Whether or not you’re adept at the pronunciation of this sweet treat, Rugelach is a delicious Euro tradition you’re bound to love. Think rich, flaky pastry dough evocative of baklava, with butter and cream cheese rolled and filled with raspberry filling. These particular pastries are near bite-sized (okay, make that three bites) and packed in a gift tin for any occasion. We like to nibble on them with coffee, black with no sugar.

Wander down a serene path, nestled just off Sacramento Street in Pac Heights and you’ll stumble upon Sociale, where the darling patio transports you to Italy by way of meticulously prepared food. Luglio, or “lunch,” is a treat that’s not to be wasted on work days when you only have an hour to burn. Though menus change often, a recent visit unearthed tuna salad made with poached olive oil tuna, seared scallops with strawberry, asparagus, fava bean salad, and candied fennel seed. Start with either, then progress to the Asparagus ravioli, braised duck penne or brick chicken. When you meander back down the path and into the world (buttons undone, no doubt) you’ll feel a bit more centered.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches may be delightful, but pair traditional peanut spread with chocolate instead of preserves and you’ve got a match made in heaven. These creamy peanut butter fudge sandwiches feature Allie’s luxurious, proprietary blend of chocolate, which is sinfully rich and addictive. Be sure to serve these after a light din din with ice cold milk. They are sure to stick to your ribs and leave you feeling quite full.

In France, Hannahbell cheese is generally served as an aperitif, but here in the states people toast the cork-shaped, bloomy-rind cheese inside mushroom caps or on top of pizza, or throw them into a mix of steamed vegetables, pasta or risotto. (FYI: when rolled in nuts, they also make tasty salad croutons). Shy Brothers Farm imports two forms of delicious flora from France resulting in a unique rind. Your flavor options? Original, shallot, rosemary, lavender and chipotle.

Who cares if you’ve got milk, unless it’s chocolate flavored? This instant drink mix is iconic among kids and kids at heart, plus it will help you get the calcium you need. Simply mix the precious powder in an 8 ounce glass of milk. The more you drink, the stronger your bones. And the happier your sweet tooth, natch. Walk on the wild side and try it on cereal.

Here’s a contraption we simply adore: The worlds smallest espresso maker. Completely portable, needs no electric power, and - this is the best part - makes an awesome cup of espresso. How? Easy, the system is based on a bicycle pump, so you build the important pressure by hand, and all you need to do then is to add one ESE coffee pod and hot water you are ready to go.
Price: $155 / 110€
Enjoy!

After 20 years in the premium beverage business, watersmiths at TalkingRain Beverage Company wanted to give H2O a sexy makeover. With fruit juices, pure essences and crisp Artesian water, they came up with Twist. The bottles are perfectly sized for those of you on the go. Flavors include lemon, mandarin white tea, mango acai, pomegranate blueberry, west indies lime and juicy orchard peach. Organic agave nectar imparts a hint of sweetness that makes each sip better than the last.

Some say variety is the spice of life. We say spice is the spice of life. This set offers oregano for roast chicken, cracked black pepper and rosemary for lamb, thyme to perfume broth, red pepper flakes for spicy ragù, fennel for seasoning a garlicky pork loin and saffron for your risotto recipes. Also included? Nutmeg, basil and hulled sesame seeds. Now get to cooking up some memorable meals, pronto.

Charles, our dashingly dressed, debonair man-about-town, loves crumbly cookies. According to him, the only thing better than French madelines dunked in cold milk are cookies smothered in chocolate chunks or smooth peanut butter. And so we found this irresistible assortment box, which includes four of each kinds of cookie: Oats So Sweet oatmeal, Choc It Up chocolate chunk, The Big O chocolate cream-filled sandwiches and Nuttin’ But Love peanut butter filled sandwiches.