Gourmand gift guide 2008

Daniel Boulud Spice Blends ($6.99–$7.99)

Spice up holiday feasts with one of nine flavorful blends from French celeb chef Daniel Boulud, whose Michelin-starred cuisine could be described as anything but bland. The Seafood Blend, a mix of saffron, coriander, cumin and anise, adds punch to crab cakes and pan roasted fillets, while the smoky BBQ Rib Rub combines five different dried peppers, onion, garlic, spicy mustard, ginger and brown sugar to give pork ribs spice with a touch of subtle sweetness. We’re assuming the Best Burger Blend, while self-explanatory, has nothing to do with foie gras and black truffles like his lavish version sold at DB Bistro Moderne.

Available at Zabar’s (2245 Broadway, 212-496-1234)

Buy online at www.pfaltzgraff.com