Hot Holiday Gift: Galena Garlic Company spice boxes

By April MacIntyre Oct 22, 2011, 18:32 GMT

American business Galena Garlic Company serves up the best gourmet cook\'s gift boxes that include tailored spice packs for different cooking applications.

The Hot Holiday Gift series is Monsters and Critics' 2011 picks for the best in Made in America gifts for everyone. From beauty, food, wine and spirits, DVDs to fashion, we have found the best in each category for you to consider gifting a loved one this holiday season. 

You cannot find a better selection of natural spices and condiments than the Galena Garlic Company's 2011 assortments.

American business Galena Garlic Company serves up the best gourmet cook's gift boxes that include tailored spice packs for different cooking applications.

You can whip up gourmet meals in a flash. “Papa Laszlo” Marton, owner of two locations in Galena and Geneva, Illinois, sells garlic, olive oils, vinegars, unique gourmet spice blends and more to help cooks of every skill level prepare memorable dishes.

The company’s thriving garlic farms are nestled in the beautiful terrain of Jo-Daviess County in northwestern Illinois.  Marton’s two daughters, Maria and Nina Marton, along with Galena Associate Manager Matt Stahl, who won two Tri-State Wingfest Awards in 2010 help patrons select the perfect blends for the cooking assignment.

Each blend is created in small batches with all-natural garlic, artisan sea salts and the highest-quality ingredients from around the world. Each one comes labeled with a serving suggestion in an easy-to-store and resealable pouch. Flavors range from traditional tastes like our favorite, their award-winning Coffee BBQ Rub, to Bloody Mary Steak Rub or exotic specialty seasonings like Ras el Hanout Blend.

“The spices are always fresh, always foolproof, and ready to just sprinkle, cook and serve,” Marton says. “I love hearing the comments we get from shoppers who say things like, ‘My kids love this even on popcorn!’ or ‘You saved my marriage by helping me cook!’”

All of their made in the USA products, including gourmet soups, dips, sea salts, salsas, vinegars, olive oils, tapenades, garlic cookbooks, olive oil soaps and garlic art, can be ordered online.

For more information, visit www.galenagarlic.com.  There is also a charming store in downtown Galena (311 S. Main St., Galena, IL 61036) and Geneva (318 W. State St., Geneva, IL 60134), or kiosk locations in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana or South Carolina. Connect online at Facebook or Twitter.