GetOut Magazine

Sugarcoat it: The way to that special man's (or woman's) heart is through the stomach
By ADRIENNE FRANK
Get Out
Dec. 19, 2002

Stumped as to how to surprise that hard-to-shop-for person on your list? Look no further than food. More imaginative than a gift certificate and less risky than clothing, the Valley boasts several edible options for that special (albeit picky) person. Here are a few homegrown options:

Fairytale Brownies
Available in a dozen delectable varieties from amaretto and raspberry swirl to white chocolate and the newly unveiled coconut Fairytales brownies put Betty Crocker to shame. The Chandler-based operation offers a special Christmas Dozen (featuring all 12 flavors) for $33 and, for that extra special someone on your list, a Christmas Double Dozen (featuring two of each flavor) for $60.

Brownies can be ordered by calling or by logging onto www.brownies.com. Orders can be placed in person at the Fairytale store (6280 W. Erie St., Chandler, ) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Also, Fairytale has a temporary location just off the food court at Chandler Fashion Center (Loop 101 and Chandler Boulevard).

Christmas orders being sent to friends and family in other corners of the world will be shipped overnight via FedEx.
Also, Fairytale Brownies are sold at select AJs Fine Foods.

Cookies From Home
If cookies are what you crave (er, what that person on your shopping list craves), pay a visit to Tempes Cookies From Home.

Baking the tastiest chocolate chip cookies in the Valley for more than 21 years, Cookies From Home offers a variety of gift options, from themed baskets to tins. Priced from $75 to $150, baskets feature several dozen cookies (including the signature Hunka Chunka, packed with oatmeal, chocolate chunks and coconut), along with fun extras like picture frames, ornaments and stuffed animals. If you prefer something more traditional, consider a tin. Ranging from $35 to $45, the tins are overflowing with several dozen cookies in Cookies From Homes eight flavors, including peanut butter, cinnamon and white chocolate macadamia nut.

Cookies can be ordered by calling or by logging onto www. cookiesfromhome.com. Or, stop by Cookie headquarters (1605 W. University Drive, Tempe, ). The store is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Cookies are delivered within 48 hours of leaving the bakery to ensure freshness. Orders are delivered via your friendly FedEx person the modern- day equivalent of Santa's helper.

Cerreta Candy Company
Looking for something as sweet as it is uniquely Southwestern? Check out Cerreta.

Glendales chocolate factory which has been family owned and operated for more than 30 years offers several Arizona-themed gifts. (And theyre not hard on the taste buds, either.) Christmas offerings include Best of the West, which includes a box of Cerretas famous French Mints, a box of Camelbacks (pecan caramel clusters) and a box of milk and white chocolates in the shape of cowboys, horses and cactuses. Best of the West sells for $23.95. Also, the Gifts from Arizona basket, priced at $53.95, features delicious treats fresh-made in Arizona: kettle corn, 2 pounds of Cerreta chocolates, Pecanero pecan butter crisps, barbecue sauce, two Camelback bars and a box of Western-themed chocolates.

Cerreta also offers a variety of gift baskets featuring chocolates, roasted nuts and fudge priced from $15.95 to $51.95.

Orders can be placed by calling or by logging onto www. cerreta.com. Or, place your order in person at 5345 W. Glendale Ave., Glendale. Cerreta ships via Priority Mail or UPS Ground, thus orders should be placed as soon as possible.

Also, Cerreta candies can be purchased in bulk and in gift packs from select Frys, Frys Marketplace and Safeway stores.