Twenty years ago it was a tough task to build a tasty collection of American artisan foods, let alone one strictly from around the Great Lakes.

Times have changed. Today there’s such a bounty the tables have turned. The difficult job is not finding enough foods: it's editing the selection.

Here are seven delectables that I think represent some of the ingenuity and resources of artisan food makers from our region.

We stuff our cartooned gift box with Peanut Butter from Koeze in Grand Rapids, Strawberry and Pepper Jam from Farrell Fruit in Ann Arbor, Freshly Roasted Zingerman's Coffee, Mo’s Bacon Chocolate bar from Vosges in Chicago, Marieke Gouda from Thorp, Wisconsin, Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon from Wisconsin and our Pecan Raisin Bread.

Ridiculously delicious snacks, salty and sweet, from some of our favorite American food makers.

The perfect variety of nosh to see you through lazy days on the lake or long nights on the road. Nothing's too perishable. Great for camping trips, hikes and picnics.

Our cartoon gift box includes Zingerman’s Butter Toasted Peanuts, John Macy’s Cheesesticks, Ann Arbor Tortilla Chips, Toasted Walnut Magic Brownie, Ginger-Jump Up Molasses Cookie and Mrs. Sipp’s Spiced Almonds.