Here are our favorite 20 or 30 food gifts to send (or receive). We apologize that this newsletter is a bit longer than usual, but Hilary was on a binge and cried every time we tried to cut something.

Baked

Wicked Whoopies Our favorite is the classic Wicked Whoopie, but don't overlook the Jumbo Wicked Whoopie, which is a "classic Whoopie magnified to feed 9-12 people."

Love Creek Orchard Apple Pie Because everything's bigger in Texas...what better way to show you care than a 4-pound apple pie?

Little Pie Company Alyssa likes the Little Pie sampler, a perfect dessert to follow the 4-pounder. See above.

The Cookie Sandwich Company Two big fat cookies sandwiched together with decadent fillings. Try the carrot cake flavor if you feel like sending health food. If these are too lowbrow for the Francophile on your list, Payard Macaroons are sure to please.

Tate's Cookies They say their buttery taste is addictive. We agree. We call them crack.

If you're thinking about eating donuts to celebrate Chanukah, don't waste your calories at Dunkin' Donuts. Stan's Doughnuts is an LA classic...Alyssa's husband highly recommends the Reese's variety. And if you're watching your waistline, the only thing Hilary liked about the Zone Diet were the Holey Donuts.

Chocolate and Sweets

Fleur de Sel Caramels are the ultimate combination of sweet and salty. Extra points if you serve them with potato chips.

Chocolate Bar is our favorite NYC chocolate shop. Alyssa will be giving the Retro Bar Set. If yours is missing the Salty Pretzel Bars, please accept our apologies. We're trying not to eat them.

Dean & Deluca Chocolate Slabs are the perfect gift if you don't have a friend named Nancy who makes delicious chocolate bark for every occasion. Don't be scared by the word "slab." They're not dangerous.

S'mores aren't just for summertime any more. Handmade marshmallows, fresh grahams, and bittersweet chocolate give this kit a decidedly grown-up edge.

Al & Paul's Butta-Bing is delicious gourmet New York toffee. From LA. But you must act now as Butta-Bing is only available from November through January! Side bar: if you're stumped for a gift, toffee is Hilary's favorite candy.

Caramoo Caramel Crumble is rich, light, creamy, flaky, crumbly, and buttery. We like the original flavor best! Perfect with a good cup of coffee.

Hometown Delights

Wolferman's English Muffins might seem like an odd gift but you haven't seen nooks and crannies until you've had Wolferman's. Alyssa adores the wild blueberry. The pride of Kansas City.

Everyone knows that Maryland is for crabs and Baseball Crabcakes are the "best crabcakes in the world" according to Hilary, who grew up there. Big yummy balls o' crab.

Expat New Yorkers on your list? Russ and Daughters creates the perfect "appetizing" package and Zabar's sends a perfect deli sampler to your pastrami-lovin' friends. All that's missing is a New York Times.

We tried to find a Philly Cheesesteak place that would ship. No luck. But the city of Brotherly Love is also famous for soft pretzels. The gift box of 10 is packaged with salt and spicy yellow mustard.

And if you think Virginia's just for lovers, think again--it's also for peanuts. If you like your peanuts unusually large and extra crisp, these nuts are for you...or someone on your list. Move over, Mr. Peanut.

Spoon Optional

Salted Butter Caramel Spread would be fabulous on ice cream or Nilla wafers. We can't say for sure because we discovered that it's fabulous straight out of the jar.

Peanut Butter & Co puts together a six-pack of their top-selling flavors. Don't forget to order a container of Marshmallow Fluff as a side dish. And of course, where would you find better peanut butter cups?

Mister Softee may have gone South for the winter but have no fear...Creme Cremaillere is here. Ice cream lovers have no weather constraints...these gift sets are delivered with cones and a scoop.

Forget the chicken nuggets and go straight for the world's best Macaroni & Cheese. Whether you order a tray or the kit, this is a grown-up treat. No cheesy powder dust is included.

Fruit

A citrus gift from Florida surely falls into the cliche category. But we promise these Honeybells will erase any thoughts of Costco clementines. Do yourself a favor: send one as a gift to a friend and one as a gift to yourself.

Not sure Fruit Roll-ups count as fruit, but since they are personalized we couldn't resist throwing them in for good measure. A great gift for the young gourmands on your list.

Everyone you know on South Beach or doing the Master Cleanse? Be supportive and give them the gift of Foodie Fight, the perfect gift for food lovers who are counting calories. And on that note, we're heading out to buy some Alka Seltzer.

--AS & HV