Charles & Marie

Muesli is a tricky snack. We like to consume it by the handful, but it’s rare when we find a recipe that’s just right (rock hard raisins and stale oats have no place in our mix). Luckily, we’ve discovered a way to customize the combinations online from organic nuts, slowly dried fruits, seeds, premium grains and other yummy bits. Simply pick your favorites and name your mix, and London-based Muddy Cook will send it to you in a personalized pack.

We prefer the term “jam” over “rut.” You see, we’ve been eating the same apricot jam for years and, although we love a good berry preserve, we haven’t found one that’s worthy. Full disclosure: this jam is made with flavorful Marion Blackberries with rich, sweet flavor. The seeds have been removed and the jam is slowly cooked in small, open kettles to assure consistently delicious flavor. This home-style recipe uses only pure cane sugar to sweeten and enhance the natural flavor of the blackberries. Hmmm. Did someone say jam? Suddenly, breakfast is suddenly a lot less boring.

So, it turns out Tobico (Tobikko, Tobiko) is the Japanese word for the fish roe used to create certain types of sushi. The flavor of these “chewy” black eggs is delicate and refreshing with light grains evocative of a fresh ocean breeze. Light. Tiny. Glossy. If only you’d paid attention in sushi-making classes you could figure out how to sculpt them into an edible masterpiece. Or you could just serve them on crackers with a bit of paté. You rebel.

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 says real men don’t eat quiche? This gourmet variety from Quintessential Quiche is packed with your daily serving of veggies: fresh tomatoes, broccoli, mushrooms and onions, plus swiss cheese and a flaky crust. Tote them along on a picnic in the park. And, yes, real men picnic…

Baked until golden brown, these bread sticks are classics and essential to spring and summer salads. They’re misted with olive oil and sprinkled with a blend of spices, parmesan cheese, sesame and poppy seeds. And let’s not forget how important they are to soup, whether you eat them whole or make crumbs to sprinkle on top of your chowder.

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Alpine-style schinken (the word schinken is German for ham) is full-flavored and lean, dry-cured and smoked. Smoky. Salty. Scrumptious. The texture is quite delicate so it makes for a delicious sandwich or antipasto platter. You can also wrap it around chicken breasts or filets of pork to create a roast, or add it to salads and frittatas just for kicks. We especially love it in between two pieces of fresh baked dark rye bread.

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This is the essential kit for traveling tea lovers, complete with a 100% natural wool felt bag-envelope that unfolds like a cross (a modern interpretation of old travel kits). The collection, designed by Les Petites Emplettes for Leaf, includes 100% natural leaf teas: earl grey scented with natural bergamot from Sicily, white tea, green tea scented with osmanthus, black tea scented with rose, black tea scented with lychee, and everyday black tea. There are only 500 of these darling designs in existence so act fast.

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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