fête à fête

I've had the good fortune to discover the YUMMY chocolate sauces, syrups, marmalades and fruitcakes from Robert Lambert at a recent food show, and I've been raving them to everyone and their grandmother ever since. You can see the passion and refined artisan sensibilities behind each and every product, from the flavor concept to the actual ingredients used in each batch.

For example, the flavored syrup collection has just about any exotic flavor you can imagine, from Bergamot to Thai Ginger to Rangpur lime. Great for pancakes, iced teas, baking pound cakes, yogurts, salad dressings, cocktails, and marinades. You can even combine the different flavors to make your own special creation.

Bergamot Syrup

The stellar chocolate sauce collection is something every choco-lover should try. Robert only uses fine dark chocolate, instead of the typical cocoa powder and corn syrup combo. My favorites were the Raspberry Rose (infused with French framboise liquer), Mojito Mint, and the Malted Milk. The Mexican and Ginger Pear are also popular flavors. But who am I to tell you what you should try? Just get them all! Great for ice creams, toast, hot cocoa, fondue, or for dipping fruit.

Raspberry Rose Chocolate Sauce

For those who aren't big fans of fruit cake, Robert's fruit cake collection will totally change your mind. I like the Summer Fruit Cake, with its cherries, mango, pears, almonds, guava and peach juice, macadamia and pine nuts, candied Rangpur lime, etc. Lushies will be happy to note that this is soaked in apricot brandy. Decorated with a California bay leaf and geranium blossom, it's such a pretty snack to bring to a housewarming, afternoon tea or dinner.

Don't overlook the incredible marmalades. With flavors like Calamondin, Seville Orange and Grapefruit Trio, you will be instantly hooked.

Summer Fruit Cake

For recipes and more info , check out www.robertlambert.com