Many new food products and gadgets introduced this year can be combined with fresh produce items to create themed gift baskets that make great hostess gifts. Fill a wide-mouth basket with an assortment of FUJI, GRANNY SMITH, GALA and RED DELICIOUS APPLES accompanied by a jar of "Caramel Sin" for dipping (www.caramelsin.com).

In a large mixing bowl, gather AVOCADOS, TOMATOES, ONIONS, LEMONS and CILANTRO with your favorite guacamole recipe and a bag of new heart-healthy "Corazonas" tortilla chips made with whole oats (www.corazonas.com).

A wok or bamboo steamer makes the perfect container for a stir-fry theme gift including such stir-fry favorites as DAIKON, BOK CHOY and CHINESE CABBAGE, accompanied by packets of Edward & Sons organic Miso Soup (www.edwardandsons.com).

For a gift basket the whole family can enjoy, include WALNUTS, PECANS and HAZELNUTS in the shell, along with a Nutcracker, bottles of Welch’s (www.welchs.com) seasonal sparkling red and white GRAPE juice festively decorated this year with Gingerbread Men and Snowmen, rounded out with assorted honey-flavored and organic candies from Artisan Sweets (www.artisansweets.com).

For an adults-only basket, fill a serving tray with RED GLOBE GRAPES, whole STRAWBERRIES and assorted cheeses, and include the Oster Electric Wine Opener with your favorite bottle of Merlot or Cabernet (www.oster.com).

Salad fanciers will appreciate a Salad bowl featuring SPINACH, ARUGULA, WATER-CRESS and LEAF LETTUCES, along with the newest way to wash and spin salad greens, the "Spin’ n Stor Reusable Salad Spinning Bag," (www.argeecorp.com/html/spinnstor.htm.)

Pair assorted dried fruits with a box of organic "Sweet Basics" spices from The Seasoned Palate (www.tspspices.com) and a copy of The Baker’s Catalogue fitted into a baking dish. Or fill a serving tray with FIGS, NUTS and DATES and pair with any of five Celestial Seasonings Holiday Herb Tea boxes (www.celestialseasonings.com) in flavors ranging from Gingerbread to Sugar Plum Spice.

CRANBERRIES are among this week’s most economical fruit values. Chop finely and cook with ORANGE juice and APRICOT jam until tender. Spread on a round of Brie cheese and cover with chopped PISTACHIO NUTS.

APPLES are plentiful at moderate prices, including BRAEBURN, RED DELICIOUS, FUJI, GALA, McINTOSH and CAMEO.

Selection is excellent on new crop PEARS, with SECKLE, D’ANJOU, BOSC and RED PEARS in excellent supply. Prices also continue to be very reasonable on BARTLETT PEARS, sweet and juicy and great for snacking. ASIAN PEARS, crisp and sweet from California growers, are in steady supply at moderate prices.

MANGOS are in plentiful supply at very reasonable prices.

Both HACHIYA and FUYU PERSIMMONS are in peak supply, with prices decreasing. Steam this seasonal favorite and add the pulp to spiced muffin and tea bread batters.

Best values in the CITRUS FRUIT bin include NAVEL ORANGES, SATSUMA TANGERINES and KEY LIMES.

PAPAYAS are plentiful at economical prices.

Hawaiian PINEAPPLE prices are decreasing. Look for a dark green top and a faintly sweet aroma as a sign of ripeness.

POMEGRANATES are in peak supply at moderate prices. Remove the seeds underwater to prevent splatter and enjoy these edible jewels as a salad or dessert topping.

CHESTNUTS are among the many in-shell NUTS in peak supply between now and the end of the year.

RUSSET POTATOES by the pre-packaged bag are among this week’s most economical vegetable value. WHITE and RED ROSE POTATOES are also in plentiful supply, with prices decreasing and quality very good. RED YAMS are in plentiful supply for holiday menus at economical prices.

BROCCOLI, one of the best power foods for fighting cancer, is abundant, with prices decreasing.

For salads this week, best values include SPINACH, RED and GREEN LEAF LETTUCES and GREEN CABBAGE. Salad toppings in plentiful supply include CELERY, CARROTS, RADISHES, SPROUTS, JICAMA, GREEN ONIONS, CUCUMBERS and PARSLEY.

MUSHROOMS are a fall favorite in plentiful supply. Stuff BROWN MUSHROOMS, use WHITE MUSHROOMS in soups and stews, sauté OYSTER and SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS and use as a topping for grilled steak.

Good values continue in the ONION bin, including WHITE BOILER ONIONS, PEARL ONIONS, ITALIAN RED ONIONS and SWEET BROWN ONIONS. Store any ONION variety in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and sprouting.

If your feet are tired from too much holiday shopping, soak them in a bath of warm water mixed with sea salt, fresh LIME slices, MINT leaves and LIME oil.

GARLIC is plentiful; mince and blend with butter as an Italian bread spread and serve toasted with pasta.

Potted POINSETTIAS are making their annual appearance in the floral department, perfect as a quick holiday gift item. In cut arrangements, look for good values on SUNFLOWERS, CARNATIONS, MUMS, ROSES, TIGER LILIES, ALSTROMERIA LILIES and DAISIES.

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