Savor the Flavor, Maplewood, NJ's newest off-premise catering and personal chef service, has announced its latest offerings for the holidays. A unique selection of edible gifts is now available for those looking for something a little different.

Mini scone gift baskets are being sold, and include a delicious selection of freshly baked scones, rich creme fraiche and a festive ceramic holiday mug filled with gourmet teas. Baskets are beautifully wrapped with a decorative ribbon and gift card.

Also available are artfully decorated fruit trees. An assortment of fruits is dipped in different chocolates, then craftily placed on a tabletop tree. This is a unique centerpiece that is sure to be loved. It comes beautifully wrapped with a decorative ribbon and gift card.

Finally, customers can purchase an elaborate chocolate dipped strawberry covered wreath. This one-of-a-kind item will be decorated with nuts and shredded coconuts, and is a gift that one will not soon forget. This item also comes wrapped with a decorative ribbon and gift card.

All orders placed by December 15, 2004 will be delivered in NJ in time for Christmas. Credit cards are accepted at Savor the Flavor's website at www.savortheflavor.us by following the "Holiday Gifts" link.

Savor the Flavor catering and personal chef service recently announced its relocation to Maplewood, NJ. For time-starved North Jersey individuals and families who are learning that nutrition is the key component to good health, tempting and exciting natural whole foods are only a few steps away. Single parents, working couples, executives and seniors are among the many health conscious people who can enjoy the convenience of a service tailored to the needs of each customer, with emphasis on the integration of nutritious whole foods, plenty of fresh produce, and savory herbs and spices, prepared right in their own kitchens. Classic dishes are also available for families and children who want delicious home-cooked meals.

Savor the Flavor sets out to meet the needs of the growing number of people whose time has become limited, but have not lost sight of the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Convenient weekly, bi-weekly and occasional service plans enable individuals and families to spend more time doing what they enjoy, and less time worrying about meal planning.

Chef Paula Ricker combines her culinary education with her interest in good health and longevity to provide delicious, nutrient rich meals prepared with fresh, high quality ingredients, to her customers. "People who once relied on fast food, frozen dinners and frequent restaurant visits are realizing that nourishment and vitality are the rewards of carefully planned, home-cooked meals, without any of the additives often found in meals prepared outside the home. Turning to a personal chef alleviates the burden of having to plan, shop and prepare meals within the limited time constraints of one's hectic schedule". Customers can choose from a creative menu, offering great-tasting food, variety and balance. Special diets such as vegetarian, vegan, organic and kosher can also be accommodated.

Customers of Savor the Flavor receive a free consultation to establish a culinary profile based on their likes, dislikes and any possible dietary restrictions, customized menu planning from a vast selection of classic and ethnic specialties, grocery shopping, meal preparation, packaging and reheating instructions.

Gift certificates for Savor the Flavor's personal chef service and holiday gifts are available.

Savor the Flavor is also an off-premise caterer available to cater events for any occasion.

For more information on Savor the Flavor, visit their website at www.savortheflavor.us, or call 908-229-8093.

Paula Ricker is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education in New York. She completed her internship at Country Living Magazine in New York in the recipe testing and development kitchen. Prior to starting her catering business, she cooked in the catering department of the Sheraton Meadowlands Hotel in New Jersey, various corporate dining rooms, and as a demo chef for Wegman’s Market in New Jersey.