TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Big Papi En Fuego Gourmet Hot Sauce

One of the challenges of the food-writing profession is that, to do a really good job of it, you’ve got to taste everything straight off the spoon. Even hot sauce. Otherwise, the flavor of the bread, chicken or other food you’re using as a base gets in the way. Tasting soy sauce from the spoon…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: The Best Of 2009 ~ Part 1, Savory Foods

As is our tradition, the Top Picks of the last two weeks of the year present the best products we’ve tried during the year—everyday specialty food products that can make every day special. This week, in Part I of “The Best Of 2009,” we present in alphabetical order our favorite savory foods and beverages. You…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Sprinkles Cupcake Mix

In greater Los Angeles, home to Sprinkles Cupcakes,* there is the usual discussion board controversy. You’ll read everything from they’re “the best there is” to “avoid at all costs.” We only know Sprinkles cupcakes from their mixes. We’ve made every one, and we stand firmly with “the best there is” crowd. Maybe your homemade cupcakes…
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TOP PICK OF THE WEEK: Java & Co. Artisan Coffee Syrups

Coffee: neat, pressed and hungry for a shot (of Java & Co. syrup, that is). Photo © Elina Manninen | Fotolia.com. Millions of people in America walk into their favorite coffee emporium and order their java with a shot of syrup. Amaretto, caramel, hazelnut and vanilla are very popular, and it’s high season for egg…
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Top Pick Of The Week: Cookie Panache

Thank goodness the growing demand for sophisticated cookie platters gave birth to Cookie Panache, because the cookies are simply wonderful. In a world where the cost of labor and ingredients to bake one’s own butter cookies is almost as much as buying the finest, Cookie Panache is a real find. Crafting twists on favorites that…
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