My parents often speak of “comfort food.” While I understand little of what they mean, I know I am always comfortable eating food. For them the real pleasure is found in all things Italian. They eat it, they drink it, they travel to it, they dream of it. An Italian vacation is still out of the question for some, but what if you could take a sense sabbatical and find yourself among the vines? Imagine a balmy breeze carried in from the Mediterranean plucks a sweetly sun-kissed tomato, and squeezes it until it bursts into an aromatic olfactory bomb of savory fragrance. This is the Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle from Flamingo Estate.

Although Flamingo Estate might sound like a chic retirement home in Delray Beach, it is an actual Eden-esque pink palace situated in the hills above Los Angeles. It’s lushly dense gardens harbor 150 botanical species and diverse orchards growing anything from apples to avocados to nuts, while the owner’s two Cocker Spaniels roam the property.  We’re practically related! In collaboration with local farmers and artisans around the country, Flamingo Estates has curated gifts that will make both your eyes and your mouth water. Mom thought a tomato scented candle was especially unique and gave it to Grandma – a gardening guru herself – as a Christmas gift. Grandma said the delectable aroma transported her to her childhood, running around her family’s garden on a summer afternoon in the south.

This candle (other options are Adriatic Sage and Climbing Tuscan Rosemary – cue salivation) is made from 100 percent vegetable wax poured into recycled glass and has the capability to burn for sixty hours. That is 3,600 minutes of luscious love apple essence permeating your palace. To make your home smell like a warm, ambrosial Italian feast light a match, not a stove.