Honey, we love you
We loved the honey choices from ArtisanSweets, a Web site that specializes in candies and confections from around the world. Dozens of varietal honeys and related products include chestnut honey (17.6 ounces, $13.50) and honey-filled hard candies from Italy (8 ounces, $8), and a splendid New Zealand wildflower honeycomb with handcrafted wooden honey spade ($35). Find these products online at artisan sweets.com or call 925-932-8300.
Pot pie panache
Twin Hens pot pies contain antibiotic- and hormone-free beef and chicken, as well as organic vegetables. They’re sold in 11-ounce and 40-ounce sizes ($7.70-$10.55 and $20-$25, respectively) in the freezer case at Don’s Finest Foods in Lake Forest, Wild Oats in Hinsdale and Evanston (chicken only), Fox & Obel in Chicago (large chicken only) and by mail-order (twinhens.com or 908-281-9911).
Grain gain
The hearty flavor and soft but sturdy texture of Sara Lee’s Soft & Smooth 100% whole wheat bread (yes, it’s a mouthful) pleased tasters, even those who prefer artisan breads to sandwich bread. It will add a good nutrition profile to brown-bag sandwiches. Each slice has 70 calories and contains 2 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein. A 20-ounce loaf is about $3 at Treasure Island, Sunset Foods and Valli Produce in Hoffman Estates and Arlington Heights.
