Agnes Morrison: Serve up Maryland flavor this holiday season

As part of our #BuyLocalMD series this holiday season, the Maryland Department of Commerce hopes to inspire you to explore the small businesses in your own community.

Nothing says the holidays like a delicious homemade meal. Here at Maryland Commerce, we suggest spicing up your meals with some local flavor. Whether it’s the main course or coffee and dessert, try a taste of something new this holiday season. Here are a few of our favorite picks from throughout the state.

Colossal Blue
For a truly authentic Maryland meal, consider adding crab to your main dish. Colossal Blue is now bringing the taste of Maryland to homes across the country by launching nationwide delivery and next-day service. Enjoy Maryland-style crab cakes and crab soup made by George Nichols from his decades-old family recipe. Nichols prepares each dish as it’s ordered, using only Colossal lump crab meat and the freshest ingredients. Give the gift of Maryland crab to a loved one across the country – order online now.

Roma Gourmet Sausage
“All great sausages come from Roma” is enough reason to include this local staple in your holiday meal. Located in its current East Baltimore facility since 2008, Roma Gourmet Sausage prides itself on its variety of high-quality sausage and its superior customer service. Pork and chicken sausages are both made with daily-delivered fresh meat and blended with herbs and spices to create the perfect taste. Tip: use Baltimore-based Pompeian olive oil to fry up your meal!

McAllen’s Toffee
The story of McAllen’s Toffee is unlike any other: it began with a glowing review from a termite company. Hampton resident Bill McAllen has been making chocolate almond toffee for more than 25 years, but he didn’t realize how good his product was until an inspector offered to come back to his home a second time for free – and get some more complimentary toffee! Now, McAllen’s Toffee is a hit with family, friends, and the Baltimore Metro region alike, and the product continues hitting the shelves at local stores. McAllen is also partnering with Maryland’s wineries and breweries to give out toffee samples during facility tours. You can purchase McAllen’s Toffee in stores around Towson or online.

Basecamp Coffee Company
This Cumberland micro roaster has a specialty when it comes to caffeine. Basecamp Coffee Company changes its lineup based on the season, but stays true to its Western Maryland pride and appreciation for the environment. With its smooth flavor and original taste, many local coffee shops are brewing and serving the Basecamp blend. Tip: try the Medium roast for something every family member will enjoy – sold locally and online.

Fisher’s Popcorn
Opened in 1937, this Ocean City small business is still family-run by its third generation of Fisher’s. From the secret caramel recipe to the delicious Old Bay© dusting, there are few Maryland-made products that make an impression like Fisher’s. When you’re done snacking or gifting a plastic tub to a friend, use the leftover puffs and string them on your Christmas tree. Tip: we know you won’t have any leftover popcorn, so buy an extra container if you plan to use it for decoration!