So, I jumped the gun a bit and made some early Father’s Day Reuben Sandwiches from Zingerman’s.  Why?  So I could tell you how good they are in time to order them for your Dad, of course!  What sacrifice.  (If  you do order, use the code ZINGDAD to get 10% off.  Thanks Zingermans!)

I’ve always appreciated Zingerman’s use of  illustrations instead of photographs of their products in their clever catalog. Even with the best food stylists, there is no way you can quite capture their food experiences in a photo.  There is an extra aura of yummy magic that comes from the sum of all the perfect parts that can only be understood when all 5 senses are actually engaged.  Their whimsical drawings help you better imagine how your palate will play.   (Please excuse my best attempts to photograph and post their delectable wares.) The idea of ordering a sandwich kit in the mail may raise a few eyebrows. Before you let your skepticism dismiss the idea entirely, let me talk you through it.  A large box arrives packed to the gills with loads of fresh food.  A heavenly loaf of bread, two packages of top-of-the-line corned beef, neatly packed slices of cheese, containers of Russian dressing, coleslaw and potato salad.  Four hefty dill pickles are included to anchor the edge of each plate.  And as if that isn’t enough, they’ve thrown in a few fresh baked goods to send you all the way into food coma bliss.

The best part?  Instructions to guide and help you create the type of enormous, deli-style Rueben you never imagined could come out of your kitchen.  Depending on where you live, chances are that you can’t get the high level of ingredients that Zingerman’s offers in one place.  That is why if your Dad is a sandwich lover or foodie in general, sandwiches by mail are a worthwhile splurge.

Additional side benefit?  The brown, krinkle filling from the Rueben kit package makes one heck of a lion mask.  You know how Dad always loves a good scare. “Roooooaaarrrrr!”  Happy Father’s Day to all of you out there.

They have done it again. Zingerman’s is that cool kid that always knows what is next before the rest of us have it on our radars. One step ahead. They began selling specialty foods in 1982 before most of us even knew what olive oil was or that bread wasn’t born sliced. Over the years, Zingerman’s built a family of businesses that together create a “living, breathing culinary laboratory.” Cooler than cool. Yummier than yummy.

Yes, this little place in Ann Arbor, Michigan has a big agenda. One of their stratagems is to travel as far and wide as needed to seek out and provide the best cheeses, sweets, ingredients, breads and treats found on earth.  Last year, I highlighted their Weekender Gift Box.  This year, I had the distinct pleasure of experiencing their Chocolate Covered Clementines from the Calabria region in Italy.  A crunch of dark chocolate breaks the seal and a burst of fragrant ambrosia… refreshing sweet citrus awakens while the bitterness of the dark chocolate provides balance with every bite. Minutes after my last swallow my palate is still playing around with the flavor.

Please trust me.  If you haven’t tried Zingerman’s, you  must.  You will not be disppointed.  On top of the best food you’ll every taste, you will be supporting the most honest, passionate group of people.  I have so much respect, admiration and awe for these guys, it is oozing from my pores. I know I am gushing and laying it on extra thick… I think it’s the lovely, intoxicating trance I am in from eating half the box of Chocolate Covered Clementines.

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Whipped readers receive 10% off everything from Zingerman’s Mail Order through December 14th.  Use the promo code WHIPPED at checkout.

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p.s. The little boxes of Bombalinas pictured in the upper right are for YOU to nibble while you wrap gifts. They are one of the newest Vosges products… think Bridge Mix yummified with top quality chocolate and exotic flavors.

My Gift Of Choice: Exotic Caramel Collection, $37

Why? The caramels are buttery-soft and tinged with unique flavors such as Campari and blood orange or bee pollen and honey. But, this packaging is really what earned it a place on this gift guide.

Other Yummy Considerations:
Gift Set of Mini Exotic Candy Bars, $25
Couture Cocoas Gift Box, $55
Comfort Foods Hatbox, $89

DISCOUNT ALERT! Vosges Haut-Chocolat is offering 10% off for all readers through December 31, 2008. Just type in 2810WB1 in the promo code area at checkout. Merci Vosges Haut-Chocolat!

My Gift of Choice: Favorite Five Preserves Gift Pack, $42

Why? It was a hard choice between their Spoon Fruits and Preserves but lately, I have been more partial to a thick spread of preserves on toast. I also wanted to include a gift for people who may not be able to consume perishable gifts quickly. Preserves are a good choice for smaller household or people like my parents who receive so many gift baskets, they can’t possibly work their way through all the food right away. These jars will wait patiently in the pantry all year.

Other Yummy Considerations:
The Ultimate PB&J In A Box, $27.95
Naturally Sweet Quartet Spoon Fruits, $34
Grillers Quartet, $35.95
American Spoon Holiday Gift Case, $99.50

Whipped Mail Order Gift Guide: If you are just now tuning in, see previous posts for other gift ideas. This is the second to the last! Then, I will be back to my usual posting including holiday entertaining treats and ideas and homemade gifts. Thank you for reading!

My Gift of Choice: Breakfast in Bed Gift Basket, $70

Why? The pancakes and blueberry syrup at amazing. But, the granola is the secret surprise of this well-rounded breakfast basket. Brew up some fragrant coffee, slather the homemade jam on toast and you may just not get out of bed all day long.

Other Yummy Considerations:
Best Ever Granola, $15
Breakfast Basics Gift Basket, $45

Whipped Mail Order Gift Guide: As you have learned if you are reading previous posts, I will be featuring some of my favorite gift options through December 10 (to give you plenty of time to order should you choose any of these gifts for those on your list). I was not paid by anyone, I just chose my favorites and sampled them to share with you.

Introducing the cookie of all cookies: the Gentle Giant, the Beguiling Behemoth, the Wonderous Whopper of a cookie from the Chicago Cookie Emporium, Carol’s Cookies. If you want to impress, excite and treat lovers-of-baked-goods, you MUST send this cookie tin. When you crack open the lid, these nearly 4 inch cookies will make one’s inner child squeal with excitement. Carol’s Cookies are doughy in the middle, which makes it a bit like having a cookie on the outside and a sinful spoon of cookie dough on the inside. Truly, I am salivating just writing about them.

My Gift of Choice: Large Gift Tin, $34

Why? The gluttonous holiday season seems like the best time to dig in to a dozen enormous cookies. For $34, this is probably the best value in my entire Mail Order Gift Guide. This tin is perfect for a large family or office group. They freeze well so don’t be shy about sending them to an individual either.

Other Yummy Considerations:
Small Gift Tin, $24
6 Month Cookie of the Month, $205

Whipped Mail Order Gift Guide: I will be featuring some of my favorite gift options through December 10 (to give you plenty of time to order should you choose any of these gifts for those on your list). I was not paid by anyone, I just chose my favorites and sampled them to share with you. It was a tough job….but somebody had to do it. Well okay, nobody had to do it. But, I was happy to volunteer.

Oh Come All Ye Faithful…to the alter of Zingerman’s. My Food Mail Order Gift Guide must start here. This mecca of specialty foods is nestled in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you truly are a Foodie through and through, I suggest that you make the pilgrimage at least once in your lifetime. A visit to the Zingerman’s Deli will give you a taste of what it is all about. This place is not a company but a culture. The people are as cool as the food selection is amazingly delectable. Although you are likely a web savvy shopper if you are reading blogs, you MIGHT just want to call (1.888.636.8162) and place orders here just to talk to the supremely educated and absurdly friendly customer service staff.

My Gift of Choice: The Weekender Gift Box, $75

Why? This has a little bit of everything for a very reasonable price. The sourcream coffeecake is their most popular baked good and for good reason. Also included for your sweet tooth are a few brownies and some jam and honey to lather on the loaf of artisanal bread. When you are ready for a salty switch, dig in to the salami, cheese and mustard. This is the sort of gift box that can be spread out all day for holiday noshing.

Other Yummy Considerations:
Holiday Stollen, $36
Gingerbread Coffee Cakes, $24-50
Cheeses of the World Gift Boxes, $90-125
Christmas Morning Gift Box, $250

Whipped Mail Order Gift Guide: I will be featuring some of my favorite gift options through December 10 (to give you plenty of time to order should you choose any of these gifts for those on your list). I was not paid by anyone, I just chose my favorites and sampled them to share with you. It was a tough job….but somebody had to do it.