For decades France dominated America's perception of fine European food. Somewhere in the last couple decades Italy stepped into the spotlight, and, today, it's not difficult to find a shelf of darn good Italian foods in any town in America. But for my money, these days, I get most excited about what's coming out of Spain.

Spain has all the historical food traditions of its neighbor countries not to mention a small-scale food industry that's diverse, dispersed and thriving. What it's got that almost no other country in Europe has—save for England, a country that may or may not be in Europe, depending on who you ask—is funkiness. Spanish food is gutsy, quirky, totally captivating. You don't have to think hard about its flavors. Nibble a food in this collection, and it will hit your tastebuds with a hammer.

The perfect present for the intrepid food explorer on your gift list.

We stuff our cartooned gift box with Fig and Almond Cake, Tinned Line Caught Ortiz Tuna, Clos de la Torre Olive Oil & Anise Tortas, Rioja Red Wine Vinegar, Chocolate Covered Figs and Mahon Cheese.