Editor's note: For our last week at Food Lush, I've asked the writers to share both a favorite post by another writer, from over the last three years, and a favorite post of their own. You'll see these posts linked to at the top of their new post for the week. Enjoy a stroll down Lush memory lane!
by Jen L.
This is my final post for Food Lush and it has been a fantastic couple of years! I have loved sharing my foodie love with all of you, participating in this wonderful group of writers (we call ourselves the Lush Family) and reading all your comments. My favorite post from another writer is this Candy Corner post by Erik because 1. it involves Bit O' Honey, and 2. it is HYSTERICAL. Choosing my favorite post of my own was like being asked to choose a favorite child, but I narrowed it down, and read and read, then picked this one, a post I got to write in response to a reader's question about hosting a birthday party. The best part of Food Lush has always been the interaction with our readers, so thank you!
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I love food gifts. Some people scoff at them. Some people automatically throw them out, as though they are tainted. Other people, like me and people I'm related to, fight over them. My husband and I get summer sausages in our Christmas stockings every year and my mom always gets me a big bottle of cranberry mustard to go with mine. My grandpa used to give me my own wheel of Edam cheese every year.
I've never been one for flowers on Valentine's Day--I'd rather have a box of really nice chocolate or even have a nice dinner prepared for me. (My husband sometimes surprises me with cornish game hens!) Here are five food gifts I'd be tickled to get on Valentine's Day.
1. Harry and David's Pears. Have you ever had a Harry and David pear? They are hands-down the greatest pears I have ever had IN MY LIFE. I don't know what it is, but they are always perfectly ripe, tender, sweet and delicious. And look! They even have a Valentine Gift Box all ready to ship to the one you love, complete with heart-shaped stickers and pink foil wrapping. Score.

2. Wisconsin Cheese Mart Cheddar Deck Gift Box. This trio of cheddar cheeses would be mine, all mine. I would use the mild for a cheddar cheese sauce (Served over pasta with bacon, of course!), the medium for grating over tacos and chili, and the sharp for eating with really good crackers.
3. A Cookie Bouquet from Cookies by Design. I had a cookie bouquet for one of my teenage birthdays and I remember it being delicious. I love iced sugar cookies, so that was right up my alley. (This was before I gave in to my all-consuming love for cake.) This cute Conversation Hearts cookie bouquet would be a very sweet treat.
4. A Crate O' Gummi Bears. Haribo are the best gummies in the world--we all agree on this, yes? How'd you like to get this crate of 72 packs of MINI gummi bears from Candy Warehouse? I thought so.
5. A beautiful box of Godiva chocolates. Specifically, this dark chocolate collection. Enough said.
What food gifts would you like to receive from your Valentine? You can paste a link this post to in an email, you know...
Image credit HarryandDavid.com

The chocolates. Definitely the chocolates.
Posted by: Jenny Nelson | February 01, 2013 at 01:40 PM
Great ideas here--I, too, would always rather get food for Valentine's Day. Just wanted to say how much I've always enjoyed your writing here!
Posted by: Elissa | February 01, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Harry and David pears are like crack. The best crack ever. I really want some now.
Posted by: Jesabes | February 01, 2013 at 02:38 PM
I love food gifts. I'd be happy if I got nothing but food gifts from here on out.
Thanks for your posts here- I've always loved reading them.
Posted by: HereWeGoAJen | February 01, 2013 at 03:14 PM
Food gifts FTW!! I love them too. Based on your love for the Wisconsin Cheese Gift Box, I highly recommend checking out williamscheese.com -- my FIL ran the business until he passed away 6 1/2 years ago. Our fridge is rarely without Extra Sharp Pinconning & the Horseradish Spread. Talk about crack...
Now I'm hungry. :)
Posted by: Kelli @ Momma Needs a Beer | February 01, 2013 at 04:37 PM
Haribo are INDEED the best gummies! My favorite.
I've always wanted to try those Harry & David pears.
I'll miss writing with you!!
Posted by: Caitlin | February 01, 2013 at 09:30 PM
I highly recommend checking out williamscheese.com -- my FIL ran the business until he passed away 6 1/2 years ago.
Posted by: http //www.survival-warehouse.com | February 04, 2013 at 01:34 AM
Haribo. I choose Haribo!
I love getting food for people during the holidays. For the people in my life with classic taste, I like to put their chocolates or fun treats in J. Devlin boxes to make it special. I found a great selection this year at www.unchartedvisions.com
Posted by: Meg T | February 06, 2013 at 10:36 AM