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 can click to the original reviews via the links links below, or read our “Best Gourmet & Specialty Foods of 2009” full review to learn why these have become permanent additions to our home pantry (and to THE NIBBLE kitchen as well).

 
CONTINUE TO PART 2, OUR FAVORITE SWEETS.

Deck the halls with Cranberry Tequila
Cocktails. Photo courtesy Don Julio.

The recipe, courtesy of Brian Van Flandern, Tequila Don Julio Global Brand Ambassador, is made with a clove-infused agave nectar.

Not familiar with agave nectar? Find out more about this low-glycemic sweetener, much better for you than sugar.

• Make the Cranberry Tequila Cocktail.
• Find more cranberry cocktails, mulled wine and other holiday cocktails in our Cocktails & Spirits Section.

The easiest technique is to tie cellophane-wrapped treats with ribbon and hang them on the tree with ornament hooks.

But it makes an even prettier presentation if you cut pliable pieces of clear plastic from the craft store, punch holes for the hooks, and “glue” the treats to them with a paste of confectioners sugar.

• See our 2009 Christmas cookie recipe collection.
• Find favorites in our 2008 Christmas cookie recipes.

Salted ginger crisps. The recipe is in the
2008 cookie collection. Photo courtesy
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.