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The gastronome on your list probably doesn’t need a gift card to that new French restaurant on the corner. They’ve already been, silly! Instead, surprise them with something new from great Colorado producers dedicated to making the holidays just a little tastier.
Whether you need something small and sweet to slip into their stocking or a gift that will help them whip up a Michelin-star meal at home, turn to these 12 locally made treats.
Breckenridge Distillery Mock One Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Breckenridge Distillery’s Mock One line proves you don’t need booze to have a good time—or a good cocktail. The zero-proof whiskey, gin, rum, and tequila dupes ($30) pack the flavor and mouthfeel of their more spirited counterparts, but will leave you feeling ready to tackle the slopes (or your stacks of laundry) the next morning. Order online or find them at local liquor stores
Casa Crobu Lasagna
Need a gift for your kid’s endlessly patient piano teacher? Lasagna! For a post-surgery pick-you-up for a good friend? Lasagna again! Really, we can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t appreciate Denver-based, family-run Casa Crobu’s lasagnas (from $28), in classic Bolognese or rotating specialty flavors. Bonus: They can be delivered directly to their house in select zip codes, and you can add fresh ravioli, pastas, and sauces to your order. Order online or find them at Horseshoe Holiday Markets, Cherry Creek Holiday Market, and South Pearl Street Winterfest
Colorado Skillet Company Carbon Steel Pan
Whether you’re flipping pancakes in the kitchen or cooking over a campfire, these Manitou Springs–made skillets (from $95) do it all. Spun and forged by hand, the carbon steel pans are meant to last a lifetime and are even tricked out with clever extras, like a built-in bottle opener. Order online
Denver Macaron
Who can resist a rainbow array of colorful sandwich cookies in memorable flavors like apple pie, horchata, and PB&J? Macarons (don’t say macaroon) offer a light, airy outer layer with a rich, creamy filling, making them perfect for nibbling with coffee or adding flair to a dessert spread. Denver Macaron goes a step beyond the ordinary by making their macarons vegan and gluten- and dairy-free, so they’re also perfect for gift giving. Have them shipped to friends and family across the country or preorder a holiday gift set (from $50) for pickup at the bakery (450 Lincoln Street, Denver)
Duffeyroll Gift Box
Since 1987, Duffeyrolls have been a Colorado morning—or 2 a.m.—favorite. The buttery cinnamon rolls offer flaky, crispy bliss (unlike the heavy, doughy kind), and a bake-at-home pan (12 for $60) is pretty much a guaranteed hit. We’re partial to the original and Pecanilla Crunch flavors, but assorted and choose-your-own-flavor packs can be shipped anywhere in the country. Order online or pick up at one of three Duffeyroll Cafes (DTC, Platt Park, and Englewood)
Hummus Capara
For the hummus snob in your life (or the one you’re about to create), Hummus Capara will ruin sad, store-bought tubs forever. Maker Brady Weinstein treats chickpeas with reverent devotion, and the results (from $8.99) prove it. If you want to play it safe, opt for the container of plain hummus. But for the full experience, spring for the hummus meal, which includes generous spoonfuls of the spread topped with chickpeas, fava beans, tahini sauce, parsley, olive oil, and spices. Order plain or topped hummus on Hummus Capara’s Instagram or find them at Leevers Locavore, Sun Market, and Edwards Meats (among other locations)
Kettle Head Popcorn
Make movie-night munching a little more gourmet for the snack lovers in your life with Denver-based Kettle Head Popcorn ($6–$11). Each kernel is popped to perfection in small batches and dressed up in flavors like white cheddar sriracha, sour cream and dill, maple, and truffle. Order online or pick up at the store (1512 S. Acoma St., Denver)
Leven Deli Co. Brownie Candle
Leven teamed up with local candlemaker Wooly Wax to turn its fudgy, tahini-laced dessert into something you can light instead of bite—Although you’ll probably be tempted to do both. The 100-percent soy candle (from $28) will win over chocoholics and anyone who thinks their home should always smell like a pan of just-baked brownies. Purchase at Leven Deli Co. (123 W. 12th Ave., Denver) or Leven Supply (300 E. Alameda Ave., Denver) beginning Wednesday, November 19, or online beginning November 28
Moksha Chocolate Ceremonial Cacao Powder
Give the gift of good vibes—but make it chocolate. Sourced directly from regenerative farms in Peru and finished in Boulder, this pure, unsweetened cacao powder ($15) is packed with antioxidants and feel-good compounds. Whisk it with hot water for an earthy, savory, coffee-like drink or sweeten it into a fancy hot chocolate. Order online
Rebel Bread Baking Class
For the wannabe Great British Bake Off contestants in your life, Rebel Bread’s hands-on baking classes are the ultimate treat. From perfecting pie crusts to mastering sourdough to dialing in cookie chemistry, the small-group sessions (from $95) at the bakery’s community kitchen turn carb dreams into real-life loaves. Order online or at the bakery cafe (675 S. Broadway, Denver)
Roaring Fork Mill Flours
A bag of organic Roaring Fork Mill flour (from $8) might not seem like a fancy gift, but it will seriously upgrade your beloved baker’s bread game. The Carbondale company mills heritage Colorado grains the traditional way—with a millstone—to produce unique flours with bold flavor. Try the bread flour for hearty loaves, the purple barley for muffins and pancakes, or the all-purpose for everything else. Order online or purchase at Leevers Locavore
Wendi’s Good Things Market Fancy Foods
If your charcuterie board is missing that je ne sais quo, look to Wendi’s Good Things Market at Bloomstead Farms in Del Norte. Wendi’s gourmet goodies include kicky queso ($13), vibrant fruit jams ($12), zesty salsas ($14), ready-to-go baking mixes ($13), and a slew of fancy pickles (starting at $12). These jars of joy are perfect for gifting (or accidentally keeping for yourself). Order online or visit the farm store (5987 W. County Road 9 N., Del Norte)
