Local-foods gift basket ideas, eh?

Amelia wants to make a gift basket with local yummy treats for Mother's Day. She asked me where I would go, and what my ultimate gift basket would be.

There are lots of places I can think to get local yummy treats. Via Fresca, for example, has wonderful baked goods that could be made up into a nice plate. Scones and pumpkin squares from Peaberrys would be delicious. As would a plate of brownies or other goodies from Mezzo. But you asked for gift-basket ideas, and to me that means an eclectic collection of treats. And you want local products.

For this, I would go to At The Warehouse. You can get all kinds of local food products there, from pickles and hot fudge (if your mother happens to be pregnant) to cheese, honey from Center Square, and jams and candy from Studio 508 in Troy.

There is also a spice vendor, a Hudson Valley winery and a specialty-tea shop. In addition to the food folks, there is also a lady selling beautiful aprons. The place is full of antiques and tchotchkes. You might even be able to buy the basket there.

For my ultimate basket….Hummmmmmmm.

I would start with the goods from Studio 508: A box of the chocolate almond toffee for sure. I like the dark chocolate, but there is milk as well. Two or three jars of jam, blackberry and what ever else looked good. I'd probably also add a box of his baklava.

Then I'd add a jar of the Center Square honey. Taste the different seasonal varieties because they are very different. I like autumn with its hints of caramel.

Then over to Michelle Marks' teashop for a canister of rooibos tea. (I prefer plain over the many flavored types.)

Finally, assuming the basket was to be giving locally and not mailed or anything, I'd head over to Sean O'Connor's table and add some goat cheese and a package of his hard Italian-style table cheese.

That's what would go in my gift basket. What would go in yours?