When I opened my first restaurant, I realized that the food needed to be impeccable. Instead of worrying about food costs, I zeroed in on the best vendors and gave them my business. The rewards were incredible. Customers absolutely loved the food, and they just kept coming back. Five years later, my business is running strong, and I owe it all to those initial business relationships with vendors. Check out this blog to learn why food vendors are so important, and how to choose between multiple businesses. You never know, it could transform your restaurant for the better--so that you can protect your investment.
If you know that a friend or family member has a soft spot for jams and marmalades, appeal to his or her sweet tooth with a basket filled with varieties of them. Jam-filled baskets make tasty gifts for various occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and housewarming parties.
If you know the gift recipient's preferred flavor, stick with that, but if you don't, consider buying a sampling of a few different jam types. No matter what your gift-giving budget is, you'll be in luck, as you can find good-quality jams everywhere from local grocery stores to specialty food retailers. As another option, consider making your jams and marmalades during the summer months and giving them as thoughtful gifts throughout the year.
Here are some delicious jam-filled gift basket ideas:
1. Breakfast Basket
Since everyone has to eat breakfast, a basket inspired by the first meal of the day is ideal for anyone on your gift-giving list. Start with the best jams that you can afford, sticking with all one flavor or mixing it up with two or more.
Include a variety of food items, such as scones, English muffins, muffins, waffles, pancakes mixes, and honey. If you prefer, you can create a basket filled with ready-to-eat goodies, such as doughnuts and biscuits, instead.
Other breakfast gift basket ideas include gourmet coffee or hot chocolate mixes, hot teas, and maple syrup.
2. Snack Basket
Treat the jam-lover to a basket filled with treats that he or she can enjoy all throughout the day. For the adventurous eater, start with a mix of jam and marmalade flavors, such as orange, apricot, cherry, and any type of berry. Companies like Chunkyfruits offer good selections. You can also include a jar of local honey to complement the fruity spreads.
Gourmet water crackers, pretzels, and even nuts and dried berries will work well in the snack basket. Other ideas include mini toasts, individually wrapped muffins, and homemade cornbread.
To round out the basket, include jam spreaders, paper plates, and napkins for convenience.
3. Picnic Basket
A woven picnic basket filled with treats that can be easily eaten on the go makes a romantic wedding, anniversary, or Valentine's Day gift for a couple. You can buy empty baskets or ones filled with all of the picnic essentials, including a tablecloth, plates, and plastic or silverware.
After choosing the perfect jams and marmalades for the basket, include a loaf of gourmet bread, crackers, cured meats such as salami, and a selection of dried and fresh fruits. Sweet treats, such as truffles or chocolate-covered nuts, will round out the charming gift basket.
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