Eat, drink, and be merry

During the holidays, it can be hard to think of the perfect gift for a loved one. It’s difficult to determine what they might already have, and you don’t want to spend money on something they won’t use at all.That’s where food and beverage gifts come in handy. An edible gift or a carefully selected bottle of wine is always welcome. The Illinois Valley is full of businesses that offer edible gifts that will light up any recipient’s holidays. Most of these businesses also offer gift cards, which are popular to tuck inside Christmas cards and help ensure each person finds exactly what they want. If a loved one on your shopping list is a fan of fine cheeses, or if you have committed to bringing a platter of food to a holiday party, the Cheese Shop ‘n Deli in Ottawa is a great stop to make.Cathy Cole, office manager at The Cheese Shop, said some of the shop’s top-selling cheeses that would make a great Christmas gift include aged cheddar, blue cheese, pepper jack, Parmigiano Reggiano, and p