Andrew Finlayson
1. Plantin en Provence dried porcini, 50gm
For delicious mushrooms without the outdoor pilgrimage, these dried porcini from France are just the ticket. Simply rehydrate the caps in warm water before stirring them through your next risotto, say, or duck ragù.
2. Acquerello il riso, 500gm
Our friends at Lario import this carnaroli from Piedmont. The unhusked rice holds its shape well during cooking, making for a particularly fine risotto. The beautiful tin doesn’t hurt, either.
3. Chocolate Truffle Dessert, 500gm
What’s comfort food if it doesn’t include dessert? Puddings on the Ritz in Macleod, Victoria, pump this particular chocolate pudding with a burst of Grand Marnier at the centre. Watch out for the hidden truffle surprise, too.
4. Tabletop Grapes muscatel clusters, 250gm
Grown outside Mildura by the Garreffa family, these muscatel clusters bring a welcome touch of sweetness to the party platter. They’re handpicked and dried in bunches without the use of chemicals – for our money they’re the gold standard in dried grapes in Australia.
5. Gourmet Life duck confit
Gourmet Life is one of Sydney’s favourite fine food purveyors and they’ve teamed up with local chef Darren Taylor to create this classic French duck confit. It’s made with Marylands of free-range duck, garlic, herbs and spices.
6. The Fine Cheese Co English farmhouse cheddar, 200gm
You can’t go wrong with cheddar – perfect for a ploughman’s lunch, say, or a platter any time. The GT team picked this English farmhouse cheddar for its mellow nuttiness. It’s matured for a year and goes perfectly on the brown-bread crackers.
7. Sheridans Irish brown-bread crackers
Our pick of partner for the standout cheddar? Sheridans’ buttery Irish brown-bread crackers made from stoneground wholemeal flour, buttermilk and sea salt.
8. All Saints Estate Rutherglen Muscat, 375ml
Comfort food calls for a versatile drop, so we’ve chosen an All Saints Muscat from Wahgunyah in Victoria. The young and lively Rutherglen dessert wine is wonderful served chilled. Consider it your ultimate palate cleanser.
In collaboration with fine-food hamper specialist Snowgoose, we have designed the ideal gift (or treat for yourself), delivered to the door for $195 (including delivery). To order, go to gourmettraveller.com.au/snowgoose. While stocks last.
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