FROM MICHIGAN, WITH LOVE

2 days ago

Don't forget to support Michigan companies this holiday season! Here are some good gift and food ideas from around the state!

GREAT LAKES POT PIES, Clawson
www.greatlakespotpies.com
Great Lakes Pot Pies offers hand-made pot pies a 9” and 5” size in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef stew, pasty, and a new “Thanksgiving in a Pie”. There are hand pies in a variety of flavors, including breakfast and dessert, like chocolate chip and pecan pie, and gluten free and vegan offerings. All pies are hand-made with fresh ingredients locally sourced in Michigan as much as possible, and with no preservatives. Great Lakes Pot Pies makes a snack called “Pie Chips”, which are made from piecrust flavored with seasoning on top, like Cinnamon Sugar Pie Chips.

MICHIGAN AWESOME, Holland
www.michiganawesome.com
In business since 2009, Michigan Awesome works with dozens of companies across Michigan to find quality products for its gift boxes, which are hugely popular, especially around the holidays. The boxes feature artisan food from across Michigan, packed in beautiful custom gift boxes that always leave an impression. They make great gifts to friends and family who may have moved away and are longing for a taste of home. Other available items include T-Shirts, other wearables, drinkware, and home goods. The company also offers its own line of wines and hard ciders made from grapes grown along the shores of Lake Michigan.

WILSON’S CHEESE SHOPPE, Pinconning
www.wilsoncheese.com
Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2024. The shoppe has over 150 varieties of cheeses plus many different flavors of cheese spreads. The most popular, of course, is Squeaky Mild Pinconning and the most exotic is a 16-year-old super sharp Pinconning Cheese. Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe began in 1939 by Inez (Horn)Wilson, daughter of Pinconning Cheese creator Dan Horn who began producing the now famous Pinconning Cheese in 1915. Over the years, the Wilson’s has been marketed as a destination to travelers headed north. The shoppe also offers beautiful gift boxes.

ALTES, Detroit, MI
Brewed in Detroit and available all over Michigan has just the right flavor for any holiday gathering with friends and family. In 1910, the Tivoli Brewing Company started brewing Altes Beer in Detroit for European immigrants who worked in Detroit’s booming auto industry. The brand waned, but ten years ago three friends who grew up in Detroit and loved Altes, discussed creating a new craft beer that would capture the Bavarian style of brewing and honor Altes’ important place in Michigan beer history. Altes is now back and proudly brewed in Detroit again. The beer is sold in over 1,500 stores, restaurants, bars, and other locations all over MI.

GILBERT CHOCOLATES, Jackson and Ann Arbor
www.gilbertchocolates.com
Gilbert Chocolates produces a decadent variety of smooth, silky chocolates, all made by hand, that will please everyone on your list. People can visit Gilbert Chocolates in Jackson or on center court at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor to see and taste why these chocolates are the best around. Gilbert Chocolates has been making candy in Jackson, Michigan, for over a century. The 100-year-old recipes for their traditional cream centers remain unchanged, and because the candy is made in small batches, it tastes better than any machine mixed blend. The company also offers the latest – Dubai Chocolates.

HOLLAND BOWL MILL, Holland
www.hollandbowlmill.com
The Holland Bowl Mill creates some of the finest heirloom bowls in the country and is one of the last remaining and best-known bowl companies in the United States. The company started out as the Holland Wooden Shoe Factory in 1926 and then began turning hand crafted bowls from exotic woods. The Holland Bowl Mill recently expanded and updated its customer show room and still gives tours to anyone at any hour of the working day. The Holland Bowl Mill sells its products all over the world. The company also makes kitchen utensils and home goods, and offers free engraving on the bottom of each piece made.

BETTER MADE SNACK FOODS, Detroit, MI
www.bettermade.com
Now in its 94th year, Better Made continues to be Michigan’s favorite potato chip and snack food maker. The company is still family owned, and still supports Detroit and charitable organizations in Michigan. Better Made’s famous chocolate covered chips are back and available in milk or dark chocolate. Better Made also offer a handy 18 ct. Variety Pack – great for packing lunches and for after school snack time, a 10 ct. original and BBQ multipack, and one of my favorites – the Better Made Detroit Mix – a delicious bag of caramel and cheese popcorn that I can’t stop eating! Try Better Made’s new Kettle Chips in three delicious flavors.

MEL’S TOFFEE, Rochester
www.melstoffee.com
Mel’s Toffee offers a delicious variety of freshly made toffees that can be shipped anywhere in the contiguous United States. The company offers neat mini tins in various flavors that hold 8oz of toffee. The tins can be mixed and matched so your gift will be even more special. You can even have them doubled up in a bigger tin. Just in time for Christmas and the winter season, Mel’s offers a delicious Gingerbread toffee that is made without molasses. Mel’s Toffee is being used by local breweries to make delicious craft beers!

DEARBORN SAUSAGE, Dearborn
www.dearbornbrand.com
A family tradition since 1946, Dearborn Hams and Sausages specializes in only the best hams that are perfect for holiday meals. All sausages are made fresh with only with the best cuts of meats. The company also has a plethora of snacks foods like jerky in various flavors, sausage sticks in various flavors, and other great tasting things – perfect for snacking during the games and for school/work lunches. Dearborn also produces Virginia Brand products and Farmer Peet’s products, including the much loved Pickle Bologna. The company’s products are available in stores across Michigan and at the retail stores in Dearborn and Roseville.

LAKE SUPERIOR WOOLEN COMPANY, Rudyard
www.lswoolen.com
Lake Superior Woolen Company in Rudyard in the U.P is owned by fourth generation sheep farmer, Eric Wallis. Lake Superior Woolen is a small family-owned farm that raises Polypay sheep on natural green pastures and makes wool blankets with the fleeces. The fleece used in the wool blankets and mattress pads is 100% virgin wool. This means that the wool is being used for the first time in products, giving full benefit of it's original resilience, loftiness, and durability. Plus, this produces a softer feel for the blankets and mattress pads. Virgin wool retains its original resilience and thickness and will last for generations with proper care.

CASK & KETTLE HARD COFFEES, Battle Creek
Cask & Kettle is a woman owned business founded in 2017 in Battle Creek by self-declared hot drink and cocktail lovers. It is the first ready-to-brew, one-shot, hot cocktail that can be prepared at home to hit the market. Flavors include Hot Blond, Irish Coffee, Mexican Coffee, Spiked Dry Cider, and Pumpkin Spice. The hot coffees are available in independent liquor stores in Michigan, as well as Meijer Stores, select Spartan Stores, and all Total Wine stores. The result of the founders’ hard work is a smooth, savory, single serving hot cocktail that can be used in a home brewing system. Finish it with garnishes like whipped cream and cinnamon!

AMERICAN GOURMET PRETZEL, Essexville
www.americangourmetpretzel.com
American Gourmet Pretzels are made by American Gourmet of Snacks in Essexville and are the best tasting pretzel I’ve ever eaten – crunchy, buttery, and never dry! They come in seven different flavors including butter, onion garlic, honey mustard, onion garlic dill, white cheddar cheese, white cheddar jalapeno, cinnamon & sugar. The company also makes delicious caramel corn and chocolate covered pretzels. They’re come in a 2 oz, 6 oz, and 8 oz bag, and are available at specialty stores throughout Michigan, the company storefront, the online store, and you can order them over the phone.

THE ONLY BEAN, Grand Rapids
www.theonlybean.com
A delicious and healthy snack! I never thought I would eat Edamame beans, but these are very tasty. The crunchy roasted beans have their own distinct flavor, but remind me of pumpkin seeds I make at home. They come in Sea Salt, Buffalo, and Sriracha, and in two different sized bags. They’re high in fiber, give you plant-based protein, and have less than 3g of carbs. Better still, Edamame crops actually enrich the soil while growing. You can enjoy them right out of the bag as a snack or use them on salads and other dishes. They make the perfect snack for bike riding, camping, hiking, or at your desk at work.

NATIONAL CHILI COMPANY, Detroit
www.nationalchili.com
National Coney Island was started in 1965 by James Giftos in Macomb County. He also started national chili company in Detroit to make chili for his famous coney dogs! Second generation owner, Tom Giftos, had the idea to can the chili and make it available all over Michigan. Now it is available in all Walmart stores in the state. The chili has a very good taste, just like if you were at one of the many National Coney Island locations in Michigan. It is available with beans in a 15oz can and a convenient single serve four pack in a 7.5 oz serving without beans. Makes for a quick and easy lunch anytime you’re hungry!

FRY DADDY’S, Grand Rapids
www.frydaddysbrand.com
There’s a terrific product now available from Fry Daddy’s for people who love snacking but can’t have gluten! Fry Daddy’s Party Mix is now available in a Gluten Free variety in two delicious flavors. I opened a bag last week and it’s already gone! The Gluten Free flavors include Ranch and Original, and come in a 12 oz bag. Imagine Chex Mix on steroids, with nuts, all gluten free! Of course, gluten varieties are also available. They are now available at Meijer for only $7.99 a bag, as well as many independent stores. Fry Daddy’s Brand started out as a family recipe that was given out at the holidays to family and friends. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 days ago

Hello all, letting you know that Shannon Jurincic is the winner of the Michigan Awesome contest! Stay tuned as we will have more soon.

Best,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Hi all,

Time for our second contest of the season! This time, Michigan Awesome is giving away a Great Lakes Gift Box filled with delicious Michigan made treats! We love this box. Simply type back "GREAT LAKES" to be entered. The winner will be selected and announced on Monday. November 18. Here is a link to the prize:

www.michiganawesome.com/products/great-lakes-gift-box

Good luck to all,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Here is our fun segment from FOX 17 in Grand Rapids - always fun visiting with Todd and Michelle!

www.fox17online.com/morning-mix/michigan-made-better-made-snack-foods-michigan-awesome

More soon,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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6 days ago

Hello everyone! Here to announce that Connie Bannick Kemner is the winner of the Wilson's Cheese contest. Stay tuned for more contests soon! Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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1 week ago

Good Monday morning and happy Veteran's Day to all! Let's start the week off with a contest from Wilson's Cheese Shoppe in Pinconning! Simply type back "I'M CHEESY" to be entered to win a sampler box of products from Wilson's. The winner will be chose at random and announced on Thursday, November 14. BEWARE - Scammers love my page! Do not respond to anyone telling you that you've won. If you do win, I will let you know personally.

Be well,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Here is a photo of the great gifts in this year's guide. ... See MoreSee Less

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2 weeks ago

Hi all,

Here is our first placement for the 2024 Holiday Gift and Food Guide.

www.corpmagazine.com/break-room/from-michigan-with-love-releases-2024-gift-and-food-guide/

All of these products can be shipped!

Take care,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

Hi all,

It's time once again for the online Annual Holiday Gift and Food Guide! This year is a retrospective of fun clients from over the years. No matter the occasion, you can find something in this list for everyone. Here it is:
GREAT LAKES POT PIES, Clawson
www.greatlakespotpies.com
Great Lakes Pot Pies offers hand-made pot pies a 9” and 5” size in a variety of flavors, including chicken, beef stew, pasty, and a new “Thanksgiving in a Pie”. There are hand pies in a variety of flavors, including breakfast and dessert, like chocolate chip and pecan pie, and gluten free and vegan offerings. All pies are hand-made with fresh ingredients locally sourced in Michigan as much as possible, and with no preservatives. Great Lakes Pot Pies makes a snack called “Pie Chips”, which are made from piecrust flavored with seasoning on top, like Cinnamon Sugar Pie Chips.

MICHIGAN AWESOME, Holland
www.michiganawesome.com
In business since 2009, Michigan Awesome works with dozens of companies across Michigan to find quality products for its gift boxes, which are hugely popular, especially around the holidays. The boxes feature artisan food from across Michigan, packed in beautiful custom gift boxes that always leave an impression. They make great gifts to friends and family who may have moved away and are longing for a taste of home. Other available items include T-Shirts, other wearables, drinkware, and home goods. The company also offers its own line of wines and hard ciders made from grapes grown along the shores of Lake Michigan and Michigan apples.

WILSON’S CHEESE SHOPPE, Pinconning
www.wilsoncheese.com
Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe celebrated its 85th anniversary in 2024. The shoppe has over 150 varieties of cheeses plus many different flavors of cheese spreads. The most popular, of course, is Squeaky Mild Pinconning and the most exotic is a 16-year-old super sharp Pinconning Cheese. Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe began in 1939 by Inez (Horn)Wilson, daughter of Pinconning Cheese creator Dan Horn who began producing the now famous Pinconning Cheese in 1915. Over the years, the Wilson’s has been marketed as a destination to travelers headed north. The shoppe also offers fudge and other Michigan products, as well as deluxe sausage and cheese baskets and gift boxes.

ALTES BEER, Detroit, MI
Brewed in Detroit and available all over Michigan has just the right flavor for any holiday gathering with friends and family. In 1910, the Tivoli Brewing Company started brewing Altes Beer in Detroit for European immigrants who worked in Detroit’s booming auto industry. By the mid 1940’s Altes was Michigan’s top selling beer and stayed a Michigan favorite for decades, sponsoring the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions. But as the big brewers became national and eventually global companies, they lost interest in proud local brands and Altes was eventually retired as too small to matter. Ten years ago three friends who grew up in Detroit and loved Altes, discussed creating a new craft beer that would capture the Bavarian style of brewing and honor Altes’ important place in Michigan beer history. Altes is now back and proudly brewed in Detroit again. The beer has been sold in over 1,500 stores, restaurants, bars, and other locations all over Michigan.

GILBERT CHOCOLATES, Jackson and Ann Arbor
www.gilbertchocolates.com
Gilbert Chocolates, the premier chocolate maker in the Midwest, produces a decadent variety of smooth, silky chocolates, all made by hand, that will please everyone on your list. People can visit Gilbert Chocolates in Jackson or on center court at the Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor to see and taste why these chocolates are the best around. Gilbert Chocolates has been making candy in Jackson, Michigan, for over a century. The key to the company’s success is innovation and maintaining great quality using only the finest ingredients. The 100-year-old recipes for their traditional cream centers remain unchanged, and because the candy is made in small batches, it tastes better than any machine mixed blend. The company also offers the latest – Dubai Chocolates.

HOLLAND BOWL MILL, Holland
www.hollandbowlmill.com
The Holland Bowl Mill creates some of the finest heirloom bowls in the country and is one of the last remaining and best-known bowl companies in the United States. The company was featured on the Discovery Channel’s “How It’s Made” program some years back. The company started out as the Holland Wooden Shoe Factory in 1926 and then began turning hand crafted bowls from exotic woods. The Holland Bowl Mill recently expanded and updated its customer show room and still gives tours to anyone at any hour of the working day. It is still family owned. The Holland Bowl Mill sells its products all over the world. The company also makes kitchen utensils like wooden salad tongs, cutting boards, and home décor, and offers free engraving on the bottom of each piece made.

BETTER MADE SNACK FOODS, Detroit, MI
www.bettermade.com
Now in its 94th year, Better Made continues to be Michigan’s favorite potato chip and snack food maker. The company is still family owned, and still supports Detroit and charitable organizations in Michigan. Better Made’s famous chocolate covered chips are back and available in milk or dark chocolate. Better Made also offer a handy 18 ct. Variety Pack – great for packing lunches and for after school snack time, a 10 ct. original and BBQ multipack, and one of my favorites – the Better Made Detroit Mix – a delicious bag of caramel and cheese popcorn that I can’t stop eating! Try Better Made’s new Kettle Chips in three delicious flavors. Available in stores all over Michigan, the Better Made retail store 10148 Gratiot Avenue in Detroit, or on-line at www.bettermade.com. For holiday gift giving, Better Made offers a sampler box of different freshly made snack foods that are sure to please everyone in the family!

MEL’S TOFFEE, Royal Oak
www.melstoffee.com
Mel’s Toffee offers a delicious variety of freshly made toffees that can be shipped anywhere in the contiguous United States. The company offers neat mini tins in various flavors that hold 8oz of toffee. The tins can be mixed and matched so your gift will be even more special. You can even have them doubled up in a bigger tin. Just in time for Christmas and the winter season, Mel’s offers a delicious Gingerbread toffee that is made without molasses. Mel’s Toffee is being used by local breweries to make delicious craft beers!

DEARBORN SAUSAGE, Dearborn
www.dearbornbrand.com
A family tradition since 1946, Dearborn Hams and Sausages specializes in only the best hams that are perfect for holiday meals. All sausages are made fresh with only with the best cuts of meats. At the website you will find all sorts of delicious recipes to make your holiday meal terrific. The company also has a plethora of snacks foods like jerky in various flavors, sausage sticks in various flavors, and other great tasting things – perfect for snacking during the games and for school/work lunches. Dearborn also produces Virginia Brand products and Farmer Peet’s products, including the much loved Pickle Bologna. The company’s products are available in stores across Michigan and at the retail stores in Dearborn and Roseville.

LAKE SUPERIOR WOOLEN COMPANY, Rudyard
www.lswoolen.com
Lake Superior Woolen Company in Rudyard in the U.P is owned by fourth generation sheep farmer, Eric Wallis. Lake Superior Woolen is a small family-owned farm that raises Polypay sheep on natural green pastures and makes wool blankets with the fleeces. The fleece used in the wool blankets and mattress pads is 100% virgin wool. This means that the wool is being used for the first time in products, giving full benefit of it's original resilience, loftiness, and durability. Plus, this produces a softer feel for the blankets and mattress pads. Virgin wool retains its original resilience and thickness and will last for generations with proper care. Perfect for the cold winter nights headed our way!

CASK & KETTLE HARD COFFEES, Battle Creek
www.caskandkettleusa.com
Cask & Kettle is a woman owned business founded in 2017 in Battle Creek by self-declared hot drink and cocktail lovers. It is the first ready-to-brew, one-shot, hot cocktail that can be prepared at home to hit the market. Flavors include Hot Blond, Irish Coffee, Mexican Coffee, Spiked Dry Cider, and Pumpkin Spice. The hot coffees are available in independent liquor stores in Michigan, as well as Meijer Stores, select Spartan Stores, and all Total Wine stores. The result of the founders’ hard work, research, and product development is a smooth, savory, single serving hot cocktail that can be used in a home brewing system. You can finish off with all kinds of garnished like whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, etc.

AMERICAN GOURMET PRETZEL, Essexville
www.americangourmetpretzel.com
American Gourmet Pretzels are made by American Gourmet of Snacks in Essexville and are the best tasting pretzel I’ve ever eaten – crunchy, buttery, and never dry! They come in seven different flavors including butter, onion garlic, honey mustard, onion garlic dill, white cheddar cheese, white cheddar jalapeno, cinnamon & sugar. The company also makes delicious caramel corn and chocolate covered pretzels. They’re come in a 2 oz, 6 oz, and 8 oz bag, and are available at specialty stores throughout Michigan, the company storefront, the online store, and you can order them over the phone. The company uses butter and coconut oil to get the delicious flavor. The company offers many different kinds of seasonal and holiday gift items that can be customized to your liking, and can be shipped.

THE ONLY BEAN, Grand Rapids
www.theonlybean.com
A delicious and healthy snack! I never thought I would eat Edamame beans, but these are very tasty. The crunchy roasted beans have their own distinct flavor, but remind me of pumpkin seeds I make at home. They come in Sea Salt, Buffalo, and Sriracha, and in two different sized bags. They’re high in fiber, give you plant-based protein, and have less than 3g of carbs. Better still, Edamame crops actually enrich the soil while growing. You can enjoy them right out of the bag as a snack or use them on salads and other dishes. They make the perfect snack for bike riding, camping, hiking, or at your desk at work. The beans can also be used to make pasta noodles.

NATIONAL CHILI COMPANY, Detroit
www.nationalchili.com
National Coney Island was started in 1965 by James Giftos in Macomb County. He also started national chili company in Detroit to make chili for his famous coney dogs! Second generation owner, Tom Giftos, had the idea to can the chili and make it available all over Michigan. Now it is available in all Walmart stores in the state. The chili has a very good taste, just like if you were at one of the many National Coney Island locations in Michigan. It is available with beans in a 15oz can and a convenient single serve four pack in a 7.5 oz serving without beans. Makes for a quick and easy lunch anytime you’re hungry!

FRY DADDY’S, Grand Rapids
www.frydaddysbrand.com
There’s a terrific product now available from Fry Daddy’s for people who love snacking but can’t have gluten! Fry Daddy’s Party Mix is now available in a Gluten Free variety in two delicious flavors. I opened a bag last week and it’s already gone! The Gluten Free flavors include Ranch and Original, and come in a 12 oz bag. Imagine Chex Mix on steroids, with nuts, all gluten free! Of course, gluten varieties are also available. They are now available at Meijer for only $7.99 a bag, as well as many independent stores. Fry Daddy’s Brand started out as a family recipe Papa Wilbur who would make and distribute his party mix around the holidays to family and friends – it eventually became a store staple. ... See MoreSee Less

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3 weeks ago

Well, I must be doing something right if the scam bots from India are back on my page! Please, and I've written this at least a dozen times, do respond to any message like the ones that appeared on the Better Made contest post. You will know if you've won because I will contact you individually. Simply ignore these low lifes! We have some nice contests coming up in the coming weeks!

Thank you,
Franklin ... See MoreSee Less

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