Daily Dish the Fork Lift blog

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Have you ever wondered where coffee gets its flavor? Does the origin of the bean or the length of time a bean is roasted affect the flavor of your coffee? The answer is both! The origin characteristics usually influence the look, taste and smell of the coffee, while the roast degree affects the flavor intensity: as the beans caramelize throughout the roasting process, the origin characters of the beans are muted and new aromas are developed.

For both flavor and aroma, we love coffees from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

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Indulge: Our Favorite Chocolate

B.T. McELRATH Chocolatier

Named one of the top ten chocolatiers in North America in 2010 by Dessert Professional, B.T. McELRATH Chocolatier has it going on! Our favorite bar, The Salty Dog, is made with 70 percent dark chocolate and pieces of butter toffee and sea salt. It will knock your socks off — you’ll be glad that it’s a sharing-is-optional kind of bar! For milk chocolate lovers, the Prairie Dog bar is made with 40 percent milk chocolate, butter toffee pieces, toasted almonds and sea salt. Can you say delicious? You’ll want to savor every bite of these bars.

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A Hot Cup of Twinings Tea

Can you believe that Twinings tea has supplied tea to every successive British Monarch since Queen Victoria? In 1837 the Queen granted Twinings a Royal Warrant for tea, which appointed the company as the supplier of teas to her household, and they have been supplying tea to the British royalty ever since!

One of our favorite teas made by Twinings is the Ultra Spice Chai. This tea has a vibrant aroma and bold taste. When drinking you’ll pick up flavors of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and ginger; perfect for cozying up on a winter’s eve with a book in hand, next to the fire! • Stephanie Stille, Specialty & Ethnic Foods

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Fior di Frutta & Nocciolata

In every jar of Fior di Frutta’s line of 100 percent organic fruit spreads, you’ll find the product of more than three pounds of organic fruit and no added sugar. Fior di Frutta processes their fruits at low temperatures to preser ve all the vitamins and nutrients, making this yummy spread quite healthy — and also irresistible! The newest addition to the fam ily group is a pink grapefruit spread, but the strawberry and cherry spreads are classics.

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Desperately Seeking Chocolate Sauce

Hand-made in small batches, using premium dark chocolate, cream, butter, brown sugar, brown rice syrup and vanilla, these hot fudge sauces are simply to-die-for. We love these delicious dessert sauces paired with fruit or drizzled over your favorite baked treat or ice cream. You can also mix the sauce with cream cheese and powdered sugar to make a delicious frosting! • Stephanie Stille, Specialty & Ethnic Foods

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Double Rainbow Pumpkin Ice Cream

This local ice cream company from San Francisco opened as a small ice cream parlor in 1976. Since then they have been family run and privately owned. Double Rainbow is made with all-natural ingredients, and they have worked over the last 35 years to develop a full line of super premium ice cream. They pride themselves on using only the best ingredients, and the only preservative used is the refrigerator. During the holidays, Double Rainbow offers their delicious Pumpkin flavor ice cream. This unique flavor is perfect to pair with any pie or as a side to any dessert.  • Daniel Williams, Frozen Foods

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Urban Accents: Brine, Dry Rub & Glazes

Are you looking for the perfect brine, rub or glaze for your holiday meats this season? Urban Accents, a new addition to our shelves, offers tons of great options. Our favorite is the Gourmet Gobbler, a kit that includes a spiced brine blend, smoky peppercorn and herb rub and a BPA-free brining bag. The rub will leave your turkey with a mouthwatering fragrance, and the brine will help to lock in the juices of the bird, while bringing about a rich flavor to the meat.

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