Marcus Samuelsson's 2020 Holiday Gift Guide for Food Lovers

The chef of Red Rooster restaurants in Harlem, N.Y.  and London picks presents for the foodies in your life

marcus samuelsson gift guide
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Marcus Samuelsson's Gifts for Foodies

marcus samuelsson gift guide

From small-batch gourmet jams and dynamite sauces to heavenly candles and gorgeous serving pieces, the chef has something deliciously perfect for everyone on your list.

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Slow Jams Gourmet Jelly

slow Jams tart cherry

"They're small- batch jams with amazing flavors—like Tart Cherry, Rhubarb Ginger and Blueberry Lavender—handcrafted by Detroit Food Academy students," says the chef.

Buy It! Slow Jams, $24 for 3 jars; smallbatchdetroit.com

03 of 12

Olivewood Salad Servers

marcus samuelsson gift guide - wooden spoons

"I love these because they're made with olive wood, which ages beautifully. They will last a lifetime!" Plus, a portion of sales helps support the Suubi Orphanage and Primary School in Uganda.

Buy It! Olivewood Salad Servers, $50; xnasozistudio.com

04 of 12

Essiespice Essential Sauce Collection

marcus samuelsson gift guide - Essie spice sauce collection

"These make everything taste better. The TamarindOH! (tamarind, guava, ginger and vanilla) is great on chicken, ribs and even dessert."

Buy It! Essiespice Signature Collection, $42 for 4; essiespice.com

05 of 12

A Culinary Journey

The rise by Marcus samuelsson

"My new cookbook is about documenting Black excellence in the American food journey."

Buy It! The Rise by Marcus Samuelsson, $35; bookshop.org

06 of 12

Mama's One Sauce

mamas one sauce

"I'm a fan of this sauce from the amazing Vy Higginsen! The spicy one brings heat to grilled veggies and barbecue."

Buy It! Mama's One Sauce, $7 each; at select Whole Foods stores or mamasonesauce.com

07 of 12

La Caravelle Blanc de Blancs Champagne

la caravelle champagne

"My Harlem friend "Queen" Rita Jammet's champagne just turned 60 years old and is perfect for any special occasion," says Samuelsson.

Buy It! La Caravelle Blanc de Blancs Champagne, $40; harlemwinegallery.com

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Floyd Cardoz Masalas

marcus samuelsson gift guide-kashmiri masala

"This collection of three masalas was conceived of by chef Floyd Cardoz, who passed earlier this year from COVID-19. His wife Barka has made it possible for us all to enjoy them. They are simply wonderful."

Buy It! Floyd Cardoz Masalas, $34 for 3; burlapandbarrel.com

09 of 12

Harlem Candle Co.

22K GOLD NIGHTCLUB MAP OF HARLEM "SAVOY" LUXURY CANDLE
Harlem Candle Company

"These candles smell so delicious and this one displays the Harlem speakeasies during the Harlem Renaissance."

Buy It! Harlem Candle Co. Savoy Luxury Candle; $60; harlemcandlecompany.com

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In Bibi's Kitchen

in bibis kitchen

"There are so many wonderful cookbooks from BIPOC authors," says Samuelsson. "In Bibi's Kitchen by Hawa Hassan is a great choice."

Buy It! In Bibi's Kitchen: The Recipes and Stories of Grandmothers from the Eight African Countries That Touch the Indian Ocean by Hawa Hassan, $32; bookshop.org

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Ethiopian Black Tea Blend

ETHIOPIAN BLACK TEA BLEND
Serengeti Teas & Spices

"This spiced organic blend is so delicious —it has notes of cinnamon and citrus. It's a great way to start the day!"

Buy It! Ethiopian Black Tea Blend, $18; serengetiteas.com

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Mafi Mafi Scarves

marcus samuelsson handmade scarf

"Mahlet Afework's fashion brand is sustainable and hand-loomed by artisans in Ethiopia. When an item is purchased, a percentage of the money goes to Three Goats organization, which helps young women in Ethiopia get access to water and COVID-19 relief."

Buy It! Tibeb Set, $150; mafimafiet.com

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