Happy New Year!
This coming year, I've resolved to wipe high fructose corn syrup and other less than wholesome ingredients such as bleached flours from my diet. In fact, I've already stocked my cupboards with Caramel Pecan Brownies from Dancing Deer. Packed with wholesome goodness and accented with a deliciously crunchy layer of pecans and caramel, Dancing Deer takes pride in natural, straightforward ingredients like cane sugar and unbleached wheat flour. You'll find yourself saying: "I can eat that..I can eat that...oh yes!"

Reindeer Food
I found Tom & Sally's Handmade Chocolates while shopping for last minute stocking stuffers at Urban Outfitters. 16 years ago, Tom & Sally left their corporate jobs in Manhattan to make chocolate in Vermont. Their light-hearted approach to life is evident in their line of penny candies and handmade Belgian chocolates all packaged with a sense of humor.

Pa RUM pum pum pum...
T'is the season, if ever, for overly-spiked nog and other liquor inundated treats. In the spirit, I ordered a six pack of assorted mini Tortuga Rum Cakes. I had fond memories of the super moist, golden rum soaked cakes from Caribbean holidays past. I was excited to sample the chocolate. I ate the entire 4oz. bundt in a matter of minutes, well, seconds... It was just so chocolatey while still managing to be buttery, light, and fluffy. And while the Tortuga version contains just enough rum to authenticate the taste, it's not nearly enough to feel debaucherous. I plan to douse mine with a little extra for good measure. Each cake comes individually wrapped making it the perfect little gourmet something to give...

Bravo Batali
In a quest for the perfect little gift items to warm my best friend's kitchen (I'd been searching for a set of Batali measuring bowls I'd spotted at the MOMA Store in Soho), I happened upon these gorgeous measuring spoons by Mario Batali. I love the slick design in chocolate...er, so what if they're technically called 'espresso'...