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French Bloom Alcohol-free Wines

Looking for something special to serve to your friends who don't drink? Consider serving one of the surprisingly delicious French Bloom collection of alcohol-free sparkling wines crafted from organic pinot noir and chardonnay wines from this women-led brand ($39-$59). There's a Le Blanc, with a mineral Chardonnay freshness with hints of spice and citrus zest,  the Le Rosé combining minerality and depth, with a well-balanced acidity and delicate hints of white peach and L’Extra Brut with subtle hints of white flowers with a touch of grilled nuts. Truly delicious.  

By |2025-08-11T08:01:42-04:00August 19th, 2025|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO

Earlier this summer, I stopped by a press party for Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) outside of Eataly that was part of the "The EU Gem Ham: Prosciutto di Carpegna PDO campaign co-funded by the European Union." It's prosciutto, aged 20 months, produced exclusively in Italy’s Le Marche region. As with Prosciutto di Parma, this prosciutto is made according to a centuries-old method dating back to the Middle Ages. Its deep, rich flavors make it delicious on its own and a wonderful component in a wide range of dishes. At the party, J Sean, the bartender, introduced me to a Bergamot spritz with that eponymous liquor instead of Aperol, Prosecco [...]

By |2025-07-31T12:32:26-04:00July 30th, 2025|Food & Drinks, Recommended|1 Comment
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All-Clad Lifetime Warranty!

When my All-Clad stainless-steel tea kettle started leaking more water from the base than from the spout, I decided to check the warranty online. "They did say lifetime," I recalled, thinking back I had gotten the kettle. 1993.  Yup, 32 years ago!  I reread their warranty statement: "When we say our products last a lifetime, we mean it," and then I called them. If you need to contact All-Clad about a warranty issue, call 1-800-255-2523. If you are calling from Canada, use 1-800-418-3325. The representative sent me a prepaid label so I could return my leaking kettle. I found an appropriate box, sent it off, and was delighted when my [...]

By |2025-06-06T08:50:19-04:00June 28th, 2025|Kitchen Counter, Drawer and More, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Pumpernickel Everything Bagels at Tompkins Square Bagels, Union Square, NYC

I'm in love. Although I do tend to hyperbole, when I discovered Tompkins Square pumpernickel everything bagels it truly was love at first bite. Haven't visited another bagel shop since I discovered them. That good.  I try to make most grains I eat, whole. And as a registered dietitian, that's what I recommend for other. Pumpernickel bagels are a tad healthier because they are generally made with rye flour, which is higher in fiber and has a lower glycemic index, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels.  This fiber isn't just for keeping things moving; it also plays a role in cardiovascular health, diabetes prevention, and more. [...]

By |2025-04-13T10:19:35-04:00April 23rd, 2025|Big Apple Life, Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Two Countertop Beverage Appliances Brita Electric Water + Hamilton Beach® FlexBrew®

At a recent product showing, I found two appliances from Hamilton Beach that warm the heart of a New Yorker with a small kitchen and little countertop space for devices. I had started researching Brita water filters after finding that my crisp New York water wasn't tasting as good as it used to. I wasn't sure I wanted to give up space in my 24-inch refrigerator for the pitcher. When I saw the compact size — less than 5 inches wide! — of the new Brita Hub™ Compact ($119.99) with a 9-cup (72 oz) water reservoir detaches from the hub for an easy fill-up at the faucet with a 2-year [...]

By |2024-11-20T12:25:45-05:00November 18th, 2024|Kitchen Counter, Drawer and More, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Cypress Grove Meyer Lemon & Honey Cheese

I've been a Cypress Grove fan since I first tasted their Humboldt Fog goat cheese in the 80s. I really like their newest flavor, the Meyer Lemon & Honey Cheese. The 3-ounce disk ($8) of goat cheese has a slightly sweetened Meyer lemon and delicate alfalfa honey flavor.  One ounce has 70 calories and 4.5 grams of fat, 3 of which is saturated. Like all cheese, it's best to remove it from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving for the best flavor. Cypress Grove suggests serving the goat cheese in a tart, crumbled on a salad or stuffed in Medjool dates with chopped pistachios. I also like it [...]

By |2024-08-19T17:07:15-04:00August 31st, 2024|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Dreamfarm Fluicer and Supoon

Every year, I attend a mini-housewares show in Manhattan to preview the latest products that will be shown at The International Housewares Association's (IHA) Home + Housewares Market at Chicago's McCormick Place in March. This time, two items from Dreamfarm stood out as products I wanted to share with you for your kitchen. The first is the Fluicer, available in three sizes for different fruits. I like the yellow, medium-sized one ($16.95) designed for lemons. It was featured in "The O List" and is a Reddot Award Winner for 2023. This juicer folds completely flat for space-saving storage and requires less force than traditional juicers to squeeze the fruit.   [...]

By |2024-08-19T17:21:11-04:00August 17th, 2024|Kitchen Counter, Drawer and More, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Serendipity3 Original Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Mix

With my grandnieces visiting for the holidays, I took out my sample of Serendipity3 Frrrozen Hot Chocolate Mix I received from the company after a recent Fancy Food show. I wanted them to try this product made from a secret blend of 14 exotic cocoas. But before doing so, we headed to the legendary eponymous New York City restaurant, founded in 1954, to sample it where it started, learning that the restaurant had just served the 30 millionth one to Cher during her appearance at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. At the restaurant, the three of us finished every last drop of the tasty dessert served in a goblet, [...]

By |2023-12-31T20:56:39-05:00December 31st, 2023|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|3 Comments
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The Magical Renew Sponge

It was love at first use. I opened a package of GreenPan's Melamine sponge that I had received at a media Housewares Show, deciding to see how it worked. Their claim of wiping away cooked-on sticky food (aka carbonization that happens when fats burn onto your pan) with only water intrigued me.   I was flabbergasted when it worked! The cooked-on food just wiped away. I tried it a second time to be sure it wasn't a fluke. "Made of non-abrasive melamine, this scrubbing sponge is specially designed to clean your GreenPan ceramic cookware and other nonstick pots and pans," claimed the press materials. Instead of trying it on a nonstick pan, I [...]

By |2023-11-05T12:00:51-05:00December 1st, 2023|Kitchen Counter, Drawer and More, Products, Recommended|2 Comments
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Stan Donuts

Stan's donuts publicist sent their special edition Olive Oil Le Stan in a press package with enough to share with neighbors. Most enjoyed the flaky croissant texture and the rich orange zabaglione (Italian custard) filling. One family disagreed, thinking they were too fatty and sweet. These donuts ($4.95 each) are so decadent that I could only eat a quarter. I froze the rest, and when I wanted a treat, I'd bake a quarter in a 450-degree toaster oven for about 3 to 4 minutes. The company had no nutritional information for these special ones. I  asked. If you're not familiar (I wasn't until they ended up on my doorstep!), Stan's [...]

By |2023-02-24T17:13:23-05:00February 16th, 2023|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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City Saucery Calabrian Chili Spread

I always made my own until I sampled City Saucery's Spicy Calabrian all-purpose tomato sauce, Same with other friends I gave jars to try. Yes, it's that good. If you're unfamiliar with the Brooklyn-based company, they source local fresh, overripe tomatoes and oddly shaped carrots that would go to waste and turn them into their sauces, one called Ugly Tomato Sauce. City Saucery makes the Spicy Calabrian sauce from tomatoes, onions, olives, carrots, scallions, EVOO, basil, sea salt and wild oregano with a kick from Calabrian chilies.  When I stopped by the booth to return an empty jar to receive $1 off my next one, I noticed their Calabrian chili [...]

By |2022-07-11T13:24:42-04:00July 15th, 2022|Food & Drinks, Just For Fun, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Quri the Quinoa Peruvian Vodka

Just arriving on our shelves is Quri, an award-winning Peruvian vodka made from quinoa sourced from a single-family farm and ancient Andean glacier water filtered through volcanic stone. It's one of two vodkas in the world made from the locally originated grain, with Quri the only one produced in the Andes. If you're not familiar with this nutritious grain, quinoa seeds are richer in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins and dietary minerals than many grains. Quinoa has been farmed for over 5000 years by the Incas. And now, it's the base for this vodka, one with a mission to better the lives of the Andes people. The distinct slightly grain [...]

By |2022-05-24T06:47:49-04:00May 14th, 2022|Food & Drinks, Products|0 Comments
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Spiribam Rum Tasting from Martinique and St. Lucia

    Recently,  at a virtual Spiribam Rum Tasting, I learned how wonderfully decadent sipping rum could be! Some at the tasting compared it to cognac. The umbrella company, Spiribam represents, markets and distributes rums from Martinique and Saint Lucia. We sampled Chairman’s from St Lucia; Rhum J. M. from Martinique and Clement from Martinique. With the holidays around the corner do treat yourself to one or more of these or purchase one as a hostess gift. Prices for a 750 ml bottle of what we tasted and photos of the actual rum! Chairman's Vintage 2009 $70 Chairman's 1931 $100 Rhum JM XO $75 Rhum JM 10 Year $130 Rhum [...]

By |2021-11-21T11:21:45-05:00November 12th, 2021|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Le Grand Verre Single-serve Bottled French Wines: Stocking Stuffer Idea

I know it's a bit early to be talking stocking stuffers, but I may have discovered a perfect one for your favorite oenophile. The publicist for Le Grand Verre offered to send samples for a virtual wine tasting of some of their premium French wines that we'd try during a wine tasting led by some of the French wine-makers. These wines, solely from boutique winemakers, are bottled in slim, single-serve recycled, double-coated PET packaging. The collection represents France’s best styles, varieties and terroir from regions such as Bordeaux, Languedoc and Provence. In addition, the majority of the wines in the portfolio are helmed by women or crafted by female winemakers. [...]

By |2021-10-10T10:17:22-04:00October 9th, 2021|Food & Drinks, Recommended|0 Comments
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Broken Shed: The Vodka of Tomorrow

As a vodka-lover, I looked forward to sampling Broken Shed Vodka, New Zealand’s award-winning, super-premium. And, I found their creative “The Vodka of Tomorrow” campaign amusing. It pays tribute to New Zealand, highlighting that, thanks to time zone differences, it’s already tomorrow there. Hence the name. Cute. As of this writing, Broken Shed is available in 24 states not including New York. Click here for their product locator. The alcohol by volume is 40% / 80 Proof; the suggested retail price of a  750ml bottle is $30. I do recommend this vodka, and enjoying it neat! It's that good.  

By |2021-10-06T08:03:23-04:00September 29th, 2021|Food & Drinks, Products|0 Comments
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Saco Chocolate Chunks, A Favorite

I've had a love affair with Saco real semi-sweet chocolate chunks since I discovered them early in my career as a food editor. Actually, my affaire de cœur was with the company and its products.  I used only their  Cultured Buttermilk Blend for making pancakes as the boys were growing up. To this date, I won't make pancakes without the blend. Yes, that good. My memory has faded on how I met Ray Sanna (the son of Bartel Sanna, the founder of Saco), but I do recall what a gentleman he also was. I hear that at 74, he's still on the floor every day fixing things.  With the resurgence [...]

By |2023-03-02T10:55:21-05:00June 7th, 2020|Food & Drinks, Recommended|9 Comments
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Shy Brothers Cloumage, A Versatile Tangy Cheese

Cloumage is made from Shy Brothers' coastal Massachusetts farm's cows' milk plus three ingredients. According to the company, their Ayrshire cows enjoy seasons of grasses and herbs influenced by the salty, foggy ocean air. They batch-pasteurize their milk to preserve its natural enzyme. In recipes, use this tangy cheese in place of sour cream, yogurt, crème fraîche, buttermilk or mascarpone. Cloumage keeps for 12 months refrigerated and one month after it’s opened. It can be baked, frozen or both. Two tablespoons contain 20 calories, 1 gram fat of which 0.5 grams is saturated and 110 mg sodium. Cloumage is available in 7 -ounce packages, plain and flavored with an average [...]

By |2020-05-24T11:11:09-04:00May 17th, 2020|Food & Drinks, Recommended|2 Comments
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Pressels Compared to Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps

Oddly when the person promoting these new Pressels emailed us, she knew nothing about  — nor seemed interested in learning about — the competition. Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps, a company that we've written about many times, also offers crunchy and flavorful crisps strong enough for dipping that are also lower in both sodium and fat than traditional pretzels, which is a claim made by Pressels. Specifically, one ounce (about 20 quarter-sized) of the everything variety Pressel  has 120 calories, 2 grams fat (of which 1 gram is saturated) and 210 milligrams sodium compared to the everything variety of Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps (of about eleven  2-x-2 1/2-inch crisps) that have [...]

By |2019-05-13T14:08:03-04:00June 22nd, 2019|Food & Drinks, Of Interest, Products|0 Comments
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Not Just For Tacos: Organic Red Duck Taco Sauce

Earlier this year, Red Duck foods, an Oregon condiment company, introduced a line of three organic sauces. The company is a Certified B Corporation, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental impact. It took me a while to sample these, as I don't often make tacos. I decided to try these certified organic, gluten-free and vegan sauces on chicken, fish, veggies, egg dishes and sandwiches and where I was looking for a bit of spice. Unlike many other condiments, these are extremely low in sodium and calories. One tablespoon of the mild and spicy one contains a mere 5 calories and 50 milligrams of sodium; 15 calories and 15 milligrams [...]

By |2018-12-02T16:12:58-05:00December 1st, 2018|Food & Drinks, Products, Recommended|0 Comments
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Bubble Tea at Ten Ren Tea, Chinatown, NYC

While waiting in the seemingly interminable line outside a restaurant on Elizabeth Street, we decided to quench our thirst with some bubble tea around the corner on Mott Street. Ten Ren named one of the best Bubble Tea places in NYC in Time Out, The Gothamist and Yelp. I had tried it a few years ago and wasn't wild about it. Thought I'd give the Taiwanese drink invented in the 1980s another chance. Don't go if you have trouble making decisions. After picking the type of tea and flavor, you select both your sweetness and ice levels. One friend chose 100 percent sweetness for his black milk tea ($5.05 large), the other 50 for her [...]

By |2018-10-06T08:16:31-04:00October 5th, 2018|Food & Drinks|0 Comments
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