Donsuemor, known for its madeleines, has introduced a wonderful new little treat, the financier, or French almond cake. Fragrant, soft and moist with crisp fluted edges, these wonderful bites are just right with coffee, tea, milk or hot chocolate. Serve them instead of cookies or as part of a mixed cookie plate.

Financiers were created by a baker named Lasne in the financial district of Paris in the 1890s. Named for the rich financiers who frequented his bakery, Lasne created the little unglazed cake as finger food, to be enjoyed without utensils, and to be non-crumbly—no risk to the suit, shirt or tie of the nibbler. They were traditionally baked in the shape of gold bars.

Financiers or French almond cakes are a delicious treat for cake lovers. Photo courtesy of
Donsuemor.

• Order the financiers/French almond cakes at Donsuemor.com.
• Read about financiers and many other types of cake in our Cake Glossary.

Is it “real” brewed or is it VIA Ready Brew instant coffee? Photo courtesy of Starbucks.

Where are those instant coffee drinkers? We’ve done our share of world traveling and we’ve seen instant coffee in foreign grocery stores. But we’ve also been impressed by how strong most other nations like their brewed coffee. Are these same folks who demand Italian roast-strength coffee and even more fortissimo strengths actually closet instant coffee drinkers?

At about $1.00 a packet, VIA Ready Brew is likely the most expensive instant coffee in the world. We tried it when we announced it here last February when the instant was first available from Starbucks’ website. It has now rolled out at Starbucks stores nationwide. Head to your nearest Starbucks: They’re sampling through Monday.

• Read the Business Week article.
• What exactly is “instant coffee?” Read the proper definition and many others in our Coffee Glossary.

It’s good to be single, if you’re a single malt Scotch. It’s even better to have a friend who will buy you a bottle of the new, limited-edition The Glenlivet Nàdurra Triumph 1991 (Christmas is coming!). Triumph 1991 is the newest addition to The Glenlivet’s Nàdurra family, which debuted in 2006.

Nàdurra, which is Gaelic for “natural,” is a unique approach to single malt—a more authentic Scotch experience. As the company explains, “Short of becoming Master Distiller, Nàdurra is the closest you can come to drinking straight from a cask at The Glenlivet Distillery.”

Unlike most Scotch, Nàdurra, a proprietary line, is made without chill filtration, resulting in a slight cloudiness—a traditional and perfectly natural effect. A non-chill filtered Scotch better retains its natural flavors, with additional richness and a creamy mouthfeel.

The perfect gift for a Scotch lover: It’s
almost like drinking Scotch straight from the cask.

If you want to throw a holiday party that will live in memory, how about a tasting of all of The Glenlivets*: the 12-Year-Old, 15-Year-Old French Oak Reserve, Nàdurra 16-Year-Old Cask Strength, 18-Year-Old, Archive 21-Year-Old, The Glenlivet XXV and the new kid on the block. The Glenlivet Nàdurra Triumph 1991, which will be available only in the U.S. beginning in November 2009, with a suggested retail price of $85, although we have seen it for far less.

*There are also rare offerings of the Cellar Collection.

• Want to know more about Scotch and other whiskey? Check out our Whiskey 101 article.
• Learn your whiskey terms in our Whiskey Glossary.

There’s one sure way to make a haunted
house disappear: Get some forks and call
some friends. Photo courtesy of Sur La Table.

It’s not just for kids: Even adults deserve a little something special for All Hallows’ Eve. You can use your favorite cake recipe or a mix.

• See our review of Top Pick Of The Week Bundt Cake Mixes, which includes the history of the Bundt cake. The Sticky Toffee Pudding mix would be perfect for your haunted castle cake!

• We’ve got lots of valuable butter tips.
• You won’t believe how many different types of butter there are. See our Butter Glossary.
• Find flavored butter recipes, reviews of our favorite artisan butters, the history of butter and more in our Butter Section.