Cachaça (kah-SHA-sah), Brazil’s noble spirit, was invented nearly five hundred years ago, one hundred years before the founding of its Caribbean cousin, rum.

Here in the United States, cachaça is considered “Brazilian rum,” but don’t call it that in front of a Brazilian! Rum is distilled from molasses, while cachaça is a purer spirit, made from fresh cane juice, the purest product of sugar cane (molasses is the residue after the sugar crystals are extracted—read more about the levels of molasses).

The key ingredient in Brazil’s national cocktail, the Caipirinha (ky-puh-REEN-ya), cachaça is not only popular in its country of origin, and is the third most consumed spirit in the world (hmm—how much do they drink at Carnival, anyway?).

So, have a Caipirinha to celebrate the day as you chant the mantra: Cachaça is made from cane juice, rum from molasses. When you can no longer chant this quickly, you’ve had too many Capirihas—time to move on to the espresso bar.

McCormick Grill Mates marinades arrived in exotic, evocative flavors, Hawaiian Luau and Mojito Lime. In other hands, these types of flavors could be overwhelming or sticky sweet; McCormick’s marinades perfectly captured the flavor themes with finesse.

Create a meal in just 30 minutes with Lawry’s Signature Steakhouse and Buffalo BBQ Marinades.

With Lawry’s Buffalo BBQ flavor, initial vinegar sweetness gives way to a nice burn of cayenne pepper and chili. A bite of the Signature Steakhouse reveals a popular taste with an acidic tang of Worcestershire and nice sting of pepper. These are sauces made for all America: they are flavorful but not potent.

On to the marindades. We liked the contrasting, smoky and bright flavors of the Mojito Lime. Peppery heat was backed by a refreshing sugary citrus punch. Hawaiian Luau did not evoke visions of volcanoes or guests in Hawaiian shirts (thank goodness!), but had a nice, even balance of tart pineapple and red pepper.

While all of the products contain high fructose corn syrup and other chemicals that would never get onto an “all natural product” list, as you have probably read, the jury is out as to whether it is the HFCS or all the bad eating habits and the level of over-sweetened food in general that have been responsible for obesity epidemic. We’re not supporting HFCS, but it didn’t stop us from enjoying these products.

• Click for THE NIBBLE’s reviews and articles of Rubs, Marinades, Sauces and Glazes
• Check out Lawry’s website for other products and recipes.
• Discover McCormick’s other spices, sauces and recipes

This “strawberry napoleon” is the perfect
end to an all-strawberry menu at your
strawberry dinner party. Photos courtesy
California Strawberry Commission.

From pre-dinner drinks, to a Syrah glaze for a pork entrée that will have you licking your chops, give these recipes a try.

On the menu:

• Page 1: Sweet and Spicy Absinthe Cocktail
• Page 2: Spicy Syrah-Glazed Pork Chops With Couscous Pilaf
• Page 3: Strawberry & Cucumber Salad
• Page 4: Strawberry Macaroon Napoleons
• Page 5: Strawberry Mango Smoothie

A free film screening, al fresco.

• “Eat or We Both Shall Starve,” about a Mississippi catfish joint; an exposé on Malaysian street food (“Street Chows”) and a nail-biting super-short thriller about a stalk of celery and a knife (“Celeriac”).

• “Food Cops” about a hamburger and a hot dog hunting for a criminal on the streets of New York and “Sandwich Thief” where a fight over a sandwich leads to an unexpected conclusion.
• Much more—see the website.

With less than two weeks to Father’s Day (Sunday, June 21), you can get inspiration from our gift selections. There’s something at every price range (mostly very recession affordable), including:

• Bentley’s wonderful pecan caramel popcorn, not sticky-sweet
• Gary West’s meaty, high-protein steak strip snack packs
• Paumanok Preserves’ Incredible Onion Conserve and Gracious Garlic Gelée (not to be missed!)
• Philadelphia Distilling’s Bluecoat Gin, a truly exciting, handcrafted award winner
• Sanani’s super-smooth Mocha coffee from Yemen
• Sweet Assets’ Financial Crunch Chocolate Stimulus Package

All items are available online; shipping costs offset your time and gas money. See our Gift Finder Section for even more gift ideas.