Artisan holiday food markets

What
Cookies for a Cause
Where
Drake Hotel lobby (140 E Walton St, Gold Coast
When
Wed 7–Fri 9 noon–7pm; Sat 10, Sun 11 10am–5pm
Why
Proceeds from the sale of these boxes of a dozen cookies ($25) created by Chicago chefs, such as Rick Bayless, go toward scholarships for aspiring pastry chefs at the French Pastry School.
How to score
We got a sneak peek of what’s inside, and the sablé cookie (from French Pastry School founder Jacquy Pfeiffer) is our favorite.

What
One Stop Holiday Shoppe
Where
Espresso Thy Art (4019 N Damen Ave, North Center)
When
Sat 10, 11am–5pm
Why
Salted Caramel’s Bridget Doherty and Ginna Haravon are bringing together their friends (Jo Snow Syrups, Rich Chocolate and Candies, Defloured Bakery) for an artisan pop-up.
How to score
No need to hunt down food trucks in the cold when Sweet Spot Macarons will be bringing its French macarons inside.

What
Ms. Mint Holiday Bazaar
Where
Grossinger City Autoplex (1500 N Dayton St, Lincoln Park)
When
Dec 16 3–8pm, Dec 17 11am–6pm
Why
Dozens of artisans come together for a two-day festival of Midwestern products, from hot sauce (Bigfats Hot Sauce) to sweets (Puffs of Doom’s locally made cream puffs).
How to score
Century Sun Oil, a sunflower oil made in Wisconsin and never before sold in Chicago, will come in handy next time you try a localvore challenge. (Ha! Right…)

What
BYOB: Build Your Own (gift) Basket
Where
In Fine Spirits (5420 N Clark St, Andersonville; 773-334-9463)
When
Dec 17, 11am–3pm
Why
Provenance Food & Wine is popping up at In Fine Spirits for an ultimate food-and-drink gift basket–making session. (Or chance to order creative prepared gift baskets.)
How to score
Give cocktail lovers the gift they really want: a bottle of really good bourbon (from In Fine Spirits) and high-quality cocktail cherries (courtesy of Provenance).

What
Season’s Eatings
Where
Katherine Anne Confections (2745 W Armitage Ave, Logan Square)
When
Dec 18, 10am–3pm
Why
Caramel-maker Katherine Duncan has gathered her talented friends to showcase their pickles (the Scrumptious Pantry), seasonal pies (FIG Catering), small-batch teas and more.
How to score
Those on the search for quality bread may want to check out Ingram’s Jam & Bread (this is the first we’ve heard of it), which makes its loaves from hand-ground wheat.