FAB
An artist friend of mine introduced me to a relatively new website last month called “FAB” – a design e-retailer that has four distinguishing characteristics: (1) the products are fabulous in design, taste, or use; (2) e-mails are sent daily alerting subscribers to new products offered; (3) the products are not widely available; and (4) the products are all offered at a discount. Founded in June, 2011, FAB was the brainchild of Jason Goldberg and Bradford Shellhammer – two West Villagers who believed they could build an e-commerce powerhouse through word of mouth, which is exactly how it’s grown (witness my introduction to the website by a friend who has an eye for design). Read more 
The Molasses Clove Cookie
The Dancing Deer Baking Company uses all natural ingredients (unbleached wheat flour, cane sugar, canola oil, cage-free eggs, molasses, baking soda, spices, and kosher salt) to make an exquisite Molasses Clove Cookie that is thick and chewy. Originally thought of as a seasonal cookie for the holidays, the Molasses Clove Cookie dominated the company’s production when demand for this universally loved treat didn’t slow down after the holiday season. Read more
Seven Sundays Muesli
Muesli is a popular breakfast cereal that is predominately made up of rolled oats, fruits, nuts, seeds, and flakes (wheat, barley, and rye). More popular in Europe than in the US, muesli is often confused with granola, another healthy breakfast cereal. Whereas muesli and granola share many qualities, muesli is different in primarily three ways: muesli is usually a raw cereal meaning the ingredients are rarely baked or toasted before combined; muesli doesn’t have an oil to tie the ingredients together, and typically little or no sweetener is added to muesli because of the heavy concentration of dried fruits.There are, however many variations of muesli to appeal to a wide variety of tastes. Read more
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos
If you and your family like sweet potatoes, then Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos will become a family favorite….even if there are no vegetarians or vegans in your home. The overwhelming flavor of this dish lies with the sweet potatoes but the addition of the black beans, cilantro, onions and spices give the burritos a heartier flavor. Add the toppings…well, they’re the icing on the cake. Very simple to make, the potato and black bean filling can be prepared ahead of time then refrigerated until thirty minutes before dinnertime. Assemble the burritos and while the main course is baking, chop up the tomatoes and avocado, and grate the cheese. Dinner is served. Read more
Gagne’s Blueberry Petite Pie
When I think about Maine, I am reminded of rocky beaches, the cold salty ocean, lighthouses, lobster, and blueberries. In fact, the wild blueberry is the official fruit of Maine and is as much a symbol of the state as the lobster or the lighthouse.
Some people like to say the beacon in the lighthouse and the promise of lobster bring tourists to Maine but the possibility of eating deep blue pea-sized wild blueberries bursting with sweetness is also a draw. So, it’s no surprise that Gagne Foods of Bath, Maine combines their skill at pastry – the company’s 24-layer cream cheese biscuits are award winners – with wild blueberries to produce one amazing Blueberry Petite Pie that is also referred to as a Blueberry Turnover. Read more
Purcell Mountain Farms Lentils
For many years, the extent of my relationship with lentils was limited to lentil soup which never seemed to have as much flavor as a bean and vegetable soup and was certainly not as appetizing to look at. Then, while shopping in a small grocery store, I noticed bags of multi-colored lentils which intrigued me as I always thought lentils were limited to either the little French dark green puy variety or the big hearty American version. Read more
I Heart Keenwah
Quinoa (pronounced as Keenwah) is a grain-like crop whose edible seeds are being touted as a superfood: the only “grain” that is a complete protein source with all nine amino acids. In recent years, quinoa has grown in popularity as an alternative food for those on gluten-free diets and for those who want a crop with a high protein content (18%). High in carbohydrates and a good source of dietary fiber, quinoa has a light fluffy texture and a slightly nutty flavor when cooked but is crunchy and nutty when baked with a sweetener. That quinoa is also high in magnesium and iron also adds to its appeal. Read more
Theo Chocolate
Touted as the first organic and Fair Trade chocolate factory in the US, Theo Chocolates is a Seattle-based company that makes a variety of chocolate caramels, cream-based ganache chocolates, bars, sipping chocolate, and nibs. Most chocolate manufacturers specialize in producing gift box assortments or bars but not Theo, who controls the entire chocolate manufacturing process from the bean sourcing to the final packaging. This approach allows the company to produce a varied product line that is sure to please the consummate chocolate lover. Read more
Palouse Brand Green Split Peas
Grown, harvested, and packaged in the USA, Palouse Brand Split Peas are without a doubt the most flavorful split peas I have ever tasted. The Mader family has been farming for five generations in Pullman, Washington, which is located in the southeast part of the state. About 15 miles north of Pullman is a town called Palouse where the raw harvested peas are taken to be cleaned and packaged in a family owned plant. Read more
Butter Baked Marshmallows
Butter Baked Goods of Vancouver make thick, chewy, light-as-air marshmallows in 18 flavors including vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, raspberry, toasted coconut, mint, passion fruit and seasonal varieties. These marshmallows are not like the “jet puffed” dry marshmallows in plastic bags that most kids covet; Butter Marshmallows are marshmallows for adults (although I’ve yet to meet a child that doesn’t love Butter’s version of this old-fashioned treat). Eating a Butter Baked Goods marshmallow is like tasting butter when you’ve only had margarine your whole life. Who knew a marshmallow could taste this good? Read more
Paddock Post 