Stuffing the Foodie Stocking – Irresistible local gifts for your favorite culinarians

When it comes to gift-giving, foodies are a tricky bunch. They love all things culinary, but they’re quick to rush out and buy the latest gadgets and ingredients on their own. This holiday season, surprise your favorite gourmand with some of these locally focused goods, gifts and nibbles.

Released in September by LSU Press, The Delta Queen Cookbook by culinary historian Cynthia LeJeune Nobles includes charming stories, well-researched history and 125 recipes from the beloved passenger steamboat, which sailed between 1927 and 2008. Nobles has been on tour around Louisiana and the United States to promote the book, so look for your chance to nab a signed copy. Because she lives in Baton Rouge, her signings here have often included samples of her favorite dishes from the book, including pralines and tiramisu. For more information and to see recipes for shrimp Creole and cream of five-onion soup, visit deltaqueenbook.com.

Fresh produce, seafood, cheese, meat and bread abound at Baton Rouge’s 16-year-old public greenmarket, the Red Stick Farmers Market, but it’s also rich in non-perishables you can transport or slide under the tree. Briarhill Farms produces some of the best Bloody Mary mix around, Cajun Grain supplies brown popcorn rice and Papa Tom Bonnecaze features homey sacks of stone-ground grits, cornmeal, oatmeal and more. Several vendors produce homemade pickles and peppers as well as jellies, jams and preserves made from native fruit. Don’t forget the native honey from Bocage Bee & Honey. breada.org

Louisiana Sisters food products include spiced olives, martini mix, pepper jelly and more, all based on the family recipes of founder Sharon Mahne. The spicy products were launched with help from Edible Enterprises, the food incubator in Norco, and are available at most independent grocers throughout Baton Rouge, including Calandro’s, Calvin’s, Ralph’s and Hi-Nabor. They’re timeless treats that add zest to cocktail parties and festive gatherings. louisianasisters.net

Goodwood Hardware is a locally owned more-than-a-hardware store with a vast supply of equipment and accessories for grillers and other culinary gear-heads. Fish and veggie baskets make great affordable gifts, as do kabob skewers, basting brushes and rib racks. Eager to spend a little more? The store has lots of Big Green Eggs and, in time for the spring crawfish and seafood seasons, boiling rigs and standing fryers. goodwoodhardware.com

Ruffino’s Restaurant has earned all sorts of attention this year for Chef Peter Sclafani’s award-winning performance at the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience and his participation on the Red Stick Farmers Market board of directors. But the farm-to-table enthusiasm has added another standout feature to the restaurant’s offerings: the Ruffino’s Limousine. Set up your favorite foodie with a gift card for Ruffino’s and include a trip on the restaurant’s 10-passenger van. It runs nightly. ruffinosrestaurant.com