New & Noteworthy

Jake's Natural Fine Foods

www.jakesnaturalfinefoods.com

For a crisp-cookie fanatic like myself, biscotti are naturally attractive. The twice-baked Italian sweets are the perfect crunchy nibble with coffee or tea, and I'm always willing to try new ones. Earlier this fall, David Levy and Patti Harrison, owners of Jake's Natural Fine Foods, turned me on to their line of excellent biscotti, granola, and spiced nuts. Now, I'm a devoted fan. I'm particularly fond of the Cranberry Pistachio and Lemon Poppyseed biscotti, but the new Jingerbread flavor they've introduced just in time for the holidays could be my new favorite. Dipping one in some warm spiced cider on a cold morning sounds like a real treat to me. Both the Orange Pecan Zest and Cranberry Pistachio granolas make stout, hearty breakfasts. I've also incorporated the granola mixes into bar cookie crusts and the crumb toppings for baked fruit desserts, with very pleasing results. The zippy Bourbon Spiced Pecans make a delightful snack for eating right out of the bag, but I've found I enjoyed them most tossed in a salad of field greens, pear slices, and Gorgonzola cheese crumbles. Look for Jake's products in fine coffee and tea shops around town, a few restaurants, Whole Foods Markets, Fresh Plus, Wheatsville Co-op, Farm to Market, Whip In, and the People's pharmacies. Check the Web site for a complete list of products and where to buy them.