Holiday time is a time for celebration, food, and family.  As the holiday season begins, we recommend having some take-along hostess gifts on-hand.  What better way to thank someone or show that you appreciate them, than by giving a gift of fine Virginia specialty foods. We have compiled a few of our top picks for you to choose from. See what we have come up with and then explore our site for more ideas.

Bloody Mary Mix

This Authentic Eastern Shore Bloody Mary Mix is a clear winner. Containing clam juice and horseradish, this cocktail mix has a distinct little kick to it. It not only makes a delicious Bloody Mary but it can be used to season tomato soup, added to chop meat for hamburgers and meatloaf, or use as a pasta sauce to toss with shrimp and pasta.

Traditional Southern Cheese Straws

These traditional Southern Cheese Straws make a delicious pairing with red wine or any cocktail. Not just for snacking, these cheese straws are great croutons in a salad, delicious crunchy topping for mac&cheese, or sprinkle into soup as a cracker substitute.

Praline Pecans

These praline pecans are a nice change to your typical can of Virginia Peanuts. Pecan trees are found throughout Virginia and these praline pecans allow that fresh pecan taste to come through.  Made with egg white instead of high fructose corn syrup, these praline pecans are not all sugary sweet and syrupy.  Rather, they are  nice and light. Great for simply snacking or tossing into a salad.