The Leading Resource for Entertaining Tips and Handcrafted Food Gift Ideas
With a history of selling fine Wisconsin cheeses, hams and sausages since 1926 and the largest hand-decorating bakery in the country, The Swiss Colony is America's premier resource for gourmet food gifts...from traditional fruitcakes to delicate petits fours and gift boxes and baskets brimming with sweet and savory treats.
We have established this learning center to present more in-depth knowledge of our products than is available in our catalog—the very first and longest-running specialty food catalog in the United States. In addition to providing food history and entertaining tips, of course, we hope it inspires you to think of The Swiss Colony when you need gift ideas for the holidays or any occasion.
What Are the Healthiest Nuts for Snacking?
There are many types of nuts…but what are the healthiest types of nuts to eat? How do you store them? Learn the facts about healthy…
Thanksgiving Ham Dinner: The Turkey Alternative
Looking for new Thanksgiving dinner ideas? Want to know what to serve with ham? We’ll take you beyond the traditional turkey meal with a much…
History of Jelly Beans: What Are They, and What Are They Made of?
Who invented jelly beans? What are they made of? Learn the history of jelly beans, including Jelly Belly®—by far the most popular brand. What comes…
Dobosh Torte: Layers of Luxury
Dobosh (Dobos) Torte is a classic among cakes. With 15 layers, this version of the chocolate torte takes the layered dessert trend to new heights.…
Best Types of Ham: Which Do I Buy for the Holiday?
What is the best ham to buy for Easter or Christmas, or any season? Do you want a smoked ham? A honey ham? We’ll show…
History of Petits Fours: Luscious Little Layer Cakes
The history of petits fours goes back hundreds of years. Learn the origin of petits fours and why they make so much sense at today’s…
Petits Fours
Petits Fours have been holiday traditions for decades, but they’re not just for Christmas. In addition to our tried-and-true classic assortments, you’ll find Petits Fours in the fresh flavors and pastel colors of spring and the earth tones and warming spice notes of fall.
Butter Toffee
Every single piece of Swiss Colony Butter Toffee is hand-poured, hand-fashioned and hand-packed for homemade care in every bite, and a melt-in-your-mouth flavor bursting with buttery goodness—the best you’ve ever tasted! In fact, our Butter Toffee is so mouth-wateringly delicious, it won the Wisconsin State Fair Seal of Excellence…but the most important awards it wins are in the hearts and minds of our customers.
Food Gifts
Nestled in the heart of Wisconsin’s dairy country, The Swiss Colony began by bringing fine regional cheeses to a wider audience. And nothing goes better with cheese than our very own summer sausage recipes. Add handcrafted pastries and candies from our bakery, and you’ve got endless combinations of holiday treats. Each assortment provides a delicious sampler of our best-selling products to liven up any party or delight a treasured friend or family member.
Fruitcake
We’ve all heard the jokes about how fruitcakes are passed down through the generations. But while fruitcakes really will last for months with proper storage—even more with an occasional application of brandy, rum or whiskey—it’s the tradition of the fruitcake that has the most longevity. This rich treat has been around in one form or another since Roman times.