

Ho ho ho and happy holidays! I hope your season is starting off merry and bright — and if you have small children or grandchildren, there’s an event this Saturday that can make it even merrier. Santa Claus will be at the Medina ACME on Wooster Pike from 10 a.m. to noon, handing out free donuts to kids 12 and under and happily posing for photos.

As we all wrap up our holiday shopping, many of us are looking to support local businesses whenever we can. I hope this foodie-forward Christmas list brings joy to the cooks, aspiring chefs and food lovers in your life. Here are a few of my favorite gift ideas for the season.

Start with gift cards to local restaurants. Chef-driven, locally owned spots keep our culinary scene vibrant, and a gift card is the perfect excuse for a delicious night out. Don’t be skimpy — $50 to $100 provides a wonderful dinner for two, lets your recipient order guilt-free and might even leave room for dessert. Add a Cupcake A Day gift card for the best cupcakes ever.

Here are a few essentials I think every home cook should own.

Quality knives really make a difference. An 8-inch chef’s knife and a paring knife are essential. You can find many options, but some of the finest are made at Warther Cutlery in Dover, Ohio. You can shop online, but the one-hour drive is worth it to tour their legendary museum and pick up heirloom-quality knives. Check their website for details. Add a good knife sharpener as a bonus.

Digital kitchen scales make affordable, practical gifts, and every cook should also have a pair of kitchen tweezers and a 24-cup nonstick mini muffin pan — perfect for my upcoming Cranberry & Two-Orange Brie Bite recipe. The tweezers help place tiny garnishes, like a candied orange twist on a warm brie bite. And most importantly, every home chef needs a reliable instant-read thermometer; I recommend the ThermoWorks Thermapen One.

For local shopping, stop by Richardson Farms to assemble your own food gift boxes — or grab a ready-to-wrap version that’s already put together.

Next, visit Chatham General Store, where an old-fashioned country Christmas truly comes alive. It always brings back the best childhood memories for me, and they genuinely have something for everyone.

Back on Medina Square, don’t miss Polish Pottery. This shop is a treasure, and a single piece of its beautiful pottery makes a lovely gift.

The Olive Tap is another must-visit for food lovers, offering some of the finest olive oils and balsamic vinegars you’ll find anywhere. Nibble is just a block away and full of a fantastic selection of both fun and gourmet foods. Foodie paradise right there.

The Coffee Colony should be on your list as well. Their coffees, teas and gifts are sure to bring a smile to your face — and to anyone lucky enough to unwrap them. Another Medina gem.

To round out your holiday shopping, make a stop at Weymouth Orchards for the best local Asian pears you’ll ever taste. Pair them with a bottle of their award-winning wines, and you’ve got the perfect finish to a festive day.

As always, I urge you to eat fresh, dine local and be happy!