Out East Foodie's Top 10 Holiday Gifts from Long Island

We all can use some holiday cheer. Whaddaya say? To help ease your shopping woes for the pickiest and luckiest of folks, a holiday market in Bridgehampton and in Watermill has a plethora of edible and artisanal gifts that are sure to please. If you simply cannot peel yourself away from the cyber madness, visit Salt of the Earth Seed Company for that certain someone who has a green thumb, and if you received an incredible bonus this year (lucky you) and are looking to invest in something innovatively sweet, check out Sweet'tauk Lemonade. Oh, you want to whet your appetite for a special holiday meal? There is a list of imbibing reads that will have you chopping and supping. Have you been contemplating a chicken or egg share for a family member, maybe even a subscription to a community supported brewery for your beer loving friends? Yep, it's all there. These are just a few of my favorites to put you on your merry way. Let your local love shine, and support those who are the makers, the folks that enrich our souls with love and special care. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season. Happy shopping!

1. Salt of the Earth Seed Company: All heirloom seeds are grown on the North Fork of Long Island by farmer Stephanie Gaylor of Invincible Summer Farms. She specializes in growing rare, and endangered vegetables that are on the verge of extinction. Anyone who has a green thumb and is dreaming about sunny days ahead will appreciate these open pollinated, NON-GMO seeds.
    
2. Kerber's Farm: Is a stylish "hamptons style" farmstand, minus the Montauk Highway crawl, that was revitalized in 2013 by the Huntington native Nick Voulgaris III, who has fond memories visiting the farm as a child. They make their own jams, pies, and jars of honey from their own bees. Some of the items are offered in specialty gift baskets. There is even a homemade apple pie kit that includes a dish and all the ingredients packaged in a sustainable wooden crate. While you are at it, grab a few of their apple cider doughnuts for the ride home.
   
   Address: 309 West Pulaski Road, Huntington, NY 11743 Phone: 631.423. 4400
    
3. Sweet’tauk Lemonade: In 2012, Deborah Aiza, Founder and CEO of Sweet’tauk began making their premium lemonade in Montauk, NY and selling it at farmer’s markets and through their seasonal Montauk storefront. They built their initial following through self-distribution throughout the Hamptons, before successfully launching in Whole Foods Market Northeast Region and over one hundred independent markets in the NY metro area. Now, the next generation of lemonade, is raising growth capital on CircleUp, a leading online marketplace for private equity investing. Sweet’tauk lemonade is fresh squeezed, cold pressed, and never heated with less than half the sugar of other lemonades. It is the best lemonade I have ever tasted. And I am sure it will have sweet returns.
   
   Contact: Deborah Aiza   Phone: 631.668.5681  Email: deb@sweettauk.com   Web: www.sweettauk.com
    
4. cHarissa: A Moroccan spice that is truly good on anything. This past June, cHarissa took first place in the “Cooking, Dipping or Finishing Sauce” category at the 2015 Summer Fancy Food Show and brought home the prestigious sofi Award. Earl Fultz at age 88, and his late wife, Gloria Elmaleh, started their business, cHarissa, to make and sell Gloria's Americanized version of the traditional Moroccan seasoning harissa. It truly is never to late to follow you dreams. Earl now 91 is spicing it up more than ever with—hot and mild—dry and oil based rubs that are available online and select retail stores.
    
5. Edible Reads: Some of my favorite local folks who know a thing or two about food, wine, cocktails and heirloom vegetables.
   
   Long Island Food: A History from Family Farms & Oysters to Craft Spirits, by Tom Barrit, a prolific food blogger and Long Island native who serves up an eclectic bounty with a side of history that will entice appetites from Nassau to Montauk. He explores how immigrant families built a still thriving agricultural community, producing everything from crunchy pickles and hearty potatoes to succulent Long Island duckling. Experience the rise and fall of Long Islands bustling oyster industry and its reemergence today. And meet the modern-day pioneers in community agriculture, wine, cheese, fine dining and craft spirits who are reinventing Long Islands food landscape and shaping a delicious future.
   
   Behind the Bottle: The Rise of Wine on Long Island, by Eileen Duffy tells the story of Long Island wine from the people who made the region what it is today.  Long Island’s wine country draws 1.3 million visitors a year for their award winning and highly acclaimed wines. This book profiles owners, winemakers, and personalities from around the country and the world who make Long Island one of the hottest wine regions in the country. Eileen Duffy, Edible East End’s deputy editor, holds a diploma in wine and spirits from the International Wine Center and has been writing about food and wine on the East End since 2003. Anyone who is interested in Long Island wine should have a copy of this book.
   
   Forager's Cocktails: Botanical Mixology with Fresh, Natural Ingredients, by Amy Zavatto is a handy guide to imbibing the great outdoors through 40 inspiring recipes that is divided into seasons. There are great tips on how to best forage and preserve berries, herbs, flowers and other tidbits along the way. Forager’s Cocktails is a great tool for getting the most from backyards, parks, and woodlands. Get ready to craft one-of-a-kind cocktails. Cheers!
   
   Heirloom Harvest: Modern Daguerreotypes of Historic Garden Treasures, by Amy Goldman grows heirloom fruits and vegetables—an orchard full of apples, pears, and peaches; plots of squash, melons, cabbages, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, and beets on a two hundred acres in Hudson Valley. She is a premier gardener with a strong focus on preserving our agricultural heritage and supporting biodiversity of beautiful and rare heirlooms.The images taken by photographer Jerry Spagnoli have a timeless beauty that is luminous. An inspiring book for anyone who appreciates the fragility and strength of nature. Would be a beautiful addition to a gardeners book collection.
    
6. Edible Communities Publication: Edible Publications is in 80 distinct culinary regions throughout the United States and Canada. They connect consumers with family farmers, growers, chefs, and food artisans of all kinds. Locally, in the tri-state area we have Edible East End (I'm a contributor to the magazine and the columnist for What's in Season), Edible Brooklyn, Edible Manhattan and Edible Long Island. Check out their 80 Edible Publications to subscribe to a local or favorite edible region near you.
    
7. East End Holiday Markets: Locally handcrafted edibles, jewelry, soaps, pottery, arts and crafts.
   
   The Haygournd School Holiday Bazaar: Homegrown for the holidays, a food and craft bazaar that will feature:
   Backyard Brine, Browder's Birds, Bizzy Bee Designs, Chef Giovani, Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake, Danielle Leef Photography. Designs by the Sea, Diaspora Books, East End Light, Goodfood, Hamptons Handpoured, Jesus Chris if our King Church, j-lilli designs, Ketsy Knits, Lavender of the Hamptons, Le Fusion, Lois Ooliver Handmade Goods, Lora Lomuscio Ceramics, Marilee Foster Beans, Mary Jaffe Pottery, Michelle's Urban Gourmet, Nofo Crunch Granola, NYR Organic, Old School Favorites, Peaceful Planet Yoga, Rustic Ladybug, Sew Enthused Creations, Southampton Soap, Stars Café, Temptress Yarn.
   
   Address: Hayground School, 151 Mitchell Lane, Bridgehampton  When: December 5th, 10am-4pm
   
   Holiday Gift Show with Southampton Soap Company and Friends: Three days of handmade holiday shopping featuring local artisans. Southampton Soap will give back 10% of their sales to their favorite charity each day. Last year was a great mix of food and craft. A perfect time to stock up on some gorgeous soap for you and those on your list. Make for a beautiful smelling stocking stuffer.
   
   Address: 832 Scuttlehole Road, Water Mill, New York. Phone: 631.613.6041   When: Tuesday, Dec. 15 from 4-8pm; donation to the The Retreat; Saturday, Dec. 19 from 10-3pm; donation to Flying Point Foundation for Autism; and Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 4-8pm; donation to i-tri Girls.
    
8. Patty's Berries and Bunches Pure Local Honey and Edible Pepper Wreaths. You can pick up some of Patty's honey from her hives as well as these clever holiday dried pepper wreaths. Once the holiday season is over use these dried peppers throughout the year in your cooking.
   
   Address: 410 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY.  Phone: 631.298.4679
    
9. Community Supported Everything: By now, we are all familiar with a CSA (vegetable share), and in recent years an egg or poultry share, but what about a Community Supported Brewery? Yep! You heard it hear. If you buy all three share you have a perfect meal.
   
   Golden Earthworm Organic Farm: Their full-season program runs for 26 weeks from June through November, which is the range of the local growing season on Long Island. Produce is picked fresh from thier fields, washed, boxed up, and delivered to your designated pick-up location every week. The shares contain 6 to 10 items, depending on the season and availability. Certified 100% Organic.
   
   Address: 652 Peconic Bay Blvd Riverhead, NY 11901  Phone: 631.722.3302 
   Email: info@goldenearthworm.com
   
   Browder's Birds: The Browder’s Chickens are certified organic by NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC. Their hens are fed certified organic laying rations and live on a certified organic pasture benefiting greatly from the ability to forage daily. They have a pretty snazzy outdoor pantry of their own brines, pickled eggs, duck eggs, Christmas quiche, mayo, golden honey and dry rubs.

   Chicken Share: Their Chicken share runs for 20 weeks for a full share & 10 weeks for a half share and guarantees you a chicken each Saturday during your share time frame. 

   Winter Egg Share: Receive 2-dozen organic eggs twice a month.  

   Gift Certificates: These can be used to purchase organic chickens, organic eggs, and other products in season. If you want to shop from the comfort of your home they are offering free shipping for that special someone. They ship to the lower 48 states only, all others should call Holly and Chris at: 631.599.3394 for shipping information.
   
   Address: 4050 Soundview Avenue, Mattituck, New York. Hours: Fridays 3 - 5pm, Saturday & Sundays, Noon - 5pm.

   Bigalice Brewing: For $125 here is what you get for their Community Supported Brewery (CSB)
   Two new, empty half-growler bottles (each bottle holds 32 ounces), Two half-growler fills each month for 6 months; choose from any beer on tap, A Big Alice Brewing tote bag, 10% off merchandise and First opportunity to purchase special bottle releases.
   
   Address: 808 43rd Rd, Long Island City, NY 11101   Phone: 347.688.2337   Hours: Wed-Thurs, 5-9pm; Friday 5-10pm; Saturday, Noon-10pm; Sunday, Noon-8pm
   
   Moustache Brewing Co: For $150 here is what you get for their Growler of the Month Club: One 64oz Moustache Brewing Co. amber growler, One fill per month for a year in said growler, $1 off additional fills, Free birthday pint, 10% off all merchandise, Other perks and offers.
   
   Address: 400 Hallett Ave Riverhead, NY, 11901, Hours: Friday, 3-7pm; Saturday, 1-6pm; Sunday, 1-5pm
    
10. Tend Coffee I have to admit, I'm a coffee snob. And I'm sure many of you would proclaim the same; coffee time is sacred to me and it needs to be good, real good. My first sip of this java jolt was at the Westhampton Farmers Market. Their coffee subscriptions are perfect for those with a refined coffee bean palate. Each subscription is based on pound, bean and grind.
    
    Address: 924 Montauk Highway, Shirley NY, 11967   Phone: 631.772.4707   Email: info@tendcoffee.com
    Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 6am-8pm; Sunday, 7am-7pm

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

A popular American dessert that makes its way to most barbecues, picnics and soirées in the month of June is Strawberry Shortcake: a rich, buttery, crunchy biscuit with lightly sweetened whipped cream and slightly macerated berries. Edible East End challenged my gluten intelligence and asked for a gluten-free summertime dessert for my, What's in Season column in their low summer 2014 issue. At my home, Sheridan Green, I recently hosted my first dinner party for friends who are gluten intolerant—the challenge was perfect timing. We are well acquainted with food allergies to peanuts, and even strawberries, but nowadays, gluten has risen to the top as the biggest culprit. So, why not give gluten-free cooking a whirl? At some point we all have encountered this at a dinner party, “Is this gluten-free?” or, “How can I make this gluten-free?” At Edible East End you can read about my journey to create a high-rise biscuit.

On the East End of Long Island, strawberries kick-off the summer fruit season in June and by the end of the month, during its peak, if you happen to be standing in a strawberry patch—picking your own of course—at Patty’s Berries and Bunches in Mattituck or Hank’s Farm Stand in Southampton, a fruity aroma carried by a summer wind, will captivate you in a Wizard of Oz poppy field trance. And, once you come out of your hypnotic state with bushels in hand you can consider making: smoothies, pies, preserves, salads, cakes, ice creams, juices, Greek yogurt panna cotta, and maybe even a gluten-free strawberry shortcake.

Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

Macerated Strawberries

ingredients

• 1 pound strawberries trimmed and cut in half; about 4 cups
• ¼ cup honey
• ⅓ cup water
• Pinch of sea salt

Combine the honey, water and salt in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Once done cool and toss with the strawberries. Set aside for 1 hour to allow strawberries to release their juices.

Whipped Cream

ingredients

• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 vanilla bean split and seeded
• ¼ cup powdered sugar

directions

1. Place a large bowl in freezer to prep for the cream. In a medium bowl place the cream; cut vanilla bean in half lengthwise, scrape seeds into cream along with the bean; gently whisk. Cover cream mixture and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Strain cream mixture through a fine mesh sieve into the chilled bowl. Add the powdered sugar and with a balloon whisk begin to beat the cream into soft peaks. (You can use a KitchenAid with a whisk attachment or a handheld beater.)

Set aside in refrigerator.

Gluten-Free Biscuits

ingredients

• 1¼ cups brown rice flour
• ¼ cup tapioca starch
• 3 teaspoons xanthan gum
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon agave syrup
• 1 stick cold butter, cut into ½-inch chunks
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup whole milk Greek yogurt

directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and sprinkle with two tablespoons of brown rice flour. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix together with a whisk.
3. Add the butter and use your fingertips to combine into the dry ingredients, try to work quickly to keep the butter cold.
4. In another bowl, add the eggs, yogurt and agave and whisk together; add mixture to the dry ingredients and with a wooden spoon stir the dough together until a ball forms. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
5. Turn dough out onto a clean surface and, working quickly, pat the dough into a 10- by 8-inch rectangle, fold into a 5- by 8-inch rectangle, and again into a 5- by 4-inch rectangle. (Repeat this one more time.)
6. Then press dough into a rectangle, ½-inch thick; 10 by 8 inches. Using the top of a glass or a 31/4-inch circle cutter, cut out 2 biscuits; you will not be able to get 6 biscuits in a 10- by 8-inch pass so you will need to repeat this step again, however your rectangle will be smaller, keep with the ½-inch thickness for good measure.
7. Arrange the biscuits with ample room in between each one; they need room to grow while baking.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow biscuits to cool before assembling.

Assembly

Split each biscuit and place the bottom half on plate. Top with the berries and its juices and then top with the whipped cream. Then place the top of the biscuit on the shortcake.

Out East Foodies top 10 Holiday Gifts from the North & South Fork of Long Island

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The North and South Fork of Long Island are as festive as ever. The Montauk Lighthouse is decorated in holiday lights, as well as the windmills throughout the Hamlets of the Hamptons. Tree lightings have occurred, libation tastings are being had at some of the wineries and distilleries and local artists, artisans and makers are gleefully putting together their orders for the Holidays or for a Fair. I hope you find this list helpful which is in no specific order and wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy Shopping!

1. The Hamptons & Long Island Homegrown Cookbook by Leanne Lavin. Featuring Local Food, Local Restaurants and Local Recipes. This book takes the reader on a private tour of outstanding chefs & artisanal growers of the Hamptons & Long Island. I have a copy of this book and is a beautiful addition to my local cookbook collection. Great book for the general cookbook collector or lover of the Hamptons and North Fork food scene.
   
   
2. Mali B. Sweets creates the most beautiful and tasty cakes and confections. They are located in the heart of Greenport Village where I happened to walk into their shop when they were busy putting together their holiday orders. Beautiful boxes of chocolate caramels, truffles, dipped orange peel cookies, nuts, chocolates bars, marshmallows and variety brittle filled these boxes from floor to ceiling. It is no surprise how busy they were as everything in this shop visually looks delicious and the flavors and varieties are sensational. Location: 130 Front Street, Greenport, New York 631.477.6762. Open 8am-9pm Daily. 
   
   
3. Pine Barrens Whiskey is the first American Single-Malt Whiskey created in collaboration by two artisan legacys Long Island Spirits Distillery and Blue Point Brewery.  Instead of creating this liquor from a mash, Long Island Spirits uses Blue Point’s Old Howling Bastard, a 10% barley wine and a regional favorite. This is sweet and smooth and can stand up to your most well regarded brands. I am sending a bottle to my dear friend Bill in San Francisco who is a connoisseur of Single-Malt Whiskeys and I look forward to his opinion. Pine Barrens Whisky comes in 375 milliliter bottles and is sold at Long Island Spirits. Location: 2182 Sound Avenue, Baiting Hollow, N.Y. 631.630.9322. Mon-Thu 10am-4pm, Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 11am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm
   
   
4. Briermere Farms Pies. Folks line up early for these pies as they sell out early. If you need to bring a delicious edible gift that is sure to make folks go, "Yum" Briermere Farms Pies is the way to go. Christmas Pie List: Apple, Apple Crisp, Blueberry, Blackberry, Blackberry Apple, Cherry, Peach, Peach Cherry, Strawberry Rhubarb, Pear, Raspberry, Raspberry Peach, Raspberry Plum, Pumpkin, Cherry Cream, Blueberry Cream, Raspberry Cream, Chocolate Cream. Prices range from $15.00 - $22 depending on the pie. Located at 4414 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. Open Daily Until Dec. 24th, From 9am-5pm. Christmas Eve Hours: 8am-2pm. 631.722.3931
   
   
5. Patty's Berries and Bunches Pure Local Honey and Edible Pepper Wreaths. You can pick up some of Patty's honey from her hives as well as these clever holiday dried pepper wreaths. Once the holiday season is over use these dried peppers throughout the year in your cooking. Location: 410 Sound Avenue, Mattituck, NY. 631.298.4679
   
   
6. Amagansett Sea Salts. Artisanal sea salts made entirely by hand in small batches from seawater harvested directly from our local sea waters of the Atlantic Ocean in Amagansett and then solar-evaporated to the perfect flavor and consistency, while retaining the natural flavors and nutrients of the ocean. I have tried the Montauk blend on top of seared scallops as a finishing salt and was fabulous. 631.731.3053
   
   
7. Edible East End. Edible East End is published five times a year and celebrates the harvest and artisans of the Hamptons and North Fork. Read about the farmers, fishers, winemakers, chefs, bakers, cheesemakers, beekeepers, and the out east food community of Long Island. They also offer subscriptions for Edible Brooklyn and Edible Manhattan.  631.537.4637 
   
   
8. Balsam Farms Gift Card. This is a great way to Support Your Local Farmer and bring healthy and fresh produce, jarred goods, flowers and anything else at the farm stand to anyone on your list! Makes a wonderful and practical holiday gift for teachers, summer tenants and of course, your friends and family. Location: Town Ln & Windmill Ln Amagansett, NY. 631.316.8784
   
   
9. Southampton Soaps. We all know you are what you eat but we are as well what we cleanse with! Their soaps are 100% natural using plant-derived ingredients to insure a cleansing experience that is beautiful as well as pure and gentle enough for even the most delicate, sensitive skin. They use local, organic additives whenever possible. If you don’t live locally, you may call them at 631.259.3898 to place an order or visit their etsy shop.
   
   
10. Sweet 'Tauk Holiday Fair. All handmade East End products from local artists, artisans and makers. Sweet 'Tauks own products are 100% natural lemonade which is squeezed and mixed fresh using organic, seasonal & local ingredients and lightly sweetened with raw agave nectar. Open: Mon-Thurs 11-1pm, Fri, Sat, Sun & Christmas Eve Monday: 11-5pm  Location: 34 South Etna Ave, Montauk, NY