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During the holiday season, it can be challenging to find a gift for the person who has everything. The last thing they need is another crocheted potholder to stuff in a drawer or another socket set to clutter up the garage.

The next time you're faced with this dilemma, consider an edible gift that the recipient can enjoy until gone.

Rachel Hutton, senior editor of Minnesota Monthly magazine, recommends a few locally made edibles, including spirits, spices, and salami, for food lovers on your list.

 I'm a big fan of the beverages coming out of 

. They're one of the few small-batch distillers in the country and they are located just across the border in New Richmond, Wis. The first spirit 45th Parallel debuted was 

, mostly corn, which comes from a farm just a few miles down the road. The vodka is very smooth, with a clean, slightly sweet flavor.

 where you can watch them boil the mash in a large copper still. (

 What other spirits does 45th Parallel produce? 

 They're now in the process of distributing bourbon that they've been aging in oak barrels for the last couple of years, and they also make limoncello, the Italian lemon liqueur. It's a classic digestif and would be a terrific finish an indulgent holiday meal.

Now would you drink limoncello with salami?

 I'd recommend drinking it afterword, to freshen your palate from all the garlic. But if you think your gift recipient might enjoy cured meats, 

 Typically the only time we eat pepperoni is on pizza, and often times its quality is mediocre, so it gets a bad reputation. 

But Northern Waters will change your perception of pepperoni. Their product has a strong fennel flavor and a kick of heat from crushed pepper flakes. It's great simply sliced and eaten on its own, on a platter of charcuterie and cheeses.

You could bring a local meat and cheese platter to a party, too?

 Yes, and if you wanted to include a hostess gift, you could present those items on a locally made cutting board. 

 is a company that makes beautiful cutting boards from sugar maples cut down around the metro area.

 I think spices make great stocking stuffers for those who love to cook. 

, a well-known Indian chef in town, has his own line of spices, 

Rachel Hutton is restaurant critic and food editor at 

  Her work has been featured in the "Best Food Writing" series. Follow her 

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Consider edible gifts that recipients can enjoy until gone.

Appetites: Foodie gifts for the holidays

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