Foreword
To our QFF Community,
As the holiday season approaches, I want to reach out to you, our cherished supporters. This time of year reminds us of the importance of community and connection.
At the Queer Food Foundation, we have dedicated ourselves to uplifting LGBTQIA2+ voices, promoting an equitable food industry, and supporting those in need. However, this year has brought its own set of challenges, and we find ourselves needing help to maintain the momentum of our mission. The need for our work has never been greater, and we want to ensure that we can continue our efforts into the new year. Without continued support this holiday season, we will not be able to continue our foundation in 2025.
We are reaching out to ask for your support. Your donations, no matter the size, will directly impact our ability to provide resources, education, and assistance to those who need it most. Together, we can create a more inclusive food system, and your generosity can make all the difference.
I am filled with hope for what lies ahead. I am exceptionally grateful for every person who has kept QFF going strong. Let’s continue to nourish and support one another in the coming year.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for being an integral part of our journey. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
Sending the best and love,
Each item you’ll find here has been thoughtfully curated to uplift LGBTQ+ voices and support queer artisans, chefs, and small businesses. By choosing these gifts, you’re not only spreading joy but also investing in a more inclusive and equitable food system.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can continue to nourish our communities, elevate diverse stories, and make a meaningful impact!
The Bitter Gay Co. - “A local producer known for crafting small-batch, highquality bitters with a bold and unique flavor profile. At Amilinda, we love using their bitters to elevate our cocktails, adding depth and complexity to every drink. Their creative blends, often infused with unexpected ingredients, perfectly complement our approach to flavor, helping us deliver an exceptional dining experience.”
- Chef Gregory León, Milwaukee, WI
Diaspora Co. - “I love using Diaspora Co. spices because their vibrant, singleorigin spices are unmatched in quality and flavor. They not only enhance my dishes with bold, fresh tastes but also represent a deeper connection to the farmers and the land they come from - Chef Nik Sharma, Los Angeles, CA (Check out his cookbook: Veg-Table!)
Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce“My favorite queer owned food item to purchase is Shaquanda’s Hot Pepper Sauce. Delicious, spicy, and crave worthy. This sauce is sure to have you wanting more.”
- Chef Dominique Leach, Chicago, IL
Bridgetown Roti - “My recommendation is Bridgetown Roti by Rashida Holmes in LA. The red pepper goat roti is to die for, and the goat is so tender and flavorful. Folks also have to try the jerk cucumber salad. Spicy and refreshing in all of my favorite ways.”
- Chef Selasie Dotse, Oakland, CA
iLéWA Foods - “Incredible spice blends and she sources the ingredients from the women of the village where she was born, and where her mother still lives. She has an incredible story.”
Made by a Starseed - A handmade lip balm company that blends natural, high-quality ingredients to nourish and protect your lips. Inspired by holistic wellness and sustainability, their products are crafted with love, free of harsh chemicals, and packaged with Eco-conscious materials. Each balm is infused with the intention to connect beauty, self-care, and the energy of the cosmos, ensuring your lips feel soft, hydrated, and celestial every day.
Noto - This minimalist skin-care line is all about embracing your authentic self. Gender neutral and free of harmful ingredients, NOTO strives to bring self care to another level!
Vanessa Parish (QFF Co-Founder, Exec. Director)
Zakia Warner of Made by a Starseed has been championing sustainability as a queer creative for a long time. Her products have a been a staple in my home and a crowd favorite in any of my holiday gift boxes. Smells great and feels like butter!
Tiffinasha Green Tomato Pickle - Pucker up, buttercup! This tart and tangy spread is made with California grown green tomatoes, serrano peppers, fresh garlic, their Green Tomato Pickle masala, a splash of organic apple cider vinegar and a bit of sugar to round it all out.
Keho Tex Mex Moment - No time for a taco truck? Take a Tex Mex moment!
Pepitas, red bell pepper, sweetcorn, black beans, and mushrooms, dressed with avocado oil, all in one bar designed to keep you going.
Tempo Crackers Chili Lemon - These 5mg THC crackers are packed with bold spices with a hint of lime to activate your senses!
18.21 Bitters Japanese Chili and Lime
Bitters - These Japanese Chili+Lime
Bitters provide spice, with notes of citrus and a smoky element. Perfect for a spicy margarita or Bloody Mary!
Dento Dream Chili Oil - Curated by a Trans Chinese Man’s mission to create food that makes you go WHOA, this chili oil is made with a variety of aromatics, spices and fried garlic. There is no better way to add pizzazz to your meals.
Another baked-not-fried feature for you!
Pipcorn’s pride comes from their main ingredient: Heirloom Corn! Pipcorn started with hand-stamped bags in 2012, and it’s fabulous flavors have landed them in grocery isles around the nation. With a variety of snacks, such as Cinnamon Sugar Twists and Fiery Cheddar Fries, you can count on Pipcorn to provide an elevated snacking experience.
JBF Taste America - QFF Collaborator the James Beard Foundation’s annual Taste America culinary series brings together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities!
Find Your/self Boxes - Find Your/self Boxes is a self-care box company, created to promote good mental health. They are the perfect way to send
Universal Belongings - Founded on the belief that essentials can unite people and that excellence should be accessible. The founder, a New Yorker raised in Hong Kong, saw an opportunity to bring the communal spirit of Eastern dining to Western tables. Hosting in a small Manhattan apartment showed that even a few quality home goods can create a welcoming space. Universal Belongings’ distinctive dinnerware and aromatic candles are refined yet approachable, beautiful yet durable for everyday use—all at an attainable price!
The Pastry Project - They specialize in a “gift pastry kit subscription” offered in 3, 6 or 12-month subscriptions. They’re perfect for anyone in your life that loves to bake, and are also a really fun familyfriendly activity. These kits are the main funding source for The Pastry Project’s free baking and pastry-training program, which they run for individuals with barriers to employment. When you gift a baking kit, or bake yourself, you’re helping people receive a free education and job skills training to start their career as a baker or pastry chef!
Bokksu Snack Box - After living in Japan, founder Danny Taing fell in love with the local snacks he had tasted. Unable to find them in America, however, Bokku Snack Box was born, giving everyone the opportunity to eat delicious Japanese treats from anywhere!
Sweet Hollow Farm - Sweet Hallow Farm is a multiracial, queer workerowned cooperative farm growing vegetables & herbs on one acre of Coast Salish lands in Woodinville, WA. Their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share is a weekly delivery of fresh vegetables and herbs during the peak of their growing season from Late July through October!
Boichik Bagels - Determined to bring good bagels to the West Coast, Emily Winston founded Boichik Bagels to do just that. Inspired by New Jersey and New York style bagels, this shop isn’t one to miss.
Bite Society - There is nothing so beautiful as a bountiful gift basket! Bite Society specializes in curated boxes filled with delicious goods that make perfect gifts to send by post!
Keep it Zesty - Edy Massih has put his heart and soul into this book, featuring over 115 Lebanese dishes to share with friends, family, or to nourish yourself with! With so many dishes to pick from and recipe charts for customization, this book is a must-have in any kitchen.
Looking for a place to shop for books?
Look no further than BEM Brooklyn! Black woman owned, this small buisness is run by two sisters who have folded their love for food, books and cultures of the African diaspora into a bookstore.
What Goes With What - Julia Turshen is known for her satisfyingly simple recipes, and What Goes With What is chock full of them! Filled with over 90 recipes, this cookbook leaves room for customization and creativity in each to ensure you can fix up a dish exactly how you like it.
Ashley Christensen’s Caramelized Onion-Tomato Soup With Jarlsberg Croutons.
To Cook
Ingredients
½ cup olive oil
6 cloves garlic, crushed
2 (28-ounce) cans diced organic tomatoes
2 tablespoons neutral vegetable oil
2 pounds yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced
4 cups dry white wine
¼ cup white wine vinegar
6 to 7 whole sprigs tarragon, leaves intact
1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
1 tablespoon neutral vegetable oil
½ baguette, sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup grated Jarlsberg (any nutty, melty cheese, such as Gruyère, would work well here)
Sea Salt (to taste.)
In a large Dutch oven, combine the olive oil and garlic. Place over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is toasted, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 2 teaspoons sea salt and increase the heat to bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Cook for 45 minutes; the tomatoes and garlic will be falling apart and the flavors will be cohesive.
Meanwhile, in a high-sided sauté pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onions and 2 teaspoons salt. Turn the heat to high, stirring frequently. Once the pan is hot (about 1 minute), reduce the heat to medium and cover; cook, covered, for 20 minutes. When you remove the lid, lots of moisture will escape, and the
onions will have begun to caramelize. Cook, stirring, until the onions are thick and deep brown. Transfer the onions to a bowl and return the pan to high heat.
Add the wine, vinegar, and tarragon. Cook until the liquid has reduced down to become thick and syrupy. Add 6 cups water and bring to a boil, then remove from the heat.
Strain the tarragon infusion into the stewed tomato mixture, discarding the solids. Stir in the caramelized onions, mustard, and 2 teaspoons salt. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let simmer for 20 minutes.
While the soup is simmering, make the croutons. Line a plate with paper towels. In a large skillet over high heat, heat the oil. When it shimmers, add the baguette slices in an even layer; when they begin to turn golden on the bottom side, add the butter, turn down the heat to medium, and swirl to coat. Fry the bread for 3 to 4 minutes on one side, until it is a Continued dark golden brown. Transfer to the paper towel–lined plate.
Stack three croutons in the center of each of six ovenproof soup bowls, placing a small pinch of cheese between each layer. Ladle the soup around the stacks of bread to fill the bowls. Sprinkle a last pinch of cheese in the center of each bowl. Place the bowls under the broiler and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Serve.
Julia Sherman’s Golden Coriander Cauliflower with Labneh and a Fried Egg.
To Crisp
Ingredients
1 large head cauliflower, leaves and stalk trimmed
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp (60 ml) olive oil
1 3/4 teaspoons coriander seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the eggs
Grated zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup (60 ml) labneh (sub full-fat Greek yogurt)
1 to 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil
4 large organic eggs
Freshly ground black pepper
Ground Sumac
1. Separate the cauliflower into florets and toss into a large resealable bag or a mixing bowl.
2. In a small dry skillet over low heat, toast the coriander and cumin seeds until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a mortar and pestle and pound until entirely crushed. Add garlic, salt, lemon zest, thyme, and pepper flakes to the mortar and pestle and continue crushing until combined. Add the olive oil and whisk to combine. Pour the spice and oil mixture over the cauliflower in the plastic bag, stir to distribute the oil and seasoning evenly, seal, and refrigerate for 4-24 hours.
3. Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 450°F.
4. Spread the cauliflower on the baking sheet in a single layer and roast for about 25 minutes, until golden brown.
5. While the cauliflower is roasting, put 1 tablespoon of the labneh on each plate, shmearing it across the surface of the plate with the back of a spoon. Sprinkle each with a generous pinch of sumac. When the cauliflower is nicely browned and crispy on the edges, remove from the oven and spoon some onto each plate.
6. Heat a 12-inch (30.5-cm) cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the grapeseed oil. Swirl to evenly coat the surface. Crack 2 eggs into the pan and cook without moving them for 1 minute, then cover the pan and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the whites are solid but the yolks remain bright yellow and glossy. Repeat with the remaining 2 eggs, adding more oil if needed. Transfer the fried eggs to the plates, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
In this year’s Gift Guide, we’re including a special section dedicated to beverage-focused brands, so this holiday season you can find a drink for anyone on your gift list!
Interested in mixed drinks? Or maybe you know someone who prefers cider over beer...do we have the selection for you!
Minus Moonshine Anytime Spritz
Super Gay Spirits Saint Luna Suncliffe Gin
17. Servaes- Kansas Giant Jones Brewing is a women and queer owned, certified organic craft brewery in Madison, Wisconsin that prides themselves on brewing big beers for everyone - strong, flavorful beers that have a big impact!
13. Big Rip - Missouri
14. Giant Jones - Wisconsin
15. Urban Growler - MN
16. Ladybird - Kansas
The Lady Justice Brewing Company was dreamed up by Betsy Lay, Kate Power, and Jen Cuesta during their 2010 service in AmeriCorps - asking the question “why can’t we brew beer and give back to our community?”
Lady Justice- CO
Local Brewing Co - CA
Mountain Toad - CO
REsources
Queer Food Directory - The Queer Food Directory is a unique and dynamic community resource committed to amplifying, connecting, and supporting queer and trans individuals and businesses across the entire spectrum of food spaces. This platform not only allows you to showcase your distinctive culinary endeavors but also streamlines the process of discovering and connecting with fellow members of our diverse and vibrant queer food community. Join us in our collective celebration and elevation of the voices and talents of LGBTQ+ individuals within the culinary world.
Queer Food Fund - Currently distributed once a year in February, The Queer Food Fund is a community-driven mutual aid project with a mission to provide sustenance to those facing food insecurity within the Black Queer and Trans community. Operating across the United States, we directly redistribute funds donated through to eligible individuals (18+). Our endeavor is made possible solely through the dedication of volunteers, reflecting our commitment to supporting community.
Queer All Year Educational PanelsUtilizing our network of queer food workers and chefs, we host a series of bi-monthy educational panels, covering a wide range of topics, from queer entrepreneurship to queer food media. Bi-monthly, we host a series of educational panels covering a wide range of topics, from queer entrepreneurship to the realms of queer food media. By facilitating these insightful conversations, we aim to promote advocacy and raise awareness for those aspiring to pursue careers within these fields. These partnerships serve as platforms for knowledge sharing and empowerment within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond, fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and informed food industry.
Upcoming Resources:
• Safety Toolkit with CHAAD
• Equity in Hospitalty Workshops & Toolkit with the James Beard Foundation
• Queer Food Insecurity Survey
Interested in supporting our upcoming initiatives? Feel free to reach out!
Orgs To know
(and support!)
Queer Soup Night
Specialty Food Association
Regarding Her
Southern Smoke Foundation
Big Queer Food Fest
Fair Kitchens
Food Corps
Project Potluck
The CHAAD Project
Feed The Soul Foundation
Emma’s Torch
Independent Restaurant Coalition
Restaurant Workers Community Foundation
Culinary Hospitality Outreach Wellness
Food Education Fund
The Lee Initiative
Safe Bars
Drive Change
Hot Bread Kitchen
Women In Hospitality United
Rethink Foods
Find a Community Fridge in your area!
Kudos
Editor/Co-Creator -
Vanessa Parish (Exec.Director)
Graphic Designer/Co-CreatorCamryn Sheasley
Copy Editor/Chair of the BoardSunny Levine
Board of Directors
Amanda Celestino
Will Thomas
Superior Murphy
Annalena Barrett
Advisory
Candace Boyd
Nora Landis-Shack
Cori Da Costa
Mario Monte
Kayla Mensah
Jae Camino
Ren Driscoll
Alex Walsh
Kareem Queeman
This guide was made without the help of AI ;)
Check us out on Instagram or our website!
