fête à fête

Talk about a breathtaking collection of Spring gifts from Vosges! Just in time to shower Mom with your adoration, here are some last-minute gift ideas to make her smile:

The Green Collection is a gorgeous celebration of life and is inspired by the spices, teas, fruits and flowers indigenous to Asia. The Ellateria truffle is a beautiful Indian green cardamom, while the Kaffir (Thai kaffir lime) is a nice interpretation of this exotic flavor. The Kayoko (Japanese macha green tea) goes very well with the white chocolate. I just loved the aromatic and earthy Buddha's Leaf (Malaysian pandan leaves).

For more of nature's bounty, the pretty Les Fleurs du Chocolat Collection will send you into a blissful dream of organic fruits and flowers. This limited edition collection includes Siam Citron (jasmine tea , lemongrass, coconut), Mirabelle Orange (mirabelle plums, orange flower water), Rose Vert (tarragon + rose water), and Platanos y Orchidus (orchid vanilla + caramelized bananas + Jamaican rum).

Lastly, the pièce de résistance...go splurge on the Red Velvet Party Cake. The sweet chocolate red velvet cake is layered with cream cheese & white chocolate ganache (oh my!) and organic New Mexican pecans. This Southern darlin' will thrill everyone, and it's encased in a flower embellished white chocolate shell. It's almost too darn cute to eat!

Buy at: www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, organic ingredients

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Here are a few more ideas for all the gorgeous mamas in your life. Whether it's chocolate or perfume, moms everywhere definitely need some TLC!

Lily Lambert has a great new Goddess fragrance collection. Conjuring up ancient powers of femininity, the five scents convey the mystical powers of famed goddesses. From Athena to Damara, let your special mom bring out her inner goddess. I especially like the Coventina (plumeria, birds of paradise, and red berries). www.lilylambert.com

Coco-luxe has a luxurious Bundle of Love -the unique gift for the wonderful women in your life. A limited edition item, it's a 36 piece collection of signature truffles bundled up in a beautiful hand-dyed chocolate brown silk Devore satin scarf (measures 8" x 54"). All fête à fête readers get a 15% discount on all products - just enter the code MAY, and it will be effective for the entire month of May! www.coco-luxe.com

For moms-to-be, Belli pregnancy skin care has all the pampering goods to primp head to toe. A favorite amongst celebrity moms (Courteney Cox, Angelina Jolie, Heidi Klum), Belli products are safe enough for mom and baby. The Elasticity Belly Oil, Eye Brightening Cream, and Anti-Chloasma Facial Sunscreen SPF-25 are perfect choices to protect against stretch marks, dark circles, and sun damage. www.belliskincare.com

Happy Mother's Day,

Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, fragrance, gifts, Holiday, perfume, shopping, skin care product

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bay Area chocolatier Coco-luxe recently launched their new HOT cocoa mix, and it's a sizzler. Inspired by memories of childhood days in the snow, founder Stephanie Marcon was inspired to create the perfect hot cocoa. The mix only needs hot water to make this warm and delicious treat, and is packaged in an adorable pink-striped tin. I love the white chocolate pieces in the mix - it lends a nice sweetness to the flavor.

www.coco-luxe.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolatier, drinks, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Choco Alert!

Cacao fanatics all over the Bay Area are excited about the upcoming 2nd Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon, and we know why. Chocolate tastings, demos and presentations will be presented all day long. As if that isn't enough decadent indulging, there will also be wine tastings to pair with your sweet treats.

Some of the notable artisan participants include: NEWTREE Gourmet Belgian Chocolate, Coco-luxe Confections, Guittard, San Francisco Toffee Company, Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, Poco Dolce, Charles Chocolates, Amano Artisan Chocolate, Chuao Chocolatier, Schoggi, Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker, Vermeer Dutch Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Silver Stone Wines, Sol Rouge Winery, and XOX Truffles.

April 13, 2008
10:00am - 6:00pm, Sunday
Fort Mason Conference Center
San Francisco

www.SFChocolateSalon.com

See you at the choco salon!

Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolatier, confection, dessert, food & drink, Gourmet and Gourmand, San Francisco, San Francisco event, wine

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Hershey Company teamed up with Starbucks for a brand new chocolate experience. Under the expertise of Artisan Confection Company (a Hershey division that includes Scharffen Berger and Joseph Schmidt), Starbucks has launched a line of chocolate bars, truffles and tasting squares.

Fans of the Tazo tea line will like the Chai, Passion and Citron flavors while purists can stick to their signature dark, mocha, or milk chocolate bars. The artisan-style collection also includes truffles made in classic Starbucks flavors: Caffè Mocha, Chai, Espresso, Caramel Macchiato and Madagascar Vanilla Bean. The milk chocolate covered Caffè Verona® Coffee Beans are a great afternoon energy jolt.

Available at grocery aisles nationwide: www.starbucks.com/cocoa

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, confection, dessert

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You don't need to host an elaborate Easter brunch to enjoy the fine confections from Vosges Haut Chocolat. The adorable Chocolate Easter Bunnies will make you smile - choose from the new Amalfi Bunny (lemon zest & pink peppercorn), or take home the Barcelona Bunny (smoked almonds & sea salt).

I didn't believe that pigs could fly...until now. The new Flying Chocolate Pig will make your taste buds sing. If you love the Mo's Bacon Bar like I do, you will appreciate this cute arrival. The solid chocolate pig combines applewood smoked bacon (yum), Alder wood smoked salt and deep milk chocolate (double yum). That's my definition of heaven.

If that's not decadent enough for ya, then go for Bapchi's Caramel Toffee. One of their top-sellers, the salty-sweet combo is a classic fave. I bet you can inhale the entire box in one sitting. The extremely addictive and oh-so-buttery toffee is sprinkled with pink Himalayan salt, then coated with deep milk chocolate. A coating of roasted organic walnuts and pecans provide the extra satisfying crunch.

The Exotic Caramel collection is becoming another favorite of mine. Not just your average caramel, these come in intriguing blends of Aboriginal anise myrtle, bee pollen, Tupelo honey, and blood orange juice. Your senses will be delighted with the whimsical flavors, all bathed in a luxurious layer of butter, sugar, cream, and chocolate.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, entertaining, food, gifts, seasonal, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 3:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Learn how to make the famous Chocolate Orbit Cake with John Scharffenberger (co-founder of Scharffen Berger) at the free Williams-Sonoma chocolate demo. John will also be signing copies of his cookbook, The Essence of Chocolate during the baking demo. It's a great book - I love the recipes in it, so grab a copy and try it out for yourself!

Wednesday, February 13
4pm
Williams-Sonoma
Union Square
340 Post Street
San Francisco, CA
415-362-9450

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate cake, cookbook, food, food demos, San Francisco, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 9:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you're in the NYC area during Valentine's Day weekend, don't miss the special dessert tasting from the new Dessert Studio at Chocolat Michel Cluizel. The daring and 'experimental' menu by Chef Will Goldfarb will consist of a 2-course dessert tasting, including a half bottle of champagne and chocolate bonbons. To give you an idea of the exciting desserts, the chef has featured a White Chocolate Gelato with Ligurian Olive Oil and Smoked Sea Salt.

Reservations: 212-477-7335

www.dessertstudio.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chef, Chefs and Confectioners, chocolate, chocolatier, dessert, holiday, pastry art, special events

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Renowned chocolate artisan Recchiuti Confections has some of the most divine treats in the world, and there's no better way to shower your valentine with such love. The new Valentine Heart Motif Box is a flirty way of enjoying the signature Burnt Caramel flavor, while the Champagne Truffles are an elegant mix of rich, creamy dark chocolate and 2001 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs.

For a more traditional route, there is also the Valentine’s Day Large Box, filled with an exotic assortment of flavors such as Cardamom Nougat, Star Anise & Pink Peppercorn, Lavender Vanilla, Spring Jasmine Tea, Sesame Nougat, Rose Caramel, and Fleur de Sel Caramel.

www.recchiuti.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, dessert, food, food & drink, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Everyone loves a good love story, and Vosges Haut Chocolat interprets one of the greatest romances with their Gatsby Truffle Collection. Perfect for Valentine's Day, this will most definitely set some hearts a-flutter. There are two sublime flavors - one is a white chocolate ganache with rosewater and rosé Champagne (called the Daisy truffle), the other a dark chocolate with brut Champagne (Gatsby truffle). The gift comes with love letters that you can woo your darling with, so you don't even have to compose your own!

For the foodie lover, the Collezione Italiano makes for a very unique gift. The palette of flavors in this collection is Katrina Markoff's most creative one yet. Made with Taleggio cheese, organic walnuts and Tahitian vanilla, the Rooster truffle is simply indescribable. It will make you rethink how truffle flavors are formed as your tongue plays with the savory and sweet. The Olio d'Oliva is another unique combo with white chocolate, Kalamata olives, and extra virgin olive oil.

I could go on and on about this, but all the flavors are winners, such as the Balsamico (12-year-old balsamic vinegar from Modena), the Sale del Mare (Sicilian sea salt caramel-so yummy), and the Polline di Finocchio (wild Tuscan fennel pollen).

There are many other great ideas to stir your lover's heart. The dark chocolate covered Caramel Marshmallows are deliciously decadent with a nice thick layer of French Guerande sea salt caramel. The Amalfi Flaming Chocolate Heart is another cute trinket, a total rock-and-roll passion with lemon zest and pink peppercorns. Alternatively, the Aphrodisiac Mini Bar Box has all the spicy flavors to ignite the flames, with ingredients such as curry, cinnamon, and Pasilla chili peppers.

www.vosgeschocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Coco-luxe has a playful trio of Valentine's Day truffle flavors to show your undying devotion. With flavors such as Champagne, Pure Devotion, and Roses, you will be scoring major brownie points (and hopefully their affection) with your loved one. I especially like the Roses flavor - a white chocolate ganache with rosewater and honey. Talk about a fragrant delight!

www.coco-luxe.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

San Franciscan chocophiles will be eager to check out the Culinary Muse's informative and fun chocolate tasting at the Scharffen Berger store (SF Ferry Building) during the fifth annual “FOOD FROM THE HEART” Slow Food benefit on Friday, Febrauary 8. From 5:00-8:00 p.m. the public will be able to peruse through many tasty hors d’oeuvres ($2 - $4 per taste) and wine tastings ($6 per glass). This is a great chance to load up on the Valentine's gifts. There will also be music and tango dancing! That will sure get your heart fired up for some amour!

For more info, check out www.culinarymuse.com/2008/01/food-from-the-h.html

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, events, food, gifts, Holiday, San Francisco, San Francisco event, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 5:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hearts will go a-flutter this Valentine season with Jin Patisserie's thoughtful truffle flavors and artful gift boxes. Award-winning pastry chef Kristy Choo's new delicacies include a chocolate coated caramel infused with Toupet De Legumes (tomato blossom tea), cute chocolate hearts, a special chocolate Valentine’s cake, and a gorgeous square chocolate box (yes, really made of chocolate) filled with truffles.

From the signature truffle collection there are unusual flavors of Mango Kalamansi, Chrysanthemum, Yuzu, and Roasted Black Sesame. Very bold flavors in adorable dainty squares. They are almost too pretty to eat!

For more sweet gift ideas, visit www.jinpatisserie.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, pastry art, pastry chef

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's not too early to think about what to gift your dear Valentine. Luckily for you, Mademoiselle de Margaux of France has a couple très délicieux ideas. La Guinette is a terrific confection made of slightyly tart morello cherries soaked in Armagnac, then dipped in rich dark chocolate. It's like having the ultimate cherry bombe dancing in your mouth as the Armagnac warms your throat. Ooh la la...

Another beautiful confection, Le Raisin, is a lush combination of whole rum soaked grapes bathed in dark chocolate. Handcrafted from locally grown grapes, these have a slight crunch to the texture. I can't decide which one I like better, but you can't go wrong with either one of these gift boxes for your sweetheart. You might be showered with chocolate kisses, that much I can predict for you if you get them.

Available at www.chefshop.com.

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, gifts, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I never need an excuse for chocolate, but for those who are feeling a bit guilty about keeping their new year's health resolutions, NEWTREE has a great way for you to incorporate wellness with your sweet indulgence. The company blends rich Belgian chocolate with enticing flavors (blackcurrant, ginger, cherries) and holistic ingredients such as cactus and grape extracts. I feel less guilty already!

I like the new flavor CRAVE, a milk chocolate infused with apricot and soy germ extract. It has a nice floral aroma. REFRESH has a nice minty burst, along with green tea antioxidants. My personal fave is the TRANQUILITY milk bar with lavender and lime blossom.

www.newtree.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, dessert, health, healthy snacks

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Satisfy your giant sweet tooth with Jill O'Connor's Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey, the bible for all sugar fiends. Adorably styled and beautifully photographed, this collection of desserts presents over 75 recipes that range from a decadent Chocolate Caramel-Pecan Soufflé Cake to a Sticky Toffee Pudding. I love the Chewy Lemon-Pistachio Financiers.

The author also shares useful tips and techniques on using phyllo dough, toasting and blanching nuts, and making a ganache that will make you swoon. Yum....Happy Baking!

Photo Credit: Leigh Beisch

www.chroniclebooks.com

-Tami

Tagged as: baking, book, cake, chocolate, cookbook, cooking techniques, dessert, pastry, pastry art, pastry chef, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Here's a great tiramisu recipe from AllChocolate.com, the online resource for all things chocolate. It has tips on how to do wine-choco pairings, plenty of tips on how to cook with chocolate, and much more. Check it out!

Chocolate Tiramisu

4 ounces DAGOBA 59% Dark Chocolate, chopped*

3 large eggs, separated

1/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups mascarpone cheese

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup heavy cream

Pinch of salt

1 cup espresso or very strong brewed coffee, cooled

About 20 store-bought Italian ladyfingers

Directions:

Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of about 1 1/2 inches of nearly simmering water, whisking until smooth. Remove the bowl from the heat and let cool.

With an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg yolks and sugar in a large deep bowl for about 8 minutes, until thick and pale and the mixture forms a ribbon when the beaters are lifted. Add the mascarpone and vanilla and beat on low speed just until light and fluffy. Add the cream and beat on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture is doubled in volume and still loose. Reduce the speed to low and beat in the chocolate.

With the clean beaters of an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat the egg whites and salt in a medium bowl just until the egg whites form soft peaks when the beaters are lifted. With a whisk or a rubber spatula, gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, one-third at a time, just until blended.

Pour the espresso into a shallow bowl. Dip 9 or 10 of the ladyfingers, 2 at a time, into the espresso for about 30 seconds, or just until saturated; if you leave them in too long, they will fall apart. Arrange them in an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish, cutting or breaking them to cover the bottom. Cover the ladyfingers with half of the chocolate mixture. Repeat dipping the remaining 9 or 10 ladyfingers into the remaining espresso in the same way, and arrange on top of the chocolate mixture. Spread with the remaining chocolate mixture. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 8 hours, or up to 2 days.

Spoon into bowls and serve chilled.

Serves 6 to 8

www.allchocolate.com

-Tami

Tagged as: baking, cake, chocolate, dessert, entertaining, holiday, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I'm usually a staunch bake-it-from-scratch kinda gal, but the new Williams-Sonoma holiday baking mixes have convinced me to bend the rules a bit. They are so well blended that no one will really know (unless they're the secret baking police) that you didn't really make it from scratch. Best of all, they are also easy to use. It's like fun baking, minus a few tedious steps!

The buttery Classic Sugar Cookie Mix is a great standard mix. No holiday party would be complete without a plate of these treats, whether they're decorated or simply sprinkled with colored sugar. Created by the award-winning Dancing Deer bakery , this all-natural mix is easy to prep – just add butter and eggs. It yields a lot of cookies (about five dozen), so you can decorate them to your heart's content. They can also be stored in the cute old-fashioned decorative tin.

Inspired by the traditional holiday drink, the Eggnog Poundcake Mix has a nice eggnoggy taste, but it's not too rich at all. In fact, you'll be eating more than one slice. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, ground cinnamon and nutmeg are added for an extra holiday oomph. Just add water and butter, and voila! Instant elegant dessert. Great by itself, with hot cocoa, or tea. Or, you can slather on a thick layer of fudgy choco sauce for an ultimate indulgence. Go ahead, you've been nice all year, treat yourself...

www.williams-sonoma.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, baking mixes, cake, dessert, entertaining, food, holiday, shopping

Posted by Tami Yu at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I love rocky road and was lucky enough to discover the latest local artisan confection Droga from Good Addiction. Founder Michelle Bordin has refined her 25-year-old family recipe so perfectly that these hand-made chocolate treasures are flying off the shelves in gourmet shops.

Definitely not your average rocky road - it has fresh dry-roasted and salted peanuts wrapped in rich milk or dark chocolate. With that lovely salty/sweet flavor combo, you're gonna float on cloud nine with each bite. Yum! They also feature single-serving mini boxes for party/wedding favors or corporate events.

Available at Whole Foods (Northern CA), specialty gourmet shops (see www.goodaddiction.com/instores.html) and online: www.goodaddiction.com

Photo credit: Aya Brackett

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, dessert, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday, Northern California

Posted by Tami Yu at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Stuck on holiday gift ideas? Check out Christmas Sweets, Georgeanne Brennan's latest book for elegant gifts and entertaining recipes. The notable food author shares over 50 of her favorite holiday recipes, from festive candies and cakes to gorgeous centerpieces.

There are many easy and creative gift ideas (Candy Acorn Kissing Ball), along with decadent holiday treats (Chocolate Fudge, Christmas Petit Fours, Eggnog Ice Cream Profiteroles) that will please everyone. Filled with so many inspiring ideas, you friends and family will be absolutely charmed with their gifts.

Try the refreshing and cheery Peppermint Ice Cream recipe below. It is guaranteed to put you in the holiday mood...

Peppermint Ice Cream

Children—and adults too—are fans of peppermint ice cream. Colored palest pink and dotted with bits of peppermint, the scoops can be served in cones or bowls.

This is especially good with chocolate cake.

2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
4 ounces hard peppermint candies, crushed into small pieces

In a large, heavy saucepan, combine the cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-heat and cook, stirring often, until the sugar has dissolved.

In a bowl, whisk the yolks together until they change to a lemon color. Gradually whisk about 2 cup of the hot milk mixture and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours. Add the peppermint extract, stirring well. Freeze in an ice-cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is partially frozen, stir in the candies. Makes about 1 quart.

Recipe used with permission from Chronicle Books.
Photo credit: Richard G. Jung

www.chroniclebooks.com

See you in the kitchen!

Tami

Tagged as: baker, baking, Books, cake, chocolate cake, confection, entertaining, gifts, holiday, pastry art, recipes

Posted by Tami Yu at 8:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The venerable chocolate artisan Valrhona is offering several new items for the holidays. Whether they are given out as gifts or for your own enjoyment, the exquisite flavors will satisfy any chocolate connoisseur. The new ballotin assortment box includes 30 of their most popular bonbon flavors, including Palet Or, Ganache Moka, Caraffruti Abricot (simply divine) and Rinette Ivoire.

Available to the US market for the first time, the Les Exclusives line is a pair of specialty confections: the Orangettes (candied orange peel covered in Valrhona dark chocolate), and the Mendiants (milk and dark chocolate disks studded with apricot, hazelnuts and pistachios). These delicacies are traditionally made in French households during Christmas.

Available at: www.chocosphere.com/Html/Products/valrhona.html

www.valrhona.com

-Tami

Tagged as: artisan, chocolate, confection, food, gifts, Gourmet and Gourmand, holiday

Posted by Tami Yu at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Having a major headache on what to get for your loved ones? Here's a list of holiday gift ideas to help you get through the holiday retail madness:

Vosges Haut-Chocolat has a cute Mini Exotic Candy Bars set that will impress the pickiest chocolate connoisseur. Features nine of their most popular Exotic Candy bar flavors: Red Fire, Black Pearl, Gianduja, Naga, Creole, Barcelona, Oaxaca, Woolloomooloo & Macha.(www.vosgeschocolate.com)

Feed Your Soul cookies lets the gift giver customize the entire process - choose the packaging, then pick the recipient’s favorite cookies, add an inspirational quote and finally pen a personalized note. They will even donate a portion of the proceeds to the charity of your choice. I love the tasty holiday flavors: Gingerbread, Chocolate Chip Mint, Pumpkin Pie (yummy!), S’mores, Chocolate Brownie Chunk, Strawberry Linzers, and the new White Chocolate Cherry Jubilee. (www.feedyoursoulcookies.com)

Recchiuti Confections has a lovely holiday collection of burnt caramel chocolates. Trust me, whoever gets this will LOVE you. The festive winter designs were created by Dave Braden of The Engine Room, a local San Francisco design firm. (www.recchiuti.com)

A celebrity favorite, Lily Lambert created two lines of sensual perfumes - The Master Number Series and The Spectrum Collection. The Spectrum's E perfume is particularly complex, with notes of cocoa, opium, rain, and musk. The #33 in the number series has an ethereal scent of green African musk, Tunisian musk, French vanilla, and sage. (www.lilylambert.com)

Fun and whimsical, Crazylibellule and the Poppies has an intriguing line of solid perfumes that will delight everyone. Worn alone or layered, the Shanghaijava collection includes the following scents: Musk & Patchouli, Ginger & Coconut, Mystic Incense, Litchi Blossom, Spiritual Lilac, Blue Orchid, and Ananas Imperial (my personal fave). (available at: beautyhabit.com, lacremebeauty.com, and b-glowing.com)

For the natural beauty addict, Sundari has two holiday sets that will satisfy any skincare fiend. The healing body care set contains the best-selling Neem and Manuka Body Cleanser, Neem and Blood Orange Body Lotion, Neem and Triphala Body Oil, a votive candle and matchbox, while the skin care contains the Neem and Burdock Cream-Gel Cleanser, Neem and Avocado Balancing Moisturizer, Neem Night Cream, and Neem Eye Cream. (www.sundari.com)

For your special guy, the Sothys Homme Revitalising Hair & Body Care is a great two-in-one hair and body product. Great for travel and the gym, it contains d-panthenol and silicones to ensure healthy, shiny hair. It's also gentle enough for sensitive skin types. (www.sothys-usa.com)

Another worthy men's gift idea is the deluxe Kiehl's Ultimate Man Collection . Perfect for both manly and metro types, it features the Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash, White Eagle Shave Cream, Ultimate Man Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1, Ultimate Strength Hand Salve, and Facial Fuel. (www.kiehls.com)

Happy Holidays!
Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, gifts, holiday, moisturizer, pastries, perfume, seasonal, shopping, skin care, skin care products

Posted by Tami Yu at 7:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The holidays just got sweeter with the new 2007 Holiday Truffle Collection from Joseph Schmidt Confections. Beautifully decorated, the new exotic flavors include the yummy Sea Salt Caramel (organic caramel with a hint of sea salt), Mexican Chocolate, Mandarin Zest, Vanilla Cognac, Meyer Lemon, and Pomegranate. The tart citrus flavors are refreshing, balancing out the rich ganache. A great stocking stuffer for sure!

Available online: www.jsc.com

-Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate truffles, chocolatier, confection, gifts, holiday, Northern California, San Francisco

Posted by Tami Yu at 11:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Another reason to indulge for the holidays - Coco-luxe's holiday truffle assortment has the seasonal favorites to get you in the winter wonderland mood: pure dark chocolate, holiday cake, peppermint, hot cocoa, gingerbread and dreamy orange. I'm normally not a big fan of white chocolate, but the dreamy orange just pops with a nice citrus zing.

If that's not enough, the classic pink box assortment will also make your taste buds tingle. The cute designs on each piece will make it easy to select your favorite flavors: angel food, gingerbread, dreamy orange, malted milk, banana split, german chocolate, devil’s food, after dinner mint and double cherry. The malted milk and banana split totally rocked.

Also check out the new chocolate bars (I like Monkey'in Around - milk choco with banana chips, cocoa nibs and a hint of sea salt) and the dragée Block Party Almonds. Absolute chocolate heaven!

www.coco-luxe.com

See you at the candy store,

Tami

Tagged as: chocolate, chocolate bar, chocolate truffles, confection, gifts, Holiday, Northern California, product review

Posted by Tami Yu at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)