CHIC LUXURIES: Gourmet Goodness

Our first Gourmet Goodness feature was such a hit among staff and readers alike, we're doing it again! Tough job, right? Here are some mouth-watering finds as well as cool kitchen gadgets. After visiting the featured websites and checking out all their gourmet goodies, be sure to send us an email to win the prize of your choice from our gift closet, details below.

One of the coolest gourmet gadgets we've come across is the ROK Espresso Maker which brews ground coffee using no electricity! Now that's a hand-crafted beverage! Includes a stainless steel frother to make cappuccino and lattes. Cappuccino while camping or in a blackout? I just might make it on Survivor after all. ☺ The ROK is rock-solid too! The all-metal construction includes a 10-year manufacturer's warranty. $199 at WholeLatteLove.com.

What goes great with a cup coffee? Biscotti, of course! We sampled Donsuemor's Traditional and Chocolate-Dipped Biscotti. Both were delightful ~ not too hard, not too much anise... j-u-s-t right! Individually wrapped for freshness. Donsuemor's Madeleines, scones and biscotti are available to the trade. Consumers can find them at Nordstrom Espresso Bars throughout the US. A store locator is available at donsuemor.com.

I've been trying to include more olive oil in my diet, but never seem to choose one I like. Amazing Clubs takes the guesswork out of selecting tasty EVOO with their Olive Oil of the Month Club which includes a different bottle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil each month, Breadsticks, and Olive Oil Lover's Newsletter. The Colinas de Garzon EVOO was the best I've ever tasted. The Grissinifico Europa Grissini {Breadsticks} tasted like they were just made, light, crisp and fresh. 3, 6, 12-month and seasonal subscriptions are available as well as many other fun clubs. Treat yourself or delight someone with a gift that keeps on giving long after the holiday is over. A 3-month subscription to the Olive Oil of the Month Club is $23.95 per month. Satisfaction guaranteed {love that}! AmazingClubs.com.

What are these artistic creations you ask? Just the most scrumptious chocolate-dipped bananas on the planet!! Oh my GOODNESS! Edible Arrangements have outdone themselves with their new Chocolate-Dipped Bananas with Mixed Toppings Box. Hand-dipped in half white chocolate and half semi-sweet chocolate and then rolled in cinnamon bits, shaved coconut and chopped almonds, they are over-the-top delicious. Our box arrived in cellophane tied up with a ribbon. A box of 12 retails for $39 at ediblearrangements.com.

How many times have you left the tea kettle on and forgotten about it? If you're like me, too many! Thanks to Primula's Safe-T-Kettle, this whistling tea kettle from Primula will prevent another kettle from burning while still looking oh-so-chic on the stove. And, for those with little ones, the oversized safe-t base covers the flames. The stainless steel kettle holds 3 quarts. $44.99 at primulaproducts.com.

You're going to want some scrumptious cookies to serve at tea time and we found them! Keep It Sweet Desserts are so irresistible, I can't figure out how owner, Lauren, stays so fit. We tried their White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies. A wonderful combination of juicy cranberries and white chocolate sweetness in a thick oatmeal cookie. Heavenly! A gift box of 12 cookies retails for $19.50 at keepitsweetdesserts.com.

Attention Chocolate, Pecan, and Candy Lovers! {I think that covers just about everyone I know}. Edward Marc Pecan Caramel Terrapins are an delectable treat for your sweet tooth. Handmade caramels are placed on a bed of Texas pecans and covered with mouth-watering milk chocolate then drizzled with dark chocolate. Exquisite gift box presentation. $24 for a 12-oz. box. EdwardMarc.com.

Wonderful Almonds are just that! And, for the holidays, they are packed in sturdy gift bags with enclosure card ready for gifting. Roasted and salted, fresh and delicious. A wonderful healthy snack. Suggested retail for a 20-oz. bag is $11.99. A store locator can be found at WonderfulAlmonds.com.

Bakers will enjoy using this grid parchment paper from We Bake It Fun. The Bull's Eye Baking Parchment is 100% recyclable, non toxic and made in the USA! Individual sheets won't curl up and can be stored in between baking sheets. No more scrubbing or ruining cookie sheets, simply toss the paper when done baking. An envelope of 24 pre-cut sheets retails for $8.99 at webakeitfun.com.

If you love garlic, but don't like to spend the time mincing it, Garlic Gold is as close to fresh garlic as you will find. Toasted, crunchy organic garlic mixed with organic extra-virgin olive oil. Simply stir and brush on italian bread and toast in oven for a quick and delicious garlic bread. A small jar retails for $5.95 at garlicgold.com.

For those that prefer making their own fresh chopped garlic, Savora has you covered. Savora's Garlic Press holds more than one clove at a time and a removable container that catches the pieces. I love the stylish, contemporary look and clean lines of Savora's designs. Dishwasher safe and available in 8 bold colors. Lifetime replacement policy and 100% guarantee of satisfaction. We ♥ this company! $29.99 at savorastyle.com.

The award for cutest website, cutest logo and best-tasting raw/vegan Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies goes to Chunkie Dunkies. Gluten-free, cholesterol-free, dairy-free, soy-free and loaded with protein, fiber, nutrients and anti-oxidants. $7.99 for a pack of 5 at chunkiedunkies.com.

If you like Pimento Cheese, you've got to try Palmetto Cheese's Original! Spread it on crackers, sandwiches, use in recipes, you will even be tempted to sneak a spoonful right out of the container. It's THAT good! It's also gluten free. Say no more just hop on over to pimentocheese.com to find a store near you. Their OMG {Oh My Goodness} Onion Dip is also delicious.

Chic Giveaway! ~ One lucky reader will win the prize of their choice from our gift closet. To Enter: email chicluxuries@nc.rr.com and include the following:

"Gourmet Goodness" in the subject line
your first and last name
complete mailing address
twitter id
facebook name

Don't miss future giveaways...like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and Pinterest and please continue to share our tweets, pins and fb posts. More followers = more giveaways. We appreciate your support!

Contest ends 11:59 PM ET November 30, 2013. Limit one entry per person and email address. Winner will be notified by email and announced on our Winner's page. Winner will have 48 hours to claim prize. Open to US Residents 18 years of age and older.