Cool as ice
The Tea-Over-Ice iced-tea maker from Tea Forte seemed a tad gimmicky (we resist appliances that work only with the products a company sells) but this sleek flash-chill brewer earned our respect. The teas we tasted were wonderful — and so easy to make. (Flavors include white ginger pear, pomegranate blackberry, raspberry nectar and Ceylon gold.) The pitchers are made of heat-resistant glass: Hot tea is brewed in the top pitcher, then it’s chilled over ice in the bottom one. The nesting pitchers are $39-$42 and a 12-pack of infusers is $24 at Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois St., Art Effect, 934 W. Armitage Ave., and by mail (teaforte.com or 800-721-1149).
Salsa-riffic
Sweg’s Salsa earned positive reviews for its natural flavor and terrific texture. The salsa has a medium heat (nothing’s stopping you from adding more chilies or pepper), and it will work great with chips or in cooking. A 16-ounce jar costs $3.75-$6 at Treasure Island and Sunset Foods, Grand Food Center in Glencoe and Winnetka, and Lake Forest Food and Wine.
Spread the word
We loved these well-crafted butters from Erin Bailey, owner of La Pomme de Pin market/cafe. The ingredients in all three flavors — herb, honey-walnut and scampi (a lemon-shallot butter for shrimp) — are added with a deft touch, enhancing but not overpowering the rich European butter. An 8-ounce package costs $6-$6.50 at Bailey’s shop, 114 Applebee St., Barrington, and Fox & Obel, 401 E. Illinois St.
