Fall rapture
The Fall Collection of truffles from Moonstruck Chocolate Co. delighted us with its lovely seasonal flavors and high-quality ingredients. Flavors include pumpkin pie, caramel apple, pumpkin seed marzipan and chocolate pfeffernuesse. Each is a miniature gourmet dessert. The nine-piece box costs $24 at Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe, 320 N. Michigan Ave., and Macy’s locations at State Street, Water Tower Place and Woodfield, Oakbrook and Old Orchard shopping centers. By mail, visit moonstruckchocolate.com or call 800-557-6666.
Best of both worlds
Kettle Bakes Pretzel Chips flatten pretzels for a nibble that tasters, especially pretzel lovers, enjoyed. We preferred the original and honey Dijon; some thought the Fully Loaded (with onion, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic and caraway) was a bit over the top. A 1-ounce serving (about 8 chips) contains 110-120 calories, with 1-3 grams of fat. A 7-ounce bag costs $2.70-$3 at Wild Oats in Hinsdale and Evanston, Whole Foods Markets, Treasure Island and Jewel.
Tears of joy
When tears stream down your face, it’s hard to appear self-assured in a kitchen–much less slice onions with any consistency. Wearing RSVP’s Onion Goggles won’t score beauty points, but it sure beats those stinging tears. We marveled at their effectiveness, mostly due to a foam seal that fends off the vapors. They’re $19-$20 at The Chopping Block (4747 N. Lincoln Ave. and Merchandise Mart) and by mail-order (kitchenkapers.com or 800-455-5567).
