This blend by Cornelia is said to be therapeutic with white and green tea that works synergistically with pomegranate. It’s rich in antioxidants, plus vitamin C, E, and A for good health. Flavors that come to mind: fragrant papaya, spicy ginger and sweet honey. Inhale the subtle floral notes of jasmine and citrus, exhale slowly, and repeat. It’s a little slice of bliss for an otherwise hectic existence.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, Epicurean delight, tea, wellness

We love itty bitty gold fish crackers, but fishies as dessert? Oh sure, why not. Venerable chocolatier Patrick Roger amuses and delights us with the candied fish with white chocolate eyes, black chocolate scales and praline “guts.” They look more slim and smug trout than pudgy domestic goldfish, but regardless they’re almost too cute to eat. We said almost.

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Calling all tea lovers! As we’ve mentioned before, Palais Des Thes serves up a prestigious selection of fine teas and flavored blends, presented in slim and sleek metal caddies just for kicks (showcase a complete set on your kitchen counter). Produced by the province of Kyushu, Japan Sencha Ariake is said to be the mildest of the great Sencha teas. It is quite invigorating and flowery, which makes it an ideal excuse to crawl out of bed on Sunday morning.

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We’re big on Swedish pancakes, but now they’ve got German pancakes to contend with. Since discovering Dutch babies, a cross between a soufflé and an omelette, we’ve been hooked (please have pity on our waistlines). Basically, you oven-bake them in a hot fry pan instead of cooking them on the stovetop and pile them with toppings, such as sweet butter and apples, maple syrup or confectioners’ sugar. Organic ingredients include vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg. Just add milk and eggs to the mix, take a blender to it and bake.

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First, let us express our sincerest gratitude to the men and women in kitchens all over the world who make carrot cake. It’s our favorite after dinner decadence. Now allow us to share our recent findings: Carrot Cake enhanced by Eggology. A few years ago, ace carrot cake maker Barbara Kaye secretly replaced the eggs in her all-natural recipe with Eggology egg whites and suddenly the “it’s nice” reviews became full fledged “ooohs” and “aaahs.” Now there are also Eggology muffins from which to choose. Glory be!

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Warning, readers: this salsa is explosively hot!!! As in, worthy of three exclamation points. Honestly, if your palette is not satisfied by anything less than scorching, this insane salsa is for you: thick, rich and powerfully spicy. Hotter than the hottest pepper sauces, this one is made of tomato sauce, onions, red savina chiles, habanero chiles, pineapple juice, Thai chiles, garlic, cilantro, spices and salt. Use sparingly, or have a big tub of sour cream nearby to help kill the delicious pain.

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When tabletop flowers don’t suffice (perhaps you have allergies, or they appear too formal for your specific occasion?) these wooden fruit trays will do. They offer a unique kind of decoration that showcases olives, pears, apples or whatever you desire. Be careful when displaying faux fruits as you may wind up embarrassing a hungry guest.

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Renowned and self-professed “bald man” Max Brenner is noted for his love of chocolate and his unique approach to this after dinner delicacy. He’s creating a whole new “chocolate culture” that will reveal itself in months to come. In the meantime, you can study his craft by snapping up a box of milk chocolate praline creams rolled in roasted coconut. Pop them like Advil when stress strikes.

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Zenbu translates as “all” in Japanese, so expect just that: a traditional sushi bar experience with thoroughly modern Asian cuisine. House rolls are the draw here. If you’re in the mood for perfection, order up a signature Zenbu roll with snow crab, masago, gobo, avocado and tempura roll; or the La Jollan with grilled Mexican white shrimp, red leaf, cucumber, avocado, daikon sprouts and yamagobo. On a recent trip to So Cal, we were also seduced by the Wind N’ Sea (named for the famed beach) made from freshwater eel, tempura banana, avocado and cucumber.

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We’re not likely to devour tortilla chips without some homemade guacamole (topped with fresh cheese and shrimp) and a Grand Marnier margarita on the rocks. That is, until we discovered chili-coated chocolate tortilla chips by Vosges Haut Chocolat. The organic, toasted corn chips are salted to perfection, then doused in milk chocolate and dusted with ancho and chipotle chilies. Forgo the margarita for a savory red wine. Bliss.

Technorati Tags: Charles & Marie, chocolate, Epicurean delight, gourmet, Sweets