LYRA MAG.

Ditch the alcohol...  gifts that are shelf worthy-shelf stable selections are really so much better useful , better aesthetics ... and better for you . LOVE the entire    Royal Doulton COFFEE STUDIO collection -packaged in  cool sturdy paper bags -cardboard like. CHOICES-  latte or cappechino cup/saucer sets,a handsome  travel mug, or pour over or French Press coffee pot set...in neutral tones that fit right at home i n any home are on sale-$9.99 (Grande Mug)-$59.99 (itchy matchy Rectangular Tray set of 4).  For folks with Nepresso (or Nepresso capable) single serve machines...a collection of Pellini Organic, rich  espresso or smooth elegant 100% Arabica Coffee capsules that will most likely- start disappearing before the party's over.  Trust us on this one...tie a ribbon around a few boxes. No...there is no such thing as enough flattering-soft holiday glow. Illuminations candles comes in giftable frosted glass vessels-with 10oz candles -in festive scents

Handy+tasty-the perfect proportion of spice blends  enliven eats- eliminates counter clutter, are great grabs for cooking at vacay rentals or living the van life...and  make savory culinary gifts. TOP PICK: The Spice Lab "COOK YOUR WAY AROUND THE WORLD" made easy The Spice Lab sources the most fresh and fragrant spices from around the world-and inventively packs up a quartet of themed territorial blends for their ALL AROUND collections. Transporting and reflective of regional favs-the Taste Of America 'visits' Chicago (meats), Key West Florida (seafood), the South BBQ, and anywhere USA (including backyard grills from coast to coast) with an all purpose mix of Hudson Valley salt, onion, garlic, sesame + poppy seeds, and chili flakes for some heat. Plant based eating alert-any of these spice blends seriously enhance popular meat subs (like Impossible Burgers)...as well as staples like soy based grilled tempeh/tofu and yummy mushroom veggie burgers. Dips ma

Part One   KETO        -         has been the hottest 'diet' trend lately ...but we feel the low glycemic -high fat/protein/veggies/nuts-seeds foods = sticking around-and entering the permanent lifestyle realm. Like the Mediterranean diet-there are a slew of  health benefits to a low sugar daily intake...and it's easier then ever to get on board. Pictured above...those smart folks at The Spice Lab offer their  ultra premium spices packaged for Keto advocates. Why a need (we asked!!!)? Apparently many spices are packaged with corn starch (or something) to reduce moisture...and it's not on the label. Some have sugar in them to (blends)...or have carbs -naturally. With The Spice lab selection-the taste enhancing choices are low carb- gluten free. And seriously-only a tiny amount of The Spice Lab's offerings are needed for savory bursts of dish enhancing flavor- def. less than other spice brands-because the quality/purity is so high. IMO-tie a ribbon around Keto&#

Part 5 Clever, catchy and an eco  sourced materials for containers...food packaging can grab those consumer eyeballs. Packaging+ Icy cold Coconut Water is so tasty refreshing...and this coconut packaging container-by Thailand's   Pearl Royal - transports us to the source-in a manner of speaking...with  a neat string rope to close/open the top that wins our top pick for cool packaging. It comes with a tiny plastic straw-too-that imo-should be replaced with a paper one.  can see from up top-Pearl River...the string opens and closes the tiny opening-sized perfectly- that accesses the delish coconut water...where the straw goes. Nifty!

ALLEZ LES BLEUS ... French mustards and salts are probably the most popular of that World Cup powerhouse offerings...besides a football team with players ready for the world stage (too). via GIPHY Some favs from the recent Fancy Food Show: Moutarde Pommery à l'Ancienne ---Meaux Mustard- Pommery-founded in 1949. We had the grainy signature crock packaged mustard -with a wax top- in our kitchen pantry growing up-been in the USA for awhile...other truly delicious flavors from mild-to medium...including new fruit added blends-(cranberries on the left, figs on the right)-which we think could add pop of flavor to BBQ-grilled anything. Once Canada slaps on retaliatory tariffs on a certain USA brand of mustard-we think...price of this French gourmet brand-will be similar-and will be an easy replacement. AND-the ancient Romans 'shared' their cultivation of this ancient spice-with the Gauls...but many believe it was really the French town of Dijon-back in 1382 -under the r

To wake up -or to chill out-the latest Coffee and Tea blends -to help achieve the desired outcome-boast 'healthy' add-ons -with new blends aiming to make these popular sips-even better for you. via GIPHY EIGHT O'CLOCK was a 'mom' staple in our house...nowadays-this 100% Arabica coffee gets amped up with healthy for you-additions-perfect for the faster moving 21st century. ACAI GLOW-contains the anti-oxidant loaded superfood ACAI Berry,  a rich dark roast B6 Metabolism-that has just that , and a truly well balanced, aromatic  cinnamon+turmeric (anti-inflammatory) based super spice medium roast blend that's our fav-  tasty hot or iced cold. Have to say though-that the new ALERT medium roast-which gets its added oomph from the native Brazilian GUARANA fruit -is a guy pal fav-perfect for the early bird who needs the staying power of energy drink staples-without the jitters or weird taste. SALUT Ethical Bean Coffee. ..USDA Organic-and carefully sourced

No longer a holiday only flavor---pumpkin gets some love year round: via GIPHY source zdzoo.tunblr.com URBAN ACCENTS aka "your culinary wingman™" has a slew of convenient well flavored pumpkin tagines, simmer sauces that will transport any dish to an exotic location . Pictured above-a spicy take on Mexican Chile Pumpkin Mole-a pumpkin-tomato,garlic, onion simmer sauce based in chicken broth...just add veggies or chicken-dish is complete. Urban Accents Indian Coconut Pumpkin Curry simmer sauce-takes savory spices turmeric, nutmeg, ginger, cumin+coriander-with a hint of coconut-in warm pumpkin blend. Moroccan Apricot Pumpkin Tagine -North African coriander, cinnamon, cardamon, red pepper and cloves even up this thick pumpkin simmer sauce. Terrapin Ridge Pumpkin Honey Mustard -pumpkin, cinnamon sugar, nutmeg+allspice blended with honey mustard to adorn grilled cheese, vegetables like carrots-or goat brie...

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