The Nibble Webzine Of Food Adventures -

PRODUCT REVIEW: Gourmet Marshmallows

November 9, 2007 at 8:41 pm · Filed under Candy & Confections, Great Food

What happens when you set out to find the best marshmallows in America? You taste the wares of more marshmallow specialists than you can remember—and select the 24 memorable ones to recommend to you. We’ve found great vanilla marshmallows, chocolate marshmallows, chocolate-dipped marshmallows, classic flavored marshmallows (banana, blackberry, chocolate, cinnamon, coffee, lemon, mint, mocha, orange, raspberry, strawberry, toasted coconut), creative flavors (Key lime, lavender, mango, margarita, piña colada, Sambuca) and exotic ones (matcha, taro, pandan). And, there are seasonal marshmallows: pumpkin spice is in full force, and no doubt, egg nog and peppermint are right around the corner. You’ll also learn the history of the marshmallow, how to make marshmallows at home (not easy!), how to toast them indoors (no campfire required!) and how to use gourmet marshmallows in recipes from breakfast through dessert. Yes, we’ve got Marshmallow Mania! You can read the full article, plus learn about our other favorite candies in the Candy Section of THE NIBBLE online magazine.		These Mocha Chipsters from My Flour Garden are just one of the amazing marshmallows we tracked down for you.

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ENTERTAINING: How To Choose A Caterer

November 9, 2007 at 8:21 pm · Filed under Entertaining

A good caterer can transform your living room into a dining fantasy.		Are you yearning to have a smashing party this holiday season (or any time), but lack the time, organization skills and/or vision to make it materialize? There’s no problem with any of that—a wonderful caterer is a party-giver’s best friend. He or she can take care of everything, so all you need to do is send out invitations. A great party can cost as much as a vacation—but it’s just as memorable, and many more people will remember it. Before you hire a caterer—or just to learn more about the process—read How To Hire A Caterer to ensure a great time for you and your guests. Tips include how to source great caterers, the interviewing process and all of the extras you should plan for.

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ENTERTAINING: Specialty Foods For Thanksgiving Dinner

November 9, 2007 at 8:11 pm · Filed under Entertaining

If you’re spending the weekend planning Thanksgiving dinner, we have some suggestions for you. First, take a look at our article, Specialty Foods For Thanksgiving Dinner, for subtle ways to bring even more excitement your meal. Serve Hint Pomegranate-Tangerine infused water (no calories), replace the regular soft drinks with Fizzy Lizzy sparkling juices (Northern Lights Cranberry or Red Hill Pomegranate), Izze sparkling juices (Clementine, Pear & Pomegranate) and GuS’s Grown-Up Sodas (Dry Cranberry Lime, Dry Crimson Grape and Dry Pomegranate). Peruse the other choices, which end with Häagen-Dazs Caramelized Pear and Toasted Pecan Ice Cream and Pumpkin Spice Bonbons from Chocolat Céleste. Or, we can highly recommend the pumpkin cheesecake from Elegant Cheesecakes (shown in photo). Everything you see is edible, except the plate.		The Great Pumpkin, this year, is this cheesecake from Elegant Cheesecakes.
Next, take a look at Pairing Mineral Waters With Thanksgiving Dinner, and Thanksgiving Wine Pairings—plan different wines for the main course as well as dessert. We always give thanks for a great dessert wine.

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PRODUCT WATCH: Recchiuti Fall Chocolates

November 7, 2007 at 11:55 am · Filed under Chocolate, Entertaining, Food Holidays & More, Special Sweets

Available only through the end of November.		Just for the month of November, San Francisco chocolatier Michael Recchiuti has dressed up his best-selling Burnt Caramel chocolate, decorated with a delicate pattern of falling leaves. They’re almost too pretty to eat…but we said almost. Treat yourself, buy some for hostess gifts, use them as table accents for dinner parties. Give the kids chocolate turkeys at Thanksgiving, and bestow these upon more grateful palates. Eight pieces are $18.00. Read our full review of Recchiuti Chocolate in THE NIBBLE online magazine. For more Thanksgiving chocolate ideas, don’t miss this roundup of our favorites, Thanksgiving Candy & Chocolate.

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Product Watch: Exotic Winter Squash

November 6, 2007 at 11:11 pm · Filed under Food Holidays & More, Vegetables-Salads-Herbs

What do these have in common: acorn, Australian blue, banana, buttercup, butternut, calabaza, carnival, chayote, delicaza, gold nugget, hubbard, kabocha, orangetti, red kuri, spaghetti, stripetti, sweet dumpling and turban?

They’re all winter squash—but you probably guessed that from the headline. Do you know how delicious they all are, though?

We got a huge shipment from Melissa’s Produce, purveyors of exotic fruits and vegetables, just so we could taste through them all. Call it two weeks of squash bliss.

They’re all wonderful, but if we had to pick our personal winner, it’s carnival squash (photo #1), so good that we ate the rind. Sweet Dumpling Squash (photo #2) took second place.

So check your farmers markets or order online from Melissa’s. You won’t be disappointed!

SQUASH NUTRITION

Squash is good for you, with tons of vitamin A (one serving has four times the RDA—and 52% of vitamin C) and a good source of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, magnesium, potassium and manganese.

The calories: just 80 to 100 per cup, depending on variety.

Read more about these gorgeous vegetables in the Squash Glossary—one of 100 fascinating food glossaries on THE NIBBLE.

Try these recipes:

Butternut Squash Gratin Recipe

Mini Pumpkin & Habañero Cheddar Soufflés

Sweet Dumpling Squash With Lime & Butter