It’s that time of year when joy is shared with special packages wrapped in shinny paper and pretty bows, and nothing is more appreciated than delicious gifts chosen with love. This year’s selections from the warm Mediterranean (that we sampled at the Fancy Food Show) are some of our favorite new things. We begin, of course, with our home country, Greece, then taste our way through Spain, Ibiza, Italy, Lebanon, Turkey, and Portugal, followed by three special Mediterranean-flavored brands. We wrap up this gift post with an exceptional sweet treat from our favorite confectioner, André’s Confiserie Suisse.
Choose one, a prepared gift package, or create a themed basket customized to your recipient’s tastes.
Choose one, a prepared gift package, or create a themed basket customized to your recipient’s tastes.
GREECE
BreadKone
Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad between two slices of bread, messy! Bread in the shape of a cone, neat, and you’ll have your other hand free to grab your drink. With almost 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, BreadKone will leave you satisfied but not weighed down. With unlimited uses and filling options, it’s no wonder the sensation that started in Greece has found it’s second home in the US.
Varieties: Classic, Sesame & Herbs, Cheese (parmesan), Everything Seasoning; available in 2 sizes, 3.7 oz, 1.8 oz
Chicken salad, tuna salad, egg salad between two slices of bread, messy! Bread in the shape of a cone, neat, and you’ll have your other hand free to grab your drink. With almost 6 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, BreadKone will leave you satisfied but not weighed down. With unlimited uses and filling options, it’s no wonder the sensation that started in Greece has found it’s second home in the US.
Varieties: Classic, Sesame & Herbs, Cheese (parmesan), Everything Seasoning; available in 2 sizes, 3.7 oz, 1.8 oz
Black Garlic DownVillage
Founded on Pelion Mountain in Thessaly, Greece, Black Garlic DownVillage has been a pioneer in black garlic production since 2013 using high-quality consciously-grown Greek garlic. Add sweet flavor and good health to foods with this nutrient-rich superfood from Greece that’s loaded with allicin, a powerful compound known for its health benefits (enhances muscle recovery while boosting the body's immunity against infections, supports cancer prevention, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure), and has at least twice the antioxidants of white garlic (and no garlic breath!). Great for savory and sweet dishes; pair with cheese and cured meats; punch up salads, marinades, sauces, veggies, dressings, dips; flavor meat, fish, and pasta.
Products: cloves, honey, pearls, paste, ketchup
Founded on Pelion Mountain in Thessaly, Greece, Black Garlic DownVillage has been a pioneer in black garlic production since 2013 using high-quality consciously-grown Greek garlic. Add sweet flavor and good health to foods with this nutrient-rich superfood from Greece that’s loaded with allicin, a powerful compound known for its health benefits (enhances muscle recovery while boosting the body's immunity against infections, supports cancer prevention, lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure), and has at least twice the antioxidants of white garlic (and no garlic breath!). Great for savory and sweet dishes; pair with cheese and cured meats; punch up salads, marinades, sauces, veggies, dressings, dips; flavor meat, fish, and pasta.
Products: cloves, honey, pearls, paste, ketchup
Greek Originals from Paliria
Set a traditional Greek table with freshly prepared meals like moussaka, pastitsio, gemista, and vegetarian light meals. Individual portions allow you to customize a meal for everyone. Gift the taste of Greece!
Varieties: Fresh Meals, Vegetarian Meals (shelf stable), Frozen Meals
Set a traditional Greek table with freshly prepared meals like moussaka, pastitsio, gemista, and vegetarian light meals. Individual portions allow you to customize a meal for everyone. Gift the taste of Greece!
Varieties: Fresh Meals, Vegetarian Meals (shelf stable), Frozen Meals
SPAIN
Flor de La Jara Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Spain was this year’s Fancy Food Show host country and this premium extra-virgin olive oil magnificently represents the region. It’s so exquisite that it has been chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2024! Three varieties from the La Jara region (Montes de Toledo) of Spain—Arbequina (mild notes of fruit and fresh herbs, green almonds, and a touch of sweetness), Picual (fruity with notes of banana and a slight peppery finish), and Cornicabra (a robust intense oil with notes of green tomatoes, artichokes, and a distinct peppery finish that indicates the rich presence of vitamins and polyphenols)—a taste for every palate and the flavorful way to eat healthy!
Spain was this year’s Fancy Food Show host country and this premium extra-virgin olive oil magnificently represents the region. It’s so exquisite that it has been chosen for Oprah’s Favorite Things List 2024! Three varieties from the La Jara region (Montes de Toledo) of Spain—Arbequina (mild notes of fruit and fresh herbs, green almonds, and a touch of sweetness), Picual (fruity with notes of banana and a slight peppery finish), and Cornicabra (a robust intense oil with notes of green tomatoes, artichokes, and a distinct peppery finish that indicates the rich presence of vitamins and polyphenols)—a taste for every palate and the flavorful way to eat healthy!
IBIZA
SAL de IBIZA Breadsticks
These breadsticks’ special texture (no two sticks are the same) and Mediterranean flavors in the style of Ibiza are naturally savory and delicious. The breadsticks are baked using carefully selected ingredients and with great attention to detail. Enjoy with a dip, a glass of wine, or add to your meze/charcuterie platter to make the holidays special. These savory snacks are the perfect combination of taste, quality, and will impart Mediterranean elegance to any holiday basket.
Varieties: Flor de Sal (sea salt) for an authentic taste of Ibiza, Con Pipas (with sunflower seeds) with a mild, nutty flavor
These breadsticks’ special texture (no two sticks are the same) and Mediterranean flavors in the style of Ibiza are naturally savory and delicious. The breadsticks are baked using carefully selected ingredients and with great attention to detail. Enjoy with a dip, a glass of wine, or add to your meze/charcuterie platter to make the holidays special. These savory snacks are the perfect combination of taste, quality, and will impart Mediterranean elegance to any holiday basket.
Varieties: Flor de Sal (sea salt) for an authentic taste of Ibiza, Con Pipas (with sunflower seeds) with a mild, nutty flavor
ITALY
Pi00a Pizza Napoletana
Fresh-from-the-brick-oven-excellence in a frozen pizza? Oh yes, and no one will ever guess it didn’t come from the pizzeria. Get ready to be blown away. Go protein rich (up to 20 g) and fiber-healthy (up to 5 g) with Pi00a’s bursting-with-flavor Miso Eggplant or choose another from their scrumptious menu. Each flavor is unique and fabulous! Sprinkle on some Spicy Chili Crunch for a fiery-sweet finish (also great on eggs, veggies, and ice cream). Bonus, your purchase supports the Deaf community, affording members the opportunity to train and work. Great product, worthy cause…win, WIN!
Varieties: Marinara, Margherita, Soppressata, Spicy Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, Hainan Chicken, Miso Eggplant, Asian Pear
Fresh-from-the-brick-oven-excellence in a frozen pizza? Oh yes, and no one will ever guess it didn’t come from the pizzeria. Get ready to be blown away. Go protein rich (up to 20 g) and fiber-healthy (up to 5 g) with Pi00a’s bursting-with-flavor Miso Eggplant or choose another from their scrumptious menu. Each flavor is unique and fabulous! Sprinkle on some Spicy Chili Crunch for a fiery-sweet finish (also great on eggs, veggies, and ice cream). Bonus, your purchase supports the Deaf community, affording members the opportunity to train and work. Great product, worthy cause…win, WIN!
Varieties: Marinara, Margherita, Soppressata, Spicy Soppressata, Quattro Formaggi, Hainan Chicken, Miso Eggplant, Asian Pear
Il Mulino Pasta Sauces
Elevate your at-home dining with these hand-crafted sauces from New York’s quintessential Italian restaurant. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, a unique blend of signature herbs, aromatic garlic, and premium vodka (in the vodka sauce), you can turn any meal into a 4-star event.
Varieties: Marinara, Pomodoro, Vodka
Elevate your at-home dining with these hand-crafted sauces from New York’s quintessential Italian restaurant. Made with San Marzano tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, a unique blend of signature herbs, aromatic garlic, and premium vodka (in the vodka sauce), you can turn any meal into a 4-star event.
Varieties: Marinara, Pomodoro, Vodka
Michael’s of Brooklyn
A long-standing favorite of ours, Michael’s of Brooklyn restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1964 and offers three generations of pride and excellence. Nothing beats Italian from the heart of Brooklyn, NY. Whether you choose a dinner & dessert pack, a pasta pack, a pasta and sauce pack, a variety pack of sauces, or one particular sauce, there’s something delizioso for just about everyone.
Sauce varieties: Home Style Gravy, Fresh Tomato & Basil, Arrabbiata, Puttanesca, Filetto di Pomodoro, Vodka, Alfredo, and more, as well as low-sodium varieties
Packs feature a variety of products, including: biscotti, pastas, extra-virgin olive oil, and a wooden spoon
A long-standing favorite of ours, Michael’s of Brooklyn restaurant has been family owned and operated since 1964 and offers three generations of pride and excellence. Nothing beats Italian from the heart of Brooklyn, NY. Whether you choose a dinner & dessert pack, a pasta pack, a pasta and sauce pack, a variety pack of sauces, or one particular sauce, there’s something delizioso for just about everyone.
Sauce varieties: Home Style Gravy, Fresh Tomato & Basil, Arrabbiata, Puttanesca, Filetto di Pomodoro, Vodka, Alfredo, and more, as well as low-sodium varieties
Packs feature a variety of products, including: biscotti, pastas, extra-virgin olive oil, and a wooden spoon
Monini Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This splendid organic, single-varietal 100-percent Italian olive oil is the recipient of multiple, well-deserved awards. Three unique flavor profiles from three Italian regions offer an accompaniment for a number of dishes. Monocultivar Coratina from Apulia is intensely fruity, pungent, and balanced (best over grilled meats and vegetables). Monocultivar Nocellara from Sicily has notes of green tomato and sweet almond (best over fish, chicken, and salads). Monocultivar Frantoio from Umbria has hints of artichoke and green almond (best over red meats and vegetables). Choose one or gift all three!
This splendid organic, single-varietal 100-percent Italian olive oil is the recipient of multiple, well-deserved awards. Three unique flavor profiles from three Italian regions offer an accompaniment for a number of dishes. Monocultivar Coratina from Apulia is intensely fruity, pungent, and balanced (best over grilled meats and vegetables). Monocultivar Nocellara from Sicily has notes of green tomato and sweet almond (best over fish, chicken, and salads). Monocultivar Frantoio from Umbria has hints of artichoke and green almond (best over red meats and vegetables). Choose one or gift all three!
Farmer Foodie Italian Herb Cashew Parm
If dairy’s an issue, gift this delectable Italian Herb Cashew Parm—made from premium organic cashews, a blend of savory Italian spices, and herbs—as a replacement for parmesan. The product embodies traditional parmesan flavors with added tangy pizza vibes. The rich creamy goodness of Italian Herb will elevate any culinary experience. Crafted with care and passion, this artisanal Cashew Parm is the perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Recreate all your favorite Italian dishes with this deliciously dairy- and gluten-free Italian Herb flavor.
Varieties: Italian Herb Cashew Parm, Golden Chedda Cashew Parm
If dairy’s an issue, gift this delectable Italian Herb Cashew Parm—made from premium organic cashews, a blend of savory Italian spices, and herbs—as a replacement for parmesan. The product embodies traditional parmesan flavors with added tangy pizza vibes. The rich creamy goodness of Italian Herb will elevate any culinary experience. Crafted with care and passion, this artisanal Cashew Parm is the perfect marriage of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Recreate all your favorite Italian dishes with this deliciously dairy- and gluten-free Italian Herb flavor.
Varieties: Italian Herb Cashew Parm, Golden Chedda Cashew Parm
For Air Travelers—add yummy to your pre-flight and look for this amazing gelato at the airport!
Solato
This brand created the creamiest, most flavorful gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt we’ve experienced outside of Italy. Solato’s artisanal products are freshly made with up to 40% less sugar (we didn’t miss it…at all!) than typical ice cream and has zero artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Indulgence at the airport? We’re onboard!
Solato
This brand created the creamiest, most flavorful gelato, sorbet, and frozen yogurt we’ve experienced outside of Italy. Solato’s artisanal products are freshly made with up to 40% less sugar (we didn’t miss it…at all!) than typical ice cream and has zero artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Indulgence at the airport? We’re onboard!
LEBANON
Zesty Z Pita Chips
Mother-and-son team, Lorraine and Alexander Harik have zested up snack time with these new flavor-packed, high-fiber (6 g) pita chips, with 22% fewer carbs than leading pita chips. They’re twice baked from fresh pita, giving you double layers, signature grill marks, a deeply satisfying crunch, and a chip that will hold up against even the strongest dip! Snacks just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
Flavors: Sea Salt, Parmesan & Garlic
Mother-and-son team, Lorraine and Alexander Harik have zested up snack time with these new flavor-packed, high-fiber (6 g) pita chips, with 22% fewer carbs than leading pita chips. They’re twice baked from fresh pita, giving you double layers, signature grill marks, a deeply satisfying crunch, and a chip that will hold up against even the strongest dip! Snacks just got a whole lot more, well, Zesty!
Flavors: Sea Salt, Parmesan & Garlic
TURKEY
Oro di Milas Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
This multi-award-winning monovarietal oil, produced with Memecik olives unique to the Milas region, is certified by the European Union as PDO. Milas has a long history of olive oil production. Historical sources indicate that olive cultivation began in Anatolia approximately 6,000 years ago. During the Ottoman period, the region was very famous for its olive oil and exported large amounts of it, which significantly boosted its economy.
Oro di Milas boasts an intense aroma of green olives and freshly cut grass, with notes of tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, green apple, and green almond. The combination of spiciness and a slight bitterness culminate in a pleasant aftertaste. This versatile oil is ideal to pair with just about any food.
This multi-award-winning monovarietal oil, produced with Memecik olives unique to the Milas region, is certified by the European Union as PDO. Milas has a long history of olive oil production. Historical sources indicate that olive cultivation began in Anatolia approximately 6,000 years ago. During the Ottoman period, the region was very famous for its olive oil and exported large amounts of it, which significantly boosted its economy.
Oro di Milas boasts an intense aroma of green olives and freshly cut grass, with notes of tomato leaf, aromatic herbs, green apple, and green almond. The combination of spiciness and a slight bitterness culminate in a pleasant aftertaste. This versatile oil is ideal to pair with just about any food.
PORTUGAL
Acushla Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Acushla, Celtic for “beat of my heart,” was chosen to represent the emotion and passion of its founder. Originating from the Protected Designation of Origin of Trás-os-Montes and extracted from cobrançosa, madural, verdeal, and cordovil olive tree varieties, this high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil has a low acidity level. Acushla is a balanced yellowish-green olive oil, medium fruity, with a slight bitterness and spiciness. In addition to its excellent texture and taste, Acushla is suitable for serving at the table, but also for preparing gourmet dishes.
Acushla, Celtic for “beat of my heart,” was chosen to represent the emotion and passion of its founder. Originating from the Protected Designation of Origin of Trás-os-Montes and extracted from cobrançosa, madural, verdeal, and cordovil olive tree varieties, this high-quality, extra-virgin olive oil has a low acidity level. Acushla is a balanced yellowish-green olive oil, medium fruity, with a slight bitterness and spiciness. In addition to its excellent texture and taste, Acushla is suitable for serving at the table, but also for preparing gourmet dishes.
MEDITERRANEAN FLAVORS
Alexian (pâtés and more)
This superb woman-owned brand embodies the essence of fine French bites and has been elevating the eating experience for 42 years.
Their product line includes luscious pâtés (including vegan), mousses, charcuterie, and specialty crackers, with no artificial favors, colors, preservatives, or fillers.
This superb woman-owned brand embodies the essence of fine French bites and has been elevating the eating experience for 42 years.
Their product line includes luscious pâtés (including vegan), mousses, charcuterie, and specialty crackers, with no artificial favors, colors, preservatives, or fillers.
Sincerely, Brigitte
Grab N’ Go Sticks: individually wrapped single-serve cheeses
Finally, on-the-go gourmet cheese sticks! These sticks begin with premium milk from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients resulting in the most distinctive flavor. Brigitte is always looking for ways to spice things up with her flavor combinations, bringing together bold, sweet, spicy, and savory into the most elating flavored cheese.
Varieties: Tomato Olive (Prairie Jack with olive & sundried tomato), Garlic Basil (Prairie Jack with garlic & basil), Chipotle (white cheddar with chipotle), and more—all delish and the Tomato Olive tastes like pizza!
Grab N’ Go Sticks: individually wrapped single-serve cheeses
Finally, on-the-go gourmet cheese sticks! These sticks begin with premium milk from small Wisconsin dairy farms using vegetarian rennet and only fresh ingredients resulting in the most distinctive flavor. Brigitte is always looking for ways to spice things up with her flavor combinations, bringing together bold, sweet, spicy, and savory into the most elating flavored cheese.
Varieties: Tomato Olive (Prairie Jack with olive & sundried tomato), Garlic Basil (Prairie Jack with garlic & basil), Chipotle (white cheddar with chipotle), and more—all delish and the Tomato Olive tastes like pizza!
Freekeh Harvest Pita Chips
Freekeh (free-kuh), an ancient Mediterranean supergrain, was discovered around 2300 B.C. The grain is slow-roasted and turned into a protein-rich pita chip, perfect for dipping or healthy snacking on-the-go (6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar). These delicious chips have up to 3 times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. While new to America, freekeh is a notable staple of a Mediterranean diet. And even more notable, their roasted nutty flavor is addictive!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Everything
Freekeh (free-kuh), an ancient Mediterranean supergrain, was discovered around 2300 B.C. The grain is slow-roasted and turned into a protein-rich pita chip, perfect for dipping or healthy snacking on-the-go (6 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and no added sugar). These delicious chips have up to 3 times more protein and fiber and up to 50% less fat than other pita chips. While new to America, freekeh is a notable staple of a Mediterranean diet. And even more notable, their roasted nutty flavor is addictive!
Varieties: Sea Salt, Everything
Dixie Grace’s Boiled Peanut Hummus
In this innovative hummus, traditional chickpeas are replaced by boiled peanuts to create a flavor-packed creamy spread. We were delighted to find that we enjoyed it more than the typical store-bought chickpea hummus. Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies, or spread it on sliced bread to dial up the flavor of your sandwich. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone allergic to chickpeas.
Varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy
In this innovative hummus, traditional chickpeas are replaced by boiled peanuts to create a flavor-packed creamy spread. We were delighted to find that we enjoyed it more than the typical store-bought chickpea hummus. Serve with crackers, pita, or veggies, or spread it on sliced bread to dial up the flavor of your sandwich. It’s also the perfect choice for anyone allergic to chickpeas.
Varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy
André’s Confiserie Suisse
Family-owned, André’s is rooted in three generations of Swiss-trained confiseurs. While honoring their Swiss tradition, the family is known for bringing their personal passion, ingenuity, and pride to create distinctive chocolate experiences for the community that has made André’s a Kansas City gem for more than 65 years.
André’s newest product, Feuilletine Crunch Chocolate Bâtons (above), is created with just 3 ingredients: the brand’s signature Swiss chocolate with flakes of crisp, caramelized crêpes, and is topped with plant-based food color décor. This treat captivated us and we weren’t surprised to learn that it was featured in The Wall Street Journal: 12 Trending Snacks From the Food World’s Answer to Fashion Week.
One of our favorite distinctive chocolate experiences is André’s signature almonds, a crossover Greek staple made more exquisite with chocolate. Coufeta were never this delectable. This confection features fresh roasted nonpareil almonds and premium cocoa, created using a multi-step process: Almonds are roasted to a golden brown, delicately caramelized then coated with André’s signature Swiss milk chocolate (covered in powdered sugar) or dark chocolate (covered in cocoa powder). For the chocolate purist, there’s an extra-dark (80%) chocolate version. It's the ultimate amount of crunch and decadent chocolate coating.
Additional products from André’s: themed holiday confections (including Dresdner Stollen, fruitcake, and gingerbread), Signature Chocolate Almonds, candies, truffles, and so much more
I hope you and those on your Nice list enjoy these wonderful edible gifts! Next week we’ll feature more wonderful products from the Fancy Food Show that you can add to your entertaining menu. Our cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: Meze and Spreads & Dips can also be nice additions to gift baskets for anyone who loves to cook!
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
Family-owned, André’s is rooted in three generations of Swiss-trained confiseurs. While honoring their Swiss tradition, the family is known for bringing their personal passion, ingenuity, and pride to create distinctive chocolate experiences for the community that has made André’s a Kansas City gem for more than 65 years.
André’s newest product, Feuilletine Crunch Chocolate Bâtons (above), is created with just 3 ingredients: the brand’s signature Swiss chocolate with flakes of crisp, caramelized crêpes, and is topped with plant-based food color décor. This treat captivated us and we weren’t surprised to learn that it was featured in The Wall Street Journal: 12 Trending Snacks From the Food World’s Answer to Fashion Week.
One of our favorite distinctive chocolate experiences is André’s signature almonds, a crossover Greek staple made more exquisite with chocolate. Coufeta were never this delectable. This confection features fresh roasted nonpareil almonds and premium cocoa, created using a multi-step process: Almonds are roasted to a golden brown, delicately caramelized then coated with André’s signature Swiss milk chocolate (covered in powdered sugar) or dark chocolate (covered in cocoa powder). For the chocolate purist, there’s an extra-dark (80%) chocolate version. It's the ultimate amount of crunch and decadent chocolate coating.
Additional products from André’s: themed holiday confections (including Dresdner Stollen, fruitcake, and gingerbread), Signature Chocolate Almonds, candies, truffles, and so much more
I hope you and those on your Nice list enjoy these wonderful edible gifts! Next week we’ll feature more wonderful products from the Fancy Food Show that you can add to your entertaining menu. Our cookbooks Kukla’s Kouzina: Meze and Spreads & Dips can also be nice additions to gift baskets for anyone who loves to cook!
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
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Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
