LYRA MAG.

STUFFED PUFFS  Chocolate on (in) Chocolate delivers  a surprisingly rich indulgent treat ---a pleasing powdery fluffy outside encasing the perfect gooey deep chocolate center that tastes more like those expensive luxury bars that costs double . Ideal for non-marshmallow folks (too)...we'd pegged the flavor/texture sky high satisfy scale more like America's favorite gift-able treat (chocolate) -than the S'more staple...though like that melt it crisp filler...Stuffed Puffs can multi-task. Truth be told-we inhaled our samples-straight out of the bag and did not feel like sharing, any.  But these can also be baked, melted (in Rice Krispies bars, for example), roasted and dipped in warm/cold beverage.  Available at  Walmart -priced at $3.98 per 8.6 oz bag and other retailers + online at  www.stuffedpuffs.com  with prices ranging from $4.49 -$4.99.  - the"Not Your Average Marshmallow" Stuffed Puffs  genuinely manage to conjoin the...

That irresistible high-low matrix of how we dress, furnish homes and EAT-from chef table multi-course extravaganza to quick food truck bites. Is so true for the most popular sweet candy -chocolate, too.  INDULGE: Two themed chocolate 'kits' satisfy desires for the sublime and the fun. For the gourmet and wine connoisseur   - the luxury Belgian chocolate maker Neuhaus-clinks glasses with Advanced Sommelier Sarah Thomas of NYC's Michelin's 3 star rated- Le Bernadin- for its beautifully packaged Wine Collection.  INSIDE-24 creamy melt in your mouth  pralines... in six palate pleasing assortments-blessed with hints of unexpected ingredients (Earl Grey tea, saffron, acacia honey etc). To savor with ( and enhanced by ) specific wines...these gift worthy treats include an informative booklet- that offers up varietal suggestions and flavorful descriptions. Sophisticated--and approachable btw. One way to slow down (and appreciate more) our usual fas...

Transparency and a traceable supply chain are big real deals-and in some cases, the law-  for buyers (and purveyors)...in all industries...from baby strollers to wearables, apparel, and especially in the food/drink/pharma businesses-judging by all the FDA recalls we get emailed everyday. (YIKES). Notably-we have seen an uptick in small business- owner-grower images-and their backstory- right on their goods' packaging   (not just Q codes-or on social media)-at the recent Fancy Food Show in NYC... Which makes sense-as a terrific way to stand out on shelves from big consumer packaged food companies. No wonder...the later often now are struggling for Gen Z-Gen X dollars-who are the largest eaters of specialty (really mainstream now) offerings. On The Farm: Betting vegetarians-who vow never to eat anything that has a mother -would be horrified to learn that in this country (at least)...most milked animals have an expiration date on their milking days-and get slaughtered at...

Not a ref to Prince Harry, Teeth clinging-taffy-like aromatic ginger chews were a fav of  senior family members-acquired tastes for time spent in India and England during/post WW II. Now-the natural remedies/ health benefits of this fragrant root-are well known-particularly as a digestive tummy calmer+anti-inflammatory helper. No wonder ginger (lemon tea) is so popular...whether sipped up via branded tea bags-or what we do...slice a fresh chunk off the real deal root-peel it a bit-and steep in a cuppa hot water. Plus unlike say ginseng ...ginger actually tastes good. Paired with cinnamon/cloves in cookies, garlic in Asian fusion sautés or on its own (with sugar-in addictive ginger snaps)...this sophisticated flavor multi-tasks in a lot of yummy eats. Maybe that's why-it seemed like the sweet-savory Ginger chews were the "it' single wrapped hardish chew candy at this year's Fancy Food Show. Besides the soon to be collectible Harry Potter themed Jelly Beans. ...