Seeing red
We loved the products from Raspberry Island, which star berries from Bayfield, Wis.: jalapeno-laced Orchard Fire jelly (9 ounces, $7.50), pure berry Jacker’s Jam (16 ounces, $7.50), Luv ‘Ya honey from bees that pollinate the raspberry patches (11 ounces, $5.50), Holly’s Blend raspberry-green tea (4 ounces, $11) and Red Jackets, candy-coated, chocolate-covered dried raspberries (10 ounces, $8.50). Mail-order only: raspberryisland.net or 847-295-3494.
Meals in minutes
The wonderful flavor and quality of Sommers Organic’s pre-seasoned semi-boneless half-chicken, pot roast and prime rib impressed us. Because they’re fully cooked, they just need reheating. They’re $7-$10 per pound and sizes vary; the chicken and pot roast typically cost about $7-$11; the prime rib, $18-$20, in the freezer case at Sunflower Market in Lincoln Park, Presidential Market in Presidential Towers (chicken and pot roast only) and through Peapod.com.
Saucy alternative
Trader Joe’s pear sauce, made with Bartletts, offers a fruity alternative to applesauce. We thought it would be great stirred into plain yogurt or served with quick breads or poundcake. Most of us liked it by itself, too, though one taster thought it too sweet. A 26.25-ounce jar is $3.29.
