The 2009 New York International Fancy Food Show was one of the best for our intrepid team. While the economy did cause sparser attendance this year, Karen and I went a day early and participated in “Business Builders 101” which is a string of more than 30 back-to-back, one-on-one interviews with food purveyors. For comparison, it was like three hours of speed dating for foodies. We found a number of exciting new products and it was probably the most productive time ever spent at the Fancy Food Show for us. We’ll definitely be going next year!

Our Foodies Friends at Stonewall Kitchens have been at it again and we’re suckers for just about anything with GARLIC. We came home

with Roasted Garlic Onion Bruschetta and Roasted Garlic Bread Spread . I tasted each of them and imagined topping crackers, baked brie, baked potato or as an accompaniment to both grilled tri-tip and salmon. First rate!!

Also, the ultimate dinner for when friends congregate in the kitchen to watch you cook – Risotto in two varieties: Butternut Squash (with a bright and fruity flavor) and Mushroom (earthier and a little richer). It’s fast, easy and flavorful. Just add cooked chicken for a one-dish dinner.

The Barefoot Contessa offers two new baker’s treats for the holidays…Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting (killer class cupcakes) and Coconut Macaroon Mix that bakes up light and fluffy but sinfully rich at the same time! 

The Robert Rothschild crew has been hard at work too.  We found their new hummus flavors – First, Roasted Eggplant and Peppers Hummus that is blended with tahini, garlic and spices for a wonderful eastern Mediterranean snack. Top yogurt or sour cream and serve with toasted pita wedges. Second, Roasted Garlic Hummus (did we say garlic?) rich with a touch of Cayenne Pepper that is great mixed with sliced cucumbers or as a marinade on chicken before grilling!

We were really excited to find Vervacious from Maine. These award-winning condiments stacked beautifully in exquisite sparkling glass jars. They are perfect for your foodie friends who are looking for something s/he doesn’t have yet!!  Christmas???

The SIGNATURE STACK – Espresso Balsamic Drizzle (Best new product in New England Product Show), Piri-Piri Pepper Condiment, and Windward Island Roasting Rub.

The BEST OF ITALY STACK – Espresso Balsamic Drizzle, Black Mission Fig paste, Plum Balsamic Mostarda and Tuscan Hill Town Porchetta. Bellisima Cara!

Another forward-looking product is Biodynamic Tea…Okay, What does biodynamic mean? Simply that the soil itself is alive and needs to be nourished and cared for in the same way you would the plants growing there. There is emphasis on non-chemical enhancements to further the purity and health of the soil is vital to the production of high-quality, pure and healthful food. It’s beyond organic! Zhena’s Gypsy Tea is health enhancing in Green tea: Blueberry Vanilla , Caramelized Pear and Berry Bellini; Black tea: Coconut Chai; White tea: Mint and Rose Petals.

BIODYNAMIC, ORGANIC AND FAIR TRADE!

Amella Cocoa Butter Caramels redefined the category with each bite!  We tasted these all-natural confections and said “Yep! Gotta have these little cake-like morsels.” The three flavors included: Carrot Cake – fresh carrots, roasted pecans, cocoa butter and creamy caramel covered in white chocolate, Black Forest – cherries, 70% dark chocolate, Tahitian vanilla, caramel and white chocolate and last, but certainly not least, Passion Fruit – exotic tropical fruit, cocoa butter, Tahitian vanilla, and buttery caramel covered in milk chocolate. Each one induces eye-rolling euphoria! PACKED IN THREES for a lost weekend.