Last updated on December 12, 2015 by Liza Hawkins
My father owned a flower shop for over 20 years, and working in that flower shop was one of my very first jobs. I’d take orders, water plants, sweep up, inflate balloons, and other menial—but necessary—jobs around the store.
Gradually I worked my way up to arranging simple bud vases out of carnations or roses, and eventually dubbed myself an actual florist when I moved to Savannah, Ga., after college and worked in a local flower shop on Wilmington Island making all kinds of floral arrangements.
And, while I loved flexing my creative muscles by putting together huge, beautiful floral masterpieces, there’s another facet to most small town flower shops: gift baskets.
I’ve made my fair share of gift and goodie baskets over the years—big and small, filled with food, or filled with plants. They’re fun to put together, and even MORE fun to receive!
Often times gift baskets are filled with the things you’d never buy yourself, because either they’re “too gourmet” or they’re not practical in an “everyday” kinda way. Or maybe it enables you to try a flavor of something you’d otherwise skim over at the store.
“Cherry and jalapeno together? What?”
Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market has an array of products online and in the store that can be used to craft a super delicious and fun baskets for friends or family members, and like me, has a neat family story to share.
How To Craft The Perfect Kauffman’s Gift Basket
1. Faith, Family & Fruit
The Kauffmans’ story involves a rich family history that goes back a century. In their recently released book, Faith, Family & Fruit, you can catch a glimpse into how it all started and why their family and the business have remained strong for so many years. This book is the perfect backbone to basket filled with all kinds of their homemade market treats.
2. Jams and Jellies
Kauffman’s offers your standard strawberry or raspberry jam, but when you’re building a gift basket it’s fun to pick goodies that are a little more original. Something your friend might never pick for herself! Check out their Cherry Jalapeno Jam, Cinnamon Pear Jam or Boysenberry Jam for a treat that’s outside the box, and include a package of light and fluffy croissants from your local bakery.
3. Root Beer and Birch Beer
Whether poured over a tall glass of ice, or used to make the perfect ice cream float, root beer and birch beer make a super fun addition to a gift basket.
4. Apple Butter
My husband would be completely satisfied with an entire basket of Kauffman’s apple butter. No sooner do I unpack the jar, and he’s devouring the whole thing over top a bowl of cottage cheese, with a spoon (his favorite way to eat apple butter). I like to use apple butter in recipes like apple bread—so long as I can grab it from him before it’s gone!
5. Apple Schnitz
You’ll need something snack-ish and crunchy to round out the Kauffman’s gift basket, and their homemade sweet apple schnitz is the perfect solution!
Happy gift basket making!
Disclosure: I am partnering with Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market as a blog ambassador. I have received these Kauffman’s Fruit Farm products for free; however, all opinions remain my own.
I have to hide the apple schnitz before the kids see it. Otherwise I’ll never get any!
Ha! I could see that!