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

By Sonal Dutt
November 30, 2020 01:25 PM

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Marcus Samuelsson's Gifts for Foodies

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

"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

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Olivewood Salad Servers

“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

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Essiespice Essential 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

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A Culinary Journey

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

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

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Mama’s 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 

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La Caravelle Blanc de Blancs 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

"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

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Harlem Candle Co.

Credit: 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

"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

Credit: 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

"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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