What do serious food nerds give for Christmas? Pull up a chair and check out the blog below for serious #giftinspo from your favorite faces at Caputo’s.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2022:
Matt Caputo President
Jose Gourmet Custom 12-pack – Matt practically eats a tin of conservas each day for lunch, so it’s only natural he would want others to do the same. Find out why Matt loves these here.
Yelena Caputo
Vice President
Conservas Dinner & Classes – “Conservas culture is dominating just about every metropolis in the world, making me particularly excited about bringing conservas culture to our ever expanding city. Matt and I will be hosting a Conservas Dinner as part of our Education Program but slightly different, in a more personal and intimate setting. Space is limited so run now to our website to reserve. A truly one-of-a-kind gift experience! And if you’re into gifting experiences in lieu of more stuff, Caputo’s Classes are the gift for you. Our classes are based in appreciation and designed for foodies and newcomers alike, no experience necessary! Only Delicious Days Ahead.”
Viola Nuovo – “There’s olive oil, and then there’s NUOVO olive oil. The brightest, grassiest, and most peppery flavors are often unattainable in the coldest months, but a drizzle of nuovo olive oil brings liveliness with minimal effort. We receive our nuovo oil just before the holidays (right after olives are picked an pressed). There’s nothing else like it, and the most discerning palates on my list will love it.”
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
Regalis Caviar Golden Osetra 4oz -During the holiday season, Jamey values taking time from his busy schedule to enjoy the finer things in life, like a jar of caviar to share.
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
King Floyd’s Spicy Margarita Peanuts – Austin’s annual family vacation includes a gifted treat each time they make a journey to the beach. This year, they’ll be enjoying cocktail inspired peanuts from bitters maker King Floyd’s.
Christian knows these sell out every year and ran to grab some from our panettone pyramid for his friends and family before they’re all gone.
Taiya Kirk Office Manager & Concierge Specialist
Taiya knows how to decompress after the holidays and is giving the gift of restful indulgence with Pump Street Chocolate Father Christmas paired with locally crafted beer, both available at our downtown location. Learn more about this dynamic pairing at our Beer & Chocolate class.
Marian McKenney In-house Pastry Chef
Local Utah Gift Collection – Marian rests easy knowing we’ve curated the best local treasures so her loved ones don’t have to.
What do serious food nerds give for Christmas? Pull up a chair and check out the blog below for serious #giftinspo from your favorite faces at Caputo’s.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2021:
Matt Caputo President and ultimate boss-man
Biscotti di Nocciola – Matt Caputo proclaimed these as “The BEST COOKIES EVER.” Made with EU protected hazelnuts from the Piemonte region, the delicate sweetness and crunch of these biscotti allow the flavor of the prized nut to shine.
Yelena Caputo
Vice President, and ultimatest boss who oversees said boss-man
Caputo’s Wild Jurua 70% – When preserving biodiversity within cacao meets art meets complex, flavorful craft chocolate, you give it to everyone you know. Made with wild cacao foraged from the Upper Amazon in the Brazilian jungle, this bar is just one way we fight to preserve the food traditions of our collective ancestors.
Mirzam Dark Chocolate Covered Oranges – Fresh oranges, delicately candied and dipped in Mirzam’s delicious 62% single origin dark chocolate. Sunshine in a jar, and Adri’s current favorite treat.
Alicia Konzen Downtown Market Manager
Barnacle Foods kelp based products (hot sauce, seasonings, jellies, bbq sauce, and more!) – “Can I KELP you?” Our Downtown queen loves puns, and the name of her gift shows it. Every Barnacle product features kelp as its main ingredient, with scrumptious and nutritious results.
Antonia Horne
Affineuse AKA maker of all tasty things from our Cheese Caves
Buddha Hand Tincture – Known for its unique shape and beloved for its aroma, Buddha Hand finds new expression in Workhorse Rye’s tincture (tincture: a single ingredient extraction, vs. bitters: multiple ingredients). With a spirit base of 100% clementines, this tincture offers incredible flavor for bevies and baking.
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
Pruneaux d’Agen Fourres – Our New Mexican native and fearless 15th leader is giving a classic French delicacy – he calls them “fancy prunes,” – this year. These full bodied Agen prunes are de-pitted and filled with a smooth Agen prune puree delicately flavored with vanilla. Incredible accompaniment to roasted pork or funky cheese.
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
Local Utah Gift Collection – Our Holladay GM – another fearless leader! – is giving the best of the best of Utah artisan goodies – a whole box of them, in fact. Utah cheese, Utah chocolate, Utah honey, and more, all in a beautifully branded gift box.
Christian Birch Downtown Deli Manager
Caputo’s Christmas in July by Solstice Chocolate – Christian runs our downtown deli with a huge smile and a generous attitude. His gift is near and dear to our hearts – an eggnog spiced dark milk chocolate bar created by Matt, Yelena, and Solstice Chocolate as a gift to crew members when they couldn’t gather during Covid. This small batch bar – made just for Caputo’s crew – became so cherished that we had to share it with everyone.
Heather Aagard Social Media Maven and Merchandising Coordinator
Caputo’s Culture Club – Who doesn’t want a subscription to fancy cheese, salumi, chocolate, and more?! Heather’s the wannabe president of this club full of foodies and friends. Every other month, recipients receive a box of cheese, salumi, accompaniments (including items like chestnut honey, craft chocolate, Matt’s fave hazelnut cookies), tasting guides and an unboxing video with our very own Adri.
Shaymus Bertagnolli General badass and our in-house beer expert
Craft Beer from our very own cooler! – Our hero from Malty Monday has a new gig – curating the collection of craft beer for sale in our Downtown market! Grab a cold one for your friends and fam while you shop for artisan cheese, chocolate, and salumi to pair with it. That’s our kind of one-stop shopping.
You’re still not sure what to give, and you haven’t started shopping yet? That’s OK, we won’t tell a soul. In an effort to inspire your food gifting, here’s what some of your favorite faces from Caputo’s are giving to their friends and family this year.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2020:
Matt Caputo President and ultimate boss-man
Fresh Black Truffles – As the ultimate boss-man, Matt has chosen the ultimate foodie gift – fresh black truffles. (Pssst – they also look suspiciously like coal, which was what ultimate boss lady Yelena’s suggested gift for Matt would be…).
Yelena Caputo
Vice President, and ultimatest boss who oversees said boss-man
Chapon Canelas – Yelena is THE classiest lady we know. And her gifting choices are no different. This year, she’s giving French chocolate wizard Chapon’s exquisite Canelas – tiny French confections with nougatine and a dark chocolate shell.
Regalis White Sturgeon Caviar – We all know Adri does NOT mess around. So when Caputo’s brought in caviar for the first time, she scooped up a 1 oz jar faster than you can say “fancy.”
Alicia Konzen Downtown Market Manager
Hot Off the PAN – An Alicia original. If you’ve ever met Alicia, you’d know she loves a play on words! Her gifts are no different. She’s giving all things “pan” – Panettone meets panforte meets pandoro! Tis the season, after all.
Antonia Horne
Affineuse AKA maker of all tasty things from our Cheese Caves
Half Wheel of Raclette – This Christmas, Antonia is sharing Raclette with friends and family. Since she can’t give them actual hugs, she’s giving “inside hugs,” of the coziest, most comforting cheese she knows.
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
Patagonia Provisions Mussels Gift Pack – Our New Mexican native and fearless 15th leader knows a thing or two about serious flavor. Especially when it comes to conservas! Patagonia (yup, same company as the parkas and tents) triple threat of mussels is right up his alley.
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
Scaldaferro Crumbly Nougat Pie – In life there are precious few morsels that transport the consciousness to a different time and place. This is one of those morsels. When an artisan makes nougat based on the waning or the waxing of the moon and explains it in such a way that makes sense, Austin goes out of his way to eat – ahem, gift – that nougat.
Christian Birch Downtown Deli Manager
Som Cordial Gift Pack and Cranberry Som – Christian is the cheeriest guy in the deli! And he enjoys a cheery drink as much as anyone. Som’s cordials make bev making easy (and delicious!) for both cocktail and mocktail drinkers alike.
Tony and Mary Caputo The OG himself and his fine lady
City Weekly’s First Every Recipe Book – Tony and Mary are friends with everyone in the local food community! His gift, then, is no surprise. He’s gifting the City Weekly’s Recipe Book – a commemorative compilation of recipes from top Utah eateries and distilleries. But wait – there’s more than just cooking how to’s – the proceeds benefit the Galena Fund (support for local journalism) and the Tip Your Server Campaign (support for local displaced waitstaff in the Hospitality industry).
Heather Aagard Social Media Maven and Merchandising Coordinator
Omnom GIANT Sea Salted Almonds bar – Heather is known for her enthusiasm – for all things cheese, chocolate, and, well, really anything in our markets! And when full 8 oz GIANT Omnom Chocolate bars landed from Iceland, you could hear her squeal for miles.
So, the gifts are almost all wrapped, the tree is already coming apart thanks to your four-legged family members, you’ve threatened Santa’s visitation rights to your kids more than you care to admit, AND WHERE IS THE SNOW? You deserve a break, a sweet indulgence of sorts, and a drink. Let’s combine all of those into one lovely, warm cocktail to soothe your soul and melt away the stress.
If you’re not yet familiar with Waterpocket Distillery, consider this your introduction. One of Utah’s newest distilleries is raising the bar with centuries old traditional liqueurs, unique spirits, and a fresh face. We’re using their Notom Amaro here, you can find it at liquor stores around town or by visiting the distillery for their entire line. This is a great way to introduce amaro to your home bar, but also try this with a ice cube, neat, or stirred into your next cocktail. (Wanna know more? Check out the cocktail classes we’re hosting them at here!)
My take here on the classic hot toddy replaces whiskey with Waterpocket’s Notom Amaro and we’re swapping out the usual sweeter honey for deep, savory, and slightly bitter chestnut honey. I’m also omitting lemon juice as I find it a bit overpowering for the amaro, but feel free to take control of your toddy as you see fit. The combination of Amaro and chestnut is herbaceous, complex, and lovely stirred with hot water. Try your favorite honeys, amari, and citrus as you see fit.
Stir amaro, honey, and hot water together in a mug. Float an orange wheel in your toddy. Turn off all electronics and enjoy some human interaction with friends and family.
You’re still not sure what to give, and you haven’t started shopping yet? That’s OK, we won’t tell a soul. In an effort to inspire your food gifting, here’s what some of your favorite faces from Caputo’s are giving to their friends and family this year.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2019:
Matt Caputo President and ultimate boss-man
Luisa Abram Trio – The flavors from Brazil meet the most exciting piece of cacao culture. Newly discovered wild cacao from the depths of the Amazon meet Brazil inclusions, like candied cupuaçu, in these thoughtfully made artisan bars.
Yelena Caputo
Vice President, and ultimatest boss who oversees said boss-man
Gift Collections – Our gift collections received some serious love before the holiday season this year. Choose from a variety of themes, price points, and flavors. The selection is vast, but the curation is impeccable.
Pump St Father Christmas – While quickly becoming a Caputo’s tradition, these craft chocolate St. Nicks blow the rest out of the water. There’s no ho ho ho without a craft chocolate Santa.
Alicia Konzen Downtown Market Manager
Go FIGure – An Alicia original. All things fig, all season, for every sweet indulgence. Fig and chocolate panettone meets fig and marcona almond cake and a vegan fig salami. Tis the season, after all.
Antonia Horne
Affineuse AKA maker of all tasty things from our Cheese Caves
Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking – Our cheese empress is gifting the most authentic and authoritative word on Italian cooking. Written by one empress and given by another, we’d only be so lucky to receive this culinary wisdom.
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
High Mesa Chili Co. – Our New Mexican native and fearless 15th leader knows a thing or two about delicious heat. Full flavored fire roasted peppers mingle with some serious heat. World, meet our two new favorites.
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
OmNom Winter Collection – Iceland comes home with you for Christmas. Three OG holiday bars from the masterminds behind OmNom are packaged into one beautiful gift that requires no wrapping whatsoever. Eat the chocolate, keep the box.
Zach Smith Downtown Deli Manager
Espinaler Tinned Seafood (and CHIPS!) – Tinned seafood is all the rage around here, and Zach is no stranger to this food revival. He’s bringing jolly, briny, delicious cheer to his loved one, plus some seriously addictive chips to munch in between bites of fish.
Josh Broadhead University Deli Manager
Bronze Cut Pasta and Sauce – Give the gift of tradition AND a tasty, quick meal all in one. Read more about bronze cut pasta here and learn why we’re so obsessed.
Throughout Southern Europe a tea culture exists which predates the import of teas from India and China by the British. In fact, if you happen to have an Italian, Greek, or Croatian Grandmother, chances are she’s got a tea recipe for your wintertime sniffles or upset stomach. While true tea (Camelia sinensis) didn’t root in Southern Europe until recently, herbal teas and tisanes have been an integral part to both folk medicine and culinary creations since time immemorial.
We’ve created three herbal tea blends that are inspired and empowered by the folk herbal traditions of Southern Europe and we’re excited to share them with you!
If there is one herbal tea that sums up the flavors of Italy it must be Lemon Verbena! Growing across meadow-lands and in many a terracotta pot, Verbena offers the aroma and flavor of Italian countryside- lemons, bergamot, and grass. We’ve made the simple pairing of Lemon Verbena and Lemon Peel to create a deep citrus tea that’s perfect for waking up or winding down.
Lemon Verbena has been traditionally used to help with the common cold, mood, and digestive complaints. It’s the perfect aperitif tea and blends beautifully with sparkling water paired with craft chocolate.
In ancient Greek, the name Chamomile means ‘ground apple’- a nod at how this lovely plant grows and how it smells. Chamomile is actually an ancient ground cover plant that smells like dried apples when pinched or stepped on. Greece is famous for it’s varietals of Chamomile, and we’ve paired it with the flowers of Greek Linden Trees (Tila) and Wild Lavender flowers for the perfect calming sip.
Chamomile is one of the world’s most celebrated relaxing herbs. Calming to both mind and body, our Greece blend is a fantastic night-cap or a great way to shake off the stresses of the day. Pair with fruits like apples, dates, and figs or Hazelnuts and Cheese.
For this tea blend we took inspiration from a city in northern Croatia- Koprivnica. Named after the wild Nettles which grow throughout the region, this area has a history of both eating Nettles as a cooked green and enjoying them as a mineral-rich, vegetal herbal tea. We’ve combined our Croatian Nettles with Lemon Balm and Country Mint to create a bright, uplifting blend.
Nettles are a powerhouse of minerals and vitamins and can be incredibly nourishing to the whole body. Enjoy this tea as a feel-good brew anytime. Pair with grounding soulful foods like bread, butter, honey, and cheese.
I’ve finally done it. I, Adri, of gifting procrastination and of slow wrapping skill, have completed my holiday shopping EARLY.
Try as I might, I have never before been able to finish my to-do list for gifts on time. December 22nd rolls around and I finally realize how behind I am. I run all over the city looking for gifts at picked-over stores and pop-up shops (arms flailing above my head the whole time), and I finally realize the perfect gifts have been right under my nose the whole time. At Caputo’s, of course.
Here’s what I know: Everyone likes to eat. Artisan food will always be in style. Why not let your friends and family eat the very best and most delicious treats available? Here’s your guide to the very best last-minute gifts. One gift for each of the 12 days of Christmas, a la Caputo’s:
1. Utah Chocolate – You can never go wrong gifting chocolate, especially in Utah. The Beehive State is internationally recognized as a well known hub for craft chocolate, in both consumption and production. Utah is home to five bean-to-bar chocolate companies that are putting themselves on the fine-chocolate map with their artisan bars and dedication to creating the best chocolate possible. Give your pals a taste of Utah with this perfect collection of fine dark chocolate, all made in Utah.
2. Local Treasures Gift Collection – This is the ideal choice for the locavore in your life. We’ve hand selected seven items that are not only made locally, but they’re world-class artisan products. From bean-to-bar chocolate to smoky and savory chili oil, this is sure to please you local-lovin’ pals.
3. Tinned Seafood – It may sound strange to you today, but hear me out. Tinned seafood is about to experience a revival I would liken to the whiskey boom of the past decade or the fermented food craze we’re in the thick of now. Sustainable protein in beautiful packaging sounds like the perfect savory stocking stuffer to counter all the sweet things headed your belly’s way. (Psst… read more about this food revival here.)
4. Underberg Digestif – We’re in the middle of a craft cocktail and bitters revival here, people! Along with some truly fantastic locally made bitters, Underberg is another home bar necessity. These tiny bottles of German digestifs are the perfect spicy backbone for a cocktail or the perfect medicine for an over-filled belly after Christmas dinner. Shake into cocktails or sip solo, either will be a welcome treat to your palate. Stuff into stockings or stock your pals’ bars, but be sure to keep a bottle or two for yourself as well.
5. Caputo’s Cheese Cave Collection – Our market was founded on our love of cheese, and that love has only grown stronger with our burgeoning cave program. One cave just wasn’t cutting it for us. We need more room to to add additional wheels of cheese into their ideal aging environment (it makes them as absolutely delicious as possible, not to mention healthier). Affinage is happening every second. Wanna know what the cave is all about, or want to share your knowledge? This is the perfect choice. Four of our favorite cave-aged cheeses come bundled and ready to eat. Hopefully they share with you!
6. Blue’s Chocolates – The country’s most inimitable filled chocolates live right here at Caputo’s. These little treasures are handmade in Berkeley, CA and are only available at Blue’s Chocolate stores and Caputo’s. Not only does Blue’s Chocolates use locally-made Solstice Chocolate, they make products that are utterly divine. One taste will convince anyone of their superiority. The good news for you is that there are plenty of box sizes to choose from. There’s a perfect size for each person depending on how naughty or nice they’ve been this year.
7. Luxardo Cherries – There’s something incredibly attractive about shaking a cocktail shaker around like a mad person…or like you know what you’re doing. If your loved ones are getting into the craft-cocktail movement and experimenting at home, this is the perfect gift. Luxardo cherries are steeped in history and are the original Maraschino cherry that those chemical red sugar-bombs are attempting to imitate. Garnish classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, throw into pork pan sauces, and chop into ice cream custards and cake batters. These will be the jar that empties the fastest this season.
8. Viola Colleruita Olive Oil – An Italian condiment olive oil is the ideal gift for those taking Italian food seriously. If someone on your list is looking to unleash their inner Marcella Hazan, this will become a key finishing component for nearly every dish. Think of the brightest, greenest flavors of summer and now imagine harnessing those very flavors in the dead of winter. This is the way do it. Use this oil for finishing roasted dishes, drizzle over vegetables and protein alike, and save a few drops for your gelato (I’m serious). It doesn’t get any more flavorful, or Italian, than this.
9. Caputo’s Apparel – This is our new take on good taste. We’re not just gifting with your wonderful taste in food in mind, but we’re here to outfit you and yours in Caputo swag, too! Toddlers to adults can rep the Caputo brand all winter in cozy sweatshirts and warm beanies. One for them, and one for you!
10. Caputo’s Classic Gift Collection – If you’re fond of the good ol’ days and want to share some tasty nostalgia with your pals, this is the collection for you. It’s like a shopping spree of our award winning market bundled into a gift, and ready to be unloaded into the pantry or right on into a pot for dinner. Snacks, provisions, sweet indulgence, and the makings for a tasty weeknight meal all rolled into one. What’s not to love?
11. Fresh Truffles – For the gourmand in your life. This is it. The most luxurious and ultimately wonderful gift for your foodie friend, or you can use it as the focal point of you holiday meal. We’re air-shipping truffles into our downtown market as often as is needed to ensure a fresh, aromatic supply. This friend will have just the recipe to shave these beauties over and I sure hope you get an invitation to the meal. Just the aroma knocks you off your feet, so imagine what your finished entree will do.
12. Class Certificates – Give the gift of food (or drink!) knowledge. It’s the perfect gift for a couple or a friend who might be new to either cooking or the Salt Lake valley. Pick up a certificate for the amount of the class, plus the optional beverage pairing, and let them choose the best class for their calendar and tastes. We’ll help you give the exact dollar amount or round up so your giftee can pick up a special little treat after the class. Choose from cheese or chocolate tastings, cooking classes, or whiskey classes. You read that right: whiskey classes! Remember that bucket list from SL Mag? Send them to class!
You’re still not sure what to give, and you haven’t started shopping yet? That’s OK, we won’t tell a soul. In an effort to inspire your food gifting, here’s what some of your favorite faces from Caputo’s are giving to their friends and family this year.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2018:
Matt Caputo President and ultimate boss-man
Crybaby Bay Leaf Bitters: These bitters are unreal, and local, to boot! Cody has created a bitters that can completely replace the musky, depth offered by a classic aromatic bitters, but does so with a unique set of flavors and ingredients. Substitute these in any classic cocktail that calls for aromatic bitters, you’ll be both completely impressed and wildly pleased.
Yelena Caputo
Vice President, and ultimatest boss who oversees said boss-man
NEW! Caputo’s Apparel: THIS IS NOT A PROMO. Literally every. single. person. on Yelena’s Santa’s list is getting the newest Caputo’s swag. Available for tots, kids, and adults. Everyone deserves the gift of good taste, both on their shoulders and in their bellies.
Marcella Hazan’s Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking:
(available in stores)
If you’ve been to a class, you already know. This is the absolute authority on Italian cooking in Adri’s opinion. No other Italian cookbook is as thorough in explanations of process and history, nor as widely revered as one of the best. For those people in your life that are just getting into cooking or could use a refresher on regional Italian recipes, this is it.
Alicia Konzen Downtown General Manager
Marou Cacao Cashew Spread: We love anything from Marou. Their attention to flavor, detail, and overall experience are second to none. This cacao cashew spread is like a silky, mellow alternative to the classic cacao and hazelnut combo without some of the oil-y finish. Alicia is certainly gifting this, but we think she deserves one for herself, too.
Antonia Horne
Affineuse AKA maker of all tasty things from our Cheese Caves
Personal Netflix & Chill Snack Pack: No one spends more time loving on our cheeses than our fearless leader, Antonia. This collection of snacks from our Cheese Caves and award winning shelves are the perfect essentials for a cozy night in. We’re thinking a craft cocktail, cheese board, chocolate bites, and an all-night binge of all the shows we missed while playing Santa’s helper this month. Add one goodnight kiss and this is the night in of our dreams.
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
Pump Street Father Christmas (available in stores): Craft chocolate molded into the shape of beloved St Nick?! What’s not to love? Jamey may or may not be the king of last minute gifting, but he sure knows how to make a tasty choice.
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
Bitters book (available in stores): Austin is turning his entire family into a clan of cocktail aficionados. This book is full of both great information and history, but is also a one-stop resource for our favorite classic and newfound recipes.
The One & Only Tony Caputo Owner and man behind the magic
Tony may be sporting the last of our winter black truffles, but fear not! The long awaited white truffles are on their way to our stores, and hopefully the next stop is your dinner tables. Your favorite Caputo’s monger has the scoop on how to best use them, but if you’re lucky, you can catch Tony himself for his favorite recipes, and new fashion accessory?
Tis the season for indulging in sweet treats. That’s how it goes, right? Well, it is now. Mix up something familiar and fun with a warm and local spin. Caramel apples aren’t just for fall, anymore. We’re taking the apple cider back to its roots and mixing in a locally made, honey caramel based sauce for a treat worthy of Santa’s discerning palate.
The caramel sauce used to mix into the cider can be saved for up to two weeks and drizzled over breakfast pastries, cakes, and stirred into any other hot drink you might be mixing up. Consider making more than you might need for the morning after’s french toast.
Heat cider in a saucepan over medium heat to a simmer, keep warm.
In a separate saucepan, combine honey caramels and cream over medium-low heat, whisking constantly. remove to a bowl or jar when mixture just comes together (we’re not looking to cook the caramel any further), and season with salt.
Stir cider and a tablespoon or two of the caramel sauce together in a mug and serve with plain or with a cinnamon stock garnish. Keep any remaining caramel refrigerated for up to two weeks.
So, the gifts are almost all wrapped, the tree is already coming apart thanks to your four-legged family members, you’ve threatened Santa’s visitation rights to your kids more than you care to admit, AND WHERE IS THE SNOW? You deserve a break, a sweet indulgence of sorts, and a drink. Let’s combine all of those into one lovely, warm cocktail to soothe your soul and melt away the stress.
If you’re not yet familiar with Waterpocket Distillery, consider this your introduction. One of Utah’s newest distilleries is raising the bar with centuries old traditional liqueurs, unique spirits, and a fresh face. We’re using their Notom Amaro here, you can find it at liquor stores around town or by visiting the distillery for their entire line. This is a great way to introduce amaro to your home bar, but also try this with a ice cube, neat, or stirred into your next cocktail. (Wanna know more? Come to the class we’re hosting them at here!)
My take here on the classic hot toddy replaces whiskey with Waterpocket’s Notom Amaro and we’re swapping out the usual sweeter honey for deep, savory, and slightly bitter chestnut honey. I’m also omitting lemon juice as I find it a bit overpowering for the amaro, but feel free to take control of your toddy as you see fit. The combination of Amaro and chestnut is herbaceous, complex, and lovely stirred with hot water. Try your favorite honeys, amari, and citrus as you see fit.
I’ve finally done it. I, Adri, of gifting procrastination and of slow wrapping skill, have completed my holiday shopping EARLY.
Try as I might, I have never before been able to finish my to-do list for gifts on time. December 22nd rolls around and I finally realize how behind I am. I run all over the city looking for gifts at picked-over stores and pop-up shops (arms flailing above my head the whole time), and I finally realize the perfect gifts have been right under my nose the whole time. At Caputo’s, of course.
Here’s what I know: Everyone likes to eat. Artisan food will always be in style. Why not let your friends and family eat the very best and most delicious treats available? Here’s your guide to the very best last-minute gifts. One gift for each of the 12 days of Christmas, a la Caputo’s:
1. Utah Chocolate – You can never go wrong gifting chocolate, especially in Utah. The Beehive State is internationally recognized as a well known hub for craft chocolate, in both consumption and production. Utah is home to five bean-to-bar chocolate companies that are putting themselves on the fine-chocolate map with their artisan bars and dedication to creating the best chocolate possible. Give your pals a taste of Utah with this perfect collection of fine dark chocolate, all made in Utah.
2. Local Treasures Gift Collection – This is the ideal choice for the locavore in your life. We’ve hand selected seven items that are not only made locally, but they’re world-class artisan products. From bean-to-bar chocolate to smoky and savory chili oil, this is sure to please you local-lovin’ pals.
3. Scaldaferro Torrone – I’m quite sure that I would prefer torrone to diamonds, and I know I’m not the only one. This is it. The most luxurious and ultimately wonderful confection to gift to your loved one with a notorious sweet tooth. Skip the holiday candies with questionable ingredient lists. These are made by true artisans with a list of ingredients you can count on one hand. Read more here and you’ll see why we’re so enamored with these little gems.
4. Underberg Digestif – We’re in the middle of a craft cocktail and bitters revival here, people! Along with some truly fantastic locally made bitters, Underberg is another true home bar necessity. These tiny bottles of German digestifs are the perfect spicy backbone for a cocktail or the perfect medicine for an over-filled belly after Christmas dinner. Shake into cocktails or sip solo, either will be a welcome treat to your palate. Stuff into stockings or stock your pals’ bars, but be sure to keep a bottle or two for yourself as well.
5. Caputo’s Cheese Cave Collection – Our market was founded on our love of cheese, and that love has only grown stronger with our burgeoning cave program. One cave just wasn’t cutting it for us. We need more room to to add additional wheels of cheese into their ideal aging environment (it makes them as absolutely delicious as possible, not to mention healthier). Our second cheese cave is fully stocked since last holiday season with plenty of projects and affinage happening every second. Wanna know what the cave is all about, or want to share your knowledge? This is the perfect choice. Four of our favorite cave-aged cheeses come bundled and ready to eat. Hopefully they share with you!
6. Blue’s Chocolates – The country’s most inimitable filled chocolates live right here at Caputo’s. These little treasures are handmade in Berkeley, CA and are only available at Blue’s Chocolate stores and Caputo’s. Not only does Blue’s Chocolates use locally-made Solstice Chocolate, they make products that are utterly divine. One taste will convince anyone of their superiority. The good news for you is that there are plenty of box sizes to choose from. There’s a perfect size for each person depending on how naughty or nice they’ve been this year.
7. Luxardo Cherries – There’s something incredibly attractive about shaking a cocktail shaker around like a mad person…or like you know what you’re doing. If your loved ones are getting into the craft-cocktail movement and experimenting at home, this is the perfect gift. Luxardo cherries are steeped in history and are the original Maraschino cherry that those chemical red sugar-bombs are attempting to imitate. Garnish classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan, throw into pork pan sauces, and chop into ice cream custards and cake batters. These will be the jar that empties the fastest this season.
8. Viola Colleruita Olive Oil – An Italian condiment olive oil is the ideal gift for those taking Italian food seriously. If someone on your list is looking to unleash their inner Marcella Hazan, this will become a key finishing component for nearly every dish. Think of the brightest, greenest flavors of summer and now imagine harnessing those very flavors in the dead of winter. This is the way do it. Use this oil for finishing roasted dishes, drizzle over vegetables and protein alike, and save a few drops for your gelato (I’m serious). It doesn’t get any more flavorful, or Italian, than this.
9. Holiday Chocolate Trio – It won’t get any easier than this. The season’s most iconic flavors, enrobed in chocolate of varying percentages. Whether your giftee is a craft chocolate geek like us or simply enjoys traditional holiday flavors, you can’t go wrong with these three bars. Pro tip: kids love this as a stocking stuffer and are most likely to share based on a sample set of one little sister.
10. Caputo’s Old School Gift Collection – If you’re fond of the good ol’ days and want to share some tasty nostalgia with your pals, this is the collection for you. It’s like a shopping spree of our award winning market bundled into a gift, and ready to be unloaded into the pantry or right on into a pot for dinner. Snacks, provisions, sweet indulgence, and the makings for a tasty weeknight meal all rolled into one. What’s not to love?
11. Fresh Truffles – For the gourmand in your life. This is it. The most luxurious and ultimately wonderful gift for your foodie friend, or you can use it as the focal point of you holiday meal. We’re air-shipping truffles into our downtown market as often as is needed to ensure a fresh, aromatic supply. This friend will have just the recipe to shave these beauties over and I sure hope you get an invitation to the meal. Just the aroma knocks you off your feet, so imagine what your finished entree will do.
12. Class Certificates – Give the gift of food (or drink!) knowledge. It’s the perfect gift for a couple or a friend who might be new to either cooking or the Salt Lake valley. Pick up a certificate for the amount of the class, plus the optional beverage pairing, and let them choose the best class for their calendar and tastes. We’ll help you give the exact dollar amount or round up so your giftee can pick up a special little treat after the class. Choose from cheese or chocolate tastings, cooking classes, or whiskey classes. You read that right: whiskey classes! Remember that bucket list from SL Mag? Send them to class!
You’re still not sure what to give, and you haven’t started shopping yet? That’s OK, we won’t tell a soul. In an effort to inspire your food gifting, here’s what some of your favorite faces from Caputo’s are giving to their friends and family this year.
Don’t see your favorite monger here? Drop by before the holiday—we’re open through the afternoon of Christmas Eve—and ask them for their personal recommendations. We’re certainly not lacking in opinions around here.
So, here you have it: each of our gift picks for 2017:
Matt Caputo President and ultimate boss-man
Dok Dall’ Ava Prosciutto: “One bite will tell a story of why Italy gained a reputation for culinary greatness in the first place. Time, quality, skill, and a love for tradition are clearly ingredients. The taste is unrivaled by any other ham. Yeah I’m looking at you Iberico!”
Yelena Caputo
Vice President, and ultimatest boss who oversees said boss-man
Caputo’s Cheese Cave Collection: Struggling to find a gift for the one who has everything? I know I always do. And the struggle is real. I am ashamed to admit that I’ve always hesitated to give the gift of cheese; it’s awkward to wrap and present (don’t tell my husband). Enter Caputo’s Cheese Cave Sampler. Unique? Check. Specialty? Check. Local? Check. Delicious? Double check. Aged in our Cheese Caves and wrapped in the most gorgeous new threads. Accompany the cheese sampler with a couple of our matching custom posters and voila! Hard to top!
Panettone: “There is nothing more iconic than panettone when the holidays roll around. I’ve been plenty noisy about my love for panettone before, and I don’t plan on stopping. Pro-tip; those leftover slices after dinner make an amazing french toast the next morning.”
Noel Watson Downtown General Manager
Luxardo Cherries: “These are such a special, out of the ordinary addition to any cocktail, cheese plate, or for use in baking. Dating back to 1821- these are a fantastic example of all we stand for in protecting classic traditionalism.”
Antonia Horne
Affineuse AKA maker of all tasty things from our cave cheeses
“This year I’m expanding my loved ones’ vinegar libraries beyond the Balsamic I usually give. The Acetum Mellis Mead vinegar is as bright and crisp as a ray of sunshine, which is perfect for the cold winter months. The Arvum Moscatel Sherry vinegar is sweet and luxurious, but still delicate. It’s an amazing alternative to Balsamic. And Leonardi Saba is rich and unctuous, perfect for dessert or savory dishes.”
Jamey Chelius
15th & 15th General Manager
Dick Taylor Drinking Chocolate: “I can stuff kid and adult stockings alike with this drinking chocolate. The package doesn’t even need wrapping. Kids can stir into warm milk and enjoy, adults simply need to add a dram of their favorite spirit for the perfect grown up hot beverage.”
Austin Shimada
Holladay General Manager
Blue’s Chocolates seasonal flavors: “I walked in as Sondra was unpacking the first seasonal flavors this month. Hard cider, spiked eggnog, marzipan, and cardamom are just a few of the available and seasonally perfect options to choose from. I’m buying a range of box size for a range of friends and family. I know every single one of them will enjoy them as much as I do. ”
The One & Only Tony Caputo Owner and man behind the magic
“Something that’s about to expire from the half off rack”
He’s not wrong though, friends. Each location has a unique and delicious selection of items on the half-off shelves that are more than worthy of a good belly and happy home. Plus, what’s not to love at half off?
