If you’re headed to a holiday party or need to impress a home cook with a thoughtful (and preferably, edible) gift this year, start by consulting the experts. And who better to turn to than the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten?
Ina has famously said that the best host gift is one the recipient can enjoy later without feeling obligated to serve at the party. Homemade granola, coffee, and chocolate are all great options, but when it comes to gifts for people who love to cook, we’re grabbing a bottle of Ina’s favorite olive oil. Olive oil is a kitchen staple, and any foodie will agree that this gift is always appreciated.
The Barefoot Contessa’s “Ask Ina” page is a treasure trove of information about her favorite products, cooking tips and tricks, and hosting advice. When one fan asked for clarification about “good” olive oil, Ina revealed her favorite brand. “By ‘good’ olive oil I mean buy the best oil that your budget allows,” she says. “It certainly doesn’t need to be the most expensive! I use Olio Santo olive oil from California because it’s flavorful, fruity and not heavy.”
Olio Santo California Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Olio Santo olive oil is made by Stonehouse Olive Oil, a women-owned and -operated company based in California. Home cooks have been scooping it up since 1996 and not looking back. “Ina Garten introduced me to this olive oil,” says one shopper. “Now it’s all I use.” Buyers also highlight the flavor, which is a significant upgrade over less expensive options. “This is truly wonderful olive oil,” says another shopper. “Fruity, fresh, and a dream to use. I’m hooked.”
Using a minimally processed, higher-quality olive oil makes a big difference in recipes like salad dressing and fresh mayonnaise (or simple bread dipping), but also works beautifully for sautéing and roasting. The richer, more complex flavor will enhance ingredients and help make your dish shine.
This cold-pressed California olive oil is known for a smooth, buttery, and mild flavor, with just a hint of peppery aftertaste to help indicate freshness and the presence of polyphenols. Olives are grown without herbicides or pesticides, and harvested from several farms in northern California near San Francisco. The company also prioritizes low-waste packaging with recycled glass bottles, recycled labels with soy-based ink, and biodegradable shipping components.
Looking for other gifts to stock up on? We’re sharing more options to bring along as a host or hostess gift, add to holiday gift baskets, or keep on hand during gifting season.
Shop More Ina-Inspired Holiday Gifts for Foodies:
Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract
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Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
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Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea Sampler Variety Pack
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Tate’s Bake Shop Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies, 4-Pack
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Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Farmhouse Breakfast Gift Set
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Lindt Mini Pralines Assorted Chocolates
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Be Ready When the Luck Happens: A Memoir
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Dining and Cooking