I’m all a-flutter over the NASFT’s sofi Silver finalists for 2011. While I have many to discover and enjoy, I’m thrilled to be intimately familiar and a fan of others which made the cut from 1,657 entries! Here’s my rundown:
Sticky Toffee Pudding Company – Shout out to Tracy Claros with whom I recently had the pleasure of drinking some fabulous coffee in Austin. Nice to see her decadent hand-made puddings given such recognition.
Sonoma Olive Juice – Karin explained the lengths to which Sonoma Syrup goes to get this incredible juice which has become the darling of bartenders. Can’t wait to taste it!
Lotus Forbidden Black Rice – I’ve been experimenting with a line of products based on Lotus’ rice which is “the” health food of 2011. Check out my mad experiments at http://www.nutlessprofessor.com
Finding a co-packer to help with the rice has been my challenge. Know one?
Askinosie Davao, Philippines White Chocolate Bar – Just the other day I discovered I’d been hoarding a white chocolate bar I procured a few months ago. Askinosie white chocolate is like none you’ve had before: sweet sophistication.
Justin’s Peanut Butter Cups – I’d walked into Austin’s Wheatsville Co-op at 10:00 am recently only to be greeted by a plate full of cut up Justin’s Peanut Butter cups. My favorite combo for cups is usually milk chocolate. While scrumptious, the dark chocolate perfectly offsets the creamy peanut butter. A winner. (Non-peanut eaters must try Sun Cups by Seth Ellis Chocolatier. The milk chocolate version rocks my world.)
Theo’s Chocolate – Love the chocolate. Can’t wait to try the chile caramels. Why does having “ghost” in a food product always make it sound more mysterious and alluring?
Bissinger’s Pandas – One of my favorite ways to get my fruit servings. (Or just to enjoy.)
Chuao Chocolatier – Spicy Maya Hot Chocolate – I was drinking this back before you could get Chuao in stores. It’s the perfect way to take a trip to Aztec Mexico sans time machine.
Lark Fine Foods – How exciting this small bakery’s treats are getting deserved recognition! Not one but two!
Vosges Haut-Chocolat – Black Salt Caramel Bar – “OMG” A fave liquid drip.
Lovesticks – Somewhat Seedy Garlicky Toasted Bites – Judy’s Lovesticks are my “go to” bread when I want a healthy carb fix. I haven’t tasted the bites but the fulfilling and simple Lovesticks ingredients are the recipe of a winner. Plus what a great name.
Sukhi’s Gourmet Indian – a wonderful line that brings the skills of an Indian mom to every house. Nice to see this Bay Area farmers’ market fixture a winner!
Callie’s Charleston Biscuits – Breakfast in a bag. Flaky buttery biscuit perfection.
Sullivan Harbor Farm Smokehouse – This tiny Maine smoke house won two silver awards! Last year I took the 2 minute tour and am excited to report that not only will you enjoy incredible smoked fish but you will be supporting a very small artisanal Maine business as you breakfast.
Humboldt Fog Chevre – First experienced in the late ’90s, it remains my “best cheese in the world.” Nuff said.
Nago Foods salad dressing – It seems like yesterday I saw them at the farmer’s market in Oakland and now here they are with a silver award!
Bequet Confections – Buttery chewy goodness.
Creminelli, Nueske, Ciao Bella, Sarabeth, Stonewall Kitchen…must I go on? No I must work. But this wonderful list overwhelms me. (You know you’re looking at NASFT sofi award winners when The Lazy Dog Cookie Co’s pet Pup-Pies look good enough to eat.)
I look forward to sampling the rest at the 2011 Fancy Food Show in DC. See you there?
