1. Persian trail mix from Niloofar

This Illinois-made take on the traditional Iranian snack blend ajil is a tangy amalgam of white mulberries, figs, golden berries, raisins, and a variety of nuts. $11 for eight ounces. niloofarmix.com

2. Butter-almond toffee from Four Brothers Chocolates

Topped with chunks of almonds and flaky sea salt, this Wheaton chocolatier’s small-batch toffee is the ultimate in sweet-salty snacking. $12 for eight ounces. fourbrotherschocolates.com

3. Nostrano from Tempesta Market

Infused with Brazilian pink peppercorns, garlic, and Chianti, this unique Piedmontese-style specialty is tailor-made for winter. $7 per quarter pound. 1372 W. Grand Ave., West Town

4. Fig and Earl Grey preserves from Rare Bird Preserves

Hand-cut Black Mission figs are cooked with bergamot-heavy Earl Grey tea until they become this sweet spread. $12 for a seven-ounce jar. rarebirdpreserves.com

5. Stecca from Hewn

These fat and chewy naturally leavened breadsticks are topped with tomato, basil, and Parmesan. $4 per stick. 810 Dempster St., Evanston

6. Cave-aged Chandoka

Created for Standard Market in Westmont (and now sold by other cheese shops) by Wisconsin’s LaClare Family Creamery and aged for six months onsite, this dense cheddar of cow’s and goat’s milk puts your block of Kraft to shame. $25 per pound. available at Pastoral, pastoralartisan.com