Summer barbecues, you know the drill: hot dogs, hamburgers—that’s what everyone expects. Here’s a way to surprise and delight guests with something new, a few twists on the usual. Plus, hostess gift ideas that will be welcomed with open arms.
[1] True Made Foods Better Ketchup
(photo at the top of this post) Start a revolution in your condiment offerings: True Made Foods Better Ketchup replaces the 1/4 lb of refined sugar (typically found in just one bottle of ketchup) with the same amount of vegetables while maintaining the same taste. Bonus: Woo hoo. This product is made with pureed “ugly” fruits and vegetables, which means it’s sustainable too. 3-pack of 17 oz. bottles about $18.95 truemadefoods.com
[2] A & H Hot Dogs
OK, now you can feel like a great host serving hot dogs. Forget the store-bought brands that are loaded with preservatives and saturated fats. A & H Hot Dogs, voted “Top Dog” in the U.S., offers gluten-free franks, knockwurst and more using exclusively top-shelf ingredients and 100% beef. It’s the real deal, with no fillers, no added nitrates or nitrites, their selection includes regular, mini, plus reduced fat and sodium options. Starting from $10.49 for 12 oz. package. Kosher. abeles-heymann.com
[3] Laura Chenel Marinated Goat Cheese
When it comes to laying out a winning cheese board, it’s all about taste and variety. In the goat cheese category, you could not do better than Laura Chenel’s award-winning marinated goat cheese in three tantalizing flavors: Thyme & Rosemary, Jalapeño Chili, and Black Truffle. Serve them with a side of sliced baguette with a small knife for spreading. Also great in salads. Bonus, they go amazingly well with wine—you are serving some, right? Thyme & Rosemary and Jalapeño Chili are Kosher. 6.2 oz about 8.99 laurachenel.com
[4] Laudemio Frescobaldi Olive Oil
A beautiful bottle of olive oil (or “liquid gold” according to Homer) can be a delicious yet elegant touch for a summer party. Try Laudemio Frescobaldi, a premier olive oil maker—loved by Prince Charles—that pours expert precision into each step of production. The makers describe it as “perfumes of mown grass and artichoke, and a very intense and typically spicy flavor.” Arrive at your friend’s weekend house with a bottle of this, and you will be invited back! $42 for 500 ml bottle. en.frescobaldi.com
[5] Bona Furtuna Gifts
This is a great box to bring to a party, or to send as a thank-you gift to an exceptional host—a selection of 100% organic Sicilian products. Think: salt and herb blends, extra virgin olive oil, organic wild oregano flowers, and tomato sauces made with heirloom Corleonese tomatoes. Bona Furtuna packs a great assortment, so you don’t have to think. They even have an in-house watercolor artist to decorate their gift boxes! Starting at $95. bonafurtuna.com
[6] The Foraging Fox Beetroot Ketchup
We all love ketchup, that great American staple—here’s yet another way to get that sweet fix but with more natural sugars. This ketchup is jam-packed with flavor and plant-based nutrition. Made with beets and apples instead of tomatoes, it comes in a naturally bright purple color to add more intrigue to your condiment bar and in any sauces you choose to add it to. The Foraging Fox comes in sweetly delicious Original flavor, a Hot version for those who can’t get enough spice, and a Smoked variety for those who dig bbq flavors. 9 oz bottle $6.98, 6-pack $29.99. foragingfox.com
[7] Runamok Coffee-Infused Organic Maple Syrup
Looking for a unique twist for your next summer party? Runamok Maple’s newest coffee-infused all-natural, organic maple syrup could be the key. Infused with decadent flavors of Vermont Artisan Coffee and Tea Company’s organic coffee beans, this syrup can sit on the bar and make an appearance in a White Russian, be served as a classic Rhode Island-style Coffee Milk, or poured over vanilla ice cream. 8.45 fl oz bottle $16.95 runamokmaple.com
[8] Good Dee Baking Mix
You won’t find any of your health-conscious guests saying NO to these brownies, cookies, cakes, pancakes, muffins, and cornbread. Good Dee’s baking mixes have a tasty treat for every dietary concern. Hobnob baked up some Good Dee’s Still Sweet Sugar-Free Cookies, and added some sprinkles we had on hand for a kick of color. They are soft and cake-like, less chewy than a typical cookie and use Stevia as its sweetener. 7.5 oz. bag $11.99 gooddees.com
