LYRA MAG.

NYC: There are certain aromatic flavors that are characteristic of the holiday season-just about every sweets-snacks we saw at recent tradeshows-had festive offerings-in cheerful shimmery packaging to match...making them gift ready. LAKE CHAMPLAIN Chocolates -a Vermont company that gets its 'holiday' on...in many ways...with new organic and Fair Trade holiday gifts. Pictured-bite sized richly made-dark chocolates- Peppermint Cream, Salted Caramel, Coconut Cream and Peanut Butter are organic and Fair For Life Certified...ethically sourced chocolates from Peru and the Dominican Republic and the organic cream sourced from Kimball Brook Farm in Vermont. Stocking stuffer options as well as gift box packaging...for give able treats free of preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup -plus non-GMO too. NICE.   positively addictive thin crispy bites of decadence... Sheila's G's Brownie Brittle's gets in the spirit with new flavors Chocolate Chip with Snowfl...

NYC: Caravel Gourmet French Salt Sampler -$22 A few years back -as a host' gift for the annual Thanksgiving---we brought pretty glass jars- packaged bunch of specialty salts...that was received with a verbal "thank-you" but a visual "what the heck am I going to do with this." HA. In a few years...specialty salts-fine and coarse, sourced from all over the world are so mainstream now-a stroll down any super market aisle will offer up several options... and focused retailers for gourmet types-offer up dozens of choices now-with distinct tastes and colors-nutrients+minerals. Some Highlights: France's Baleine Sea Salts -from the Mediterranean ...were the first-upscale coarse salts we remember seeing in our local grocery store... Baleine Grey Sea Salt-Fine from Guérande-convenient opening w/ multiple measuring spouts Baleine Kosher Salt-naturally crystallized...additive free sold in 33.5oz box Retro Tin- Baleine NATIERRA-tag line ...