MarketBasket:
Nuts about her? Philly homeboy Michael Recchiuti is a big-time San Francisco chocolatier nowadays. But you can still mail-order his exquisite stuff in time for Valentine's Day. A new winner in his lineup? These burnt caramel almonds - crunchy, whole, organic almonds cloaked in dark chocolate with a curious backbeat of burnt caramel, dusted trufflelike in a soft fluff of cocoa. The first one tastes mysterious. After that, it's BFF.
Nuts about her?
Philly homeboy Michael Recchiuti is a big-time San Francisco chocolatier nowadays. But you can still mail-order his exquisite stuff in time for Valentine's Day. A new winner in his lineup? These burnt caramel almonds - crunchy, whole, organic almonds cloaked in dark chocolate with a curious backbeat of burnt caramel, dusted trufflelike in a soft fluff of cocoa. The first one tastes mysterious. After that, it's BFF.
Burnt Caramel Almonds, $11 for 4 ounces; $38 for 1 pound, 11 ounce gift box, Recchiuti Confections, www.recchiuti.com, or 800-500-3396.
- Rick Nichols
Future heirloom
French watercolorist Marc Lacaze combines his botanicals with historic script and postmarks for a charming effect on this porcelain teapot from Bernardaud, the family-run company in Limoges, France. The 25-ounce teapot is just one piece in a collection of dinnerware that includes bowls, plates and serving dishes. All are microwave and dishwasher safe.
Bernardaud Jardin des Fleurs teapot, $190, exclusively at Williams-Sonoma.
- Maureen Fitzgerald
Lower-guilt chips
As Cape Cod Kettle Cooked potato chips are my undisputed favorite, I feared the worst before tasting the reduced-fat version: 40 percent less fat would mean 100 percent less desire to eat them. Alas, the almost unbelievable is true - these chips taste very close to full fat. Not too much salt and the perfect crispy crunch. A mere 130 calories and 6 grams of fat for 23 chips. The challenge is to stop at 23.
Cape Cod 40 Percent Reduced Fat potato chips, 8.5 ounce bag, $3.49, at local supermarkets.
- M.F.