
Tired of coffee mugs, t-shirts, and other standard Ohio-centric gifts? Treat family and friends to the literal and figurative flavors of Ohio with a unique gift of specialty foods. These tasty and delightful products made in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati are great on their own or use them to build your own gift basket.
30022 Euclid Ave., Wickliffe, OH 44092
Fred Hot is a clever play on the name of the company's founder, who was in search of a spicy sauce that was more natural and flavorful than the brands already found on the market. He began experimenting with reductions of various peppers, coming up with sauces that were slightly different with each batch, but deeply satisfying. Fred even designed the humorous caricature found on all his products. Find Fred Hot sauces, seasonings, and pickled vegetables at Sweet Berry Fresh Market in Wickliffe.
2271 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
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At the tender age of 15, Ethan Holmes had a vision of creating a business with his grandfather's applesauce recipe. Ethan went to work in the family kitchen, using raw materials he received as holiday gifts, and Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce was born. Over the past eight years, Ethan has used his passion and business acumen to grow his company with infusions of capital. The 100 percent natural applesauce comes in original, apple pie cinnamon, and strawberry peach flavors. Find Holmes Mouthwatering Applesauce at The Wine Spot in Cleveland Heights.
15613 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107
Pasta is the perfect canvas for a wide range of sauces, making it a wonderful food for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. Taste the difference in the fresh, handmade products from Little Lakewood Pasta Company. In addition to at least eight flavors of fettuccine each day, some of which are vegan, you'll find a selection of sauces, ravioli, and Italian meatballs. Owner Megan Manning has created a community kitchen where other entrepreneurs can rent space and sell their products in the retail store. Shop hours are noon - 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday.
1500 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220
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Honestly, is there anyone who doesn't love popcorn? The Bairds compare the product at their shop, Al's Delicious Popcorn, to their own family: rooted in tradition, but full of different personalities. More than 65 flavors cover both the sweet and savory ends of the spectrum, including gluten-free and vegan varieties. For a true taste of Ohio, try the Cincinnati-style chili and buckeye flavors. Individual portion bags can be customized for showers, birthdays, and other special occasions. Al's Delicious Popcorn is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
1277 Grandview Ave., Columbus, OH 43212
Thanks to a seemingly endless variety of types from around the world, coffee is more popular than ever today. In pursuit of crafting a gourmet level cup of coffee, Stauf's Coffee Roasters uses the best green arabica beans available and roasts them by hand on gas-fired drum roasters. For a truly exceptional drinking experience, try their micro-roast batches from Rwanda, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Colombia. The true caffeine addict on your gift list will love a subscription to Stauf's Coffee of the Month program. Shop hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday.
508 Cassady Ave., Columbus, OH 43209
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As famously declared in a Seinfeld episode two decades ago, salsa surpassed ketchup on the list of popular condiments in the U.S. This can likely be attributed to brands like Ridiculously Good Salsa, whose name says it all. But for the company's founders, it goes beyond taste. After their son recovered from critical injuries after an accident, they wanted to create a food that would be shared by friends and family during special moments. Ridiculously Good Salsa is made in small batches using locally sourced vegetables and fresh herbs, with three levels of heat for all tastes. Find Ridiculously Good Salsa at Bexley Natural Market in Columbus.
1135 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Ohio meets Continental Europe at Taste of Belgium, where "elegant cuisine is served with a down-to-earth attitude." When founder Jean-François Flechet brought a 120-pound cast iron waffle iron back from his native Belgium, it launched an empire of food establishments. The hand-held Liege-style Belgian waffles, so tasty they don't need any syrup, are still the crown jewel of the company's offerings. Stop by their restaurant in Over-the-Rhine or order online.
4450 Eastgate S. Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45245
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At one time, Nick and Kimberly Marckwald dreamed of opening their own restaurant. Nick used his culinary expertise to make red wine vinegar potato chips for use as salad croutons, which they sold to raise funds for their venture. The chips were so wildly successful that the couple pivoted to the new opportunity, calling their new company Hen of the Woods, which was the chosen name for their restaurant. The original red wine vinegar flavor is still available, along with white cheddar jalapeño, sea salt, everything bagel, buttermilk and chive, and Carolina BBQ. Find Hen of the Woods snacks at Jungle Jim's International Market in Cincinnati.
10796 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45242
Who could resist a cookie that's bold enough to have the words "ooey gooey" included in its name? These delights are an XXL version of the delicacies from Donna's Gourmet Cookies, which come in classic chocolate chip along with other decadent flavors. Additional treats include brownies and Donna's signature pecan pie bars. Can't decide? Go for the Favorite Things box, which includes a generous sampling of all products. Donna's Gourmet Cookies is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday. Watch the website for online ordering, which is coming soon.
You're offered a free lifetime supply of any food you choose. What's #1 on your list?