A couple of weeks ago, I shared a gift guide of Texas items for the holidays. I didn’t include culinary options so I thought I’d do a part two gift guide, but this time only focusing on the great eats of Texas. I encourage you to Eat in the Heart of Texas and share your favorites with family and friends this holiday season.
As a Native Texan, I don’t remember not having fruitcake during the holidays. This solid fruit and nut-filled cake has gotten a bum rap for years. I loved my grandmother’s fruitcake and while I have her recipe, I like to treat our family to Collin Street Bakery fruitcake from Corsicana. They’ve been making fruitcakes for more than 100 years. If you can’t make it to their store, you might find a tin at your local grocery store. Otherwise, you can always order on line.
If you love pecans but you prefer another type of pecan-filled decadence, check out Gaidos in Galveston. They’re not just known for their seafood, which is delicious, but also for their Texas-shaped Pecan Pie. In case you didn’t know, the pecan is the state tree of Texas and the pecan pie was named the state’s official pie in 2013.
If you’re sending pie or fruitcake, why not include coffee? Cafe Ole has themed Texas coffees including Texas Pecan, Houston Blend, and Taste of San Antonio. Of course, your community may have coffee roasters you can purchase from like Brenham’s Independence Coffee Company and they would be wonderful gifts. San Angelo has DeCoty Coffee, Tea & Spices and Longhorn Coffee Company, both of which I’ve purchased gifts from in the past. Restaurant cards make great gifts. It’s nice to support your favorite diner or restaurants in your community by purchasing gift certificates or cards for family and friends. If I found a Whataburger gift card in my stocking, I’d be pretty happy with this chain that started in Texas. You can even buy Whataburger bling! Wiseman House ChocolatesCowboy-Up ChocolateIt’s hard to go wrong with chocolates. A few iconic choices include Wiseman House Chocolates in Hico, Cowboy-Up Chocolates in San Angelo, Mary of Puddin’Hill in Greenville, and Lammes Candies in Austin. If you want to give candies but not chocolate, you might consider Atkinson Candy in Lufkin, the home of Peanut Butter Bars, Chick-O-Sticks, and Long Boys Coconut. Yum!
Did you know Texas farmers are producing olive oil in Dripping Springs? Texas Hill Country Olive Co. has been at it since 2008. Another nice gift for a cook in the family.
It’s that time of year for great citrus from the valley. I’ve actually checked citrus with my luggage when flying home from a conference, it’s so good. You can place mail orders from many of the citrus farms. I’ve ordered from Granny Clare’s Citrus and purchased their grapefruits and oranges. Ship a smoked turkey from Greenberg Smoked Turkey Inc. in Tyler or a brisket or ribs from BBQ restaurants Franklin BBQ in Austin, Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood, or Black’s BBQ in Lockhart. It’ll make for an easy meal at Christmas. A nice spirit can always brighten a person’s day over the holidays. You’ve probably heard of Tito’s Handmade Vodka out of Austin, but what about Fitch’s Goat Moonshine and 100% Corn Whiskey in Smithville?
If you prefer gifts of non-alcoholic beverages, consider a case of Texas-made Dr Pepper and Big Red from Waco or vintage sodas from Dublin Bottling Works, made with pure cane sugar. Some of my favorites from Dublin – TeXas Root Beer, Grapefruit Soda, Orange Dream, and Sweet Peach. You also can’t go wrong with Fru Fru Berry.
You can always grab a case of Texas-made Lone Star Beer or Shiner Bock and place a nice red bow on it.Texas has stepped up its game in the wine industry. From Fredericksburg to Lubbock to Grapevine, Texas wines can be purchased at most liquor and grocery stores. What better way to bring in the new year and say goodbye to 2022?
If you’re still looking for options, visit the Go Texan site and search among the list of products made in Texas. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect gift made in Texas to share this season.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!
I’ve worked in the travel industry for more than 25 years and I’ve been known to wander all my life. I’ve lived in more than 20 cities and towns and had the opportunity to experience a variety of people and places, introducing me to different cultures and allowing me to make friends along the way. I also majored in English in college. I don’t claim to be an excellent writer, proofreader, or grammar queen. I’m an amateur photographer and enjoy sharing the beauty of places I visit and and where I live.
View all posts by diannbayes
