The January Issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor is Now Available

Dear GGD Reader,

Welcome to the January digital issue of Gift, Gourmet & Decor Magazine.


This Month's Featured Content:
• Playing a Selling Song
• Lasting Ties
• Plush Perfection
• Gorgeous Glassware
• Tasty Toppings
• Hot of the Press

• Calendar

New Feature:
Enchanced Page Zooming Feature Now Available-Zooming is now easier then ever!

Please Note:
GGD Digital requires NO special downloads or applications to view in its entirety.

Please click HERE to begin reading now!

We hope you enjoy this issue and all future digital issues of GGD. Feel free to contact us with your thoughts and feedback at gwnplus@talcott.com.

Sincerely,
The GGD Team

Tervis Goes to Dallas

Tervis Tumblers are everyone’s favorite mugs with fun designs that scream individuality. This year, they’ve changed some of their signatures and they have a new location. Tervis Tumblers are still the same great looking, go-to drinkware you’ve loved since 1946, but now they’re making some changes so their brand can better reflect the motto “Always Full of Fun.”

In addition to the fresh new look, they’ve added new additions to the Tervis product line. They’ve redesigned their mug, so even though it’s a contemporary new shape, it’s still a favorite. The innovative 10-ounce wavy tumbler is fun for kids and adults alike. And, are you a fan of our thirst-quenching 24-ounce tumbler? Tervis now has a “handy” 24-ounce handle that slips right on for your convenience. Last but certainly not least, the fabulous, new Shaker Top fits perfectly on16-ounce tumblers. Cocktail hour will never be the same! All this and hundreds of new designs will be showcased in their brand new permanent showroom in the Dallas Trade Mart, Suite 1034.

Editor's Choice: Komforte Chockolates

During my first post as the newest Associate Editor of Fancy Food and Culinary Products, I’m going to lay it all on the line. I have a strangely sad confession to reveal right off the bat. I am well passed my prime-time college years. Gone are the days of fraternity parties, house music and microwavable snacks. In fact, it’s been ages since I enjoyed the taste of my favorite nighttime treats (which were consumed after frazzled post-midnight studying sprees). However, thanks to Komforte (pronounced comfort) Chockolate Bars - I’ve reacquainted myself with flavors that aren’t traditionally associated with gourmet products.

The Seattle-based chocolatier produces three flavors. Their dark chocolate is combined with either: Ramen Noodles (a favorite of collegiate freshmen everywhere), French Toast (noshers can taste whole chunks of the flavorful batter) or Tortilla Lime + Salt (my favorite by far). Creators claim they “saw the chocolate industry was driving upscale and more sophisticated with every season. What was of more interest to us was doing chocolate that had fun, interesting ingredients with a ‘comfort feel’ to them that a kid, teenager and adult could all understand and enjoy.”

The candy is simply wrapped in bright packaging. They contain 2.5-oz. bars which can be easily divided (so you can share if you’re so inclined). The chocolate is good quality with a nice creamy texture and no bitter aftertaste. Moreover, it includes whole pieces of either tortilla chips, French toast batter or uncooked ramen noodles. The savory concoctions (even the ramen noodle - which I was a bit fearful of upon purchase) add an additional layer of both texture and flavor which elevates the overall tasting experience. Consider this the new, gourmet version of a Nestles’ Crunch bar.

As an added bonus, Komforte Chockolates is a true mom-and-pop operation that values family input. In fact the owner’s daughter, Emma, suggested adding the third flavor (ramen noodle) to their repitore. See if you can find her initials - ERS - hidden on Komforte’s Ramen Noodle packaging. To learn more about Komforte Chocolates, visit their website www.komfortechockolates.com. And be sure to enjoy its childish nature!

- Cathryn

Beaverton Foods Newest Acquires Wasabi Growers

It shouldn’t be any great surprise that Beaverton Foods is expanding their empire. The company has been the largest producer of non-refrigerated horseradish and award-winning mustards since 1929. Now, they’re prepared to overtake the Florence, Oregon-based Pacific Farms to produce wasabi. Domonic Biggi, Executive Vice President of Beaverton Foods, claims this was a logical step.

“Our use of wasabi has been growing, so the Pacific Farms’ acquisition made sense for us to continue to grow our business to become the category leader,” Biggi said. “This acquisition makes Beaverton Foods the largest processor of real wasabi products in North America. We will be taking real wasabi and making high quality products.”

Biggi went on to explain that current wasabi on the market is produced by combining mustard flour, horseradish powder, fillers and artificial colors – not real wasabi! Therefore, Beaverton is looking to elevate the market of store-bought wasabis through authenticity. Pacific Farms can certainly produce this level of flavor. Since 1992, Pacific Farms has been growing and shipping their wasabi paste to restaurants, food distributors and individual consumers throughout North America.

“I’m pleased our business that was conceived, incubated and grown in Oregon has been sold to an Oregon-based company,” noted Roy Carver, III, Founder of Pacific Farms. “Beaverton Foods is the best company to take what we started to the next level.”

Editor's Choice: Artisan Salt Company

Salt gets a bad rap. I know we should be limiting our sodium intake, but sometimes, a dash of salt can really set your dish over the edge, which is why I was excited to take home a little gourmet salt from Artisan Salt Company and start experimenting.

I took home a four-ounce flip top canister of the Murray River Flake Salt, and I've been going through it quicker than than anything else in my spice cabinet. I've since found several uses for it: sprinkled on top homemade pizza dough, rubbed onto meat, even just a tiny dash on top of the whipped cream in my hot chocolate. (I'm a huge fan of the sweet/savory combo.) I've even used it in lieu of regular table salt. Just shake a dash over a warm dish and watch it melt and season your food perfectly. Although be warned: Don't use as much of the Murray River Flake Salt as you would regular salt.

If you're looking to add a little more savory in your life (or store), experimenting with gourmet salts is a perfect way to add a little seasoning!

—Melody

Schoolhouse Kitchen’s Anytime Spreadable Fruit Line Being Sold in Whole Foods Markets In The Southern Region

SchoolHouse Kitchen has announced that the company’s Anytime Spreadable Fruit line will now be sold at Whole Foods Markets in the Southern Region of the U.S. The line consists of four low-sugar, no added pectin, loosely-set, fruit herb mixtures. The four flavors are: Rhubarb Raspberry Thyme, Peach Rosemary, Strawberry Black Peppercorn, and Cherry Blackberry Sage & Clove.

The Grocery Department of all Whole Foods Markets in the South Region—18 stores in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee—will sell the Anytime Spreadable Fruit line, bringing greater access to the SchoolHouse Kitchen line. Whole Foods Markets, founded in Austin, Texas in 1980, has nearly 300 stores in the 38 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.K.

“We are so thrilled to expand the audience for our delicious and unique fruit spreads,” says Wendy W. Smith of SchoolHouse Kitchen. “Our relationship with Whole Foods Markets continues to grow, and we are very excited that more people are discovering our products. Whole Foods Markets is a leader in offering all-natural foods, and we are honored to have SchoolHouse Kitchen products be a part of the exceptional array of products.”

The Anytime Spreadable Fruit line is purposefully different from the traditional jam both in form and function. Containing about half the sugar of a normal jam, the uncommon pairing of naturally sweet fruits and savory herbs unleash taste opportunities that can be enjoyed morning, noon, and night —not just as the traditional topping of morning toast. Simply and gently infused with herbs or spices, these fruits are delicious paired with chicken or meat roasts; or served on an appetizer plate of pâté or cheeses, whether a pecorino to a triple crème Brie. In each scrumptious concoction, the fruit drives and the herb rides shotgun. chicken or meat roasts; or served on an appetizer plate of pâté or cheeses, whether a pecorino to a triple crème Brie. In each scrumptious concoction, the fruit drives and the herb rides shotgun.

Through the sale of SchoolHouse Kitchen all-natural, gourmet products, the company's mission is to support educational causes and program. To learn more about SchoolHouse Kitchen, its mission, and how to purchase products, visit www.SchoolHouseKitchen.com.

Editor's Choice: St. Dalfour

It’s officially winter here in the Midwest, but stashed away in the freezer are packages containing the blueberries that I bought at the summer Farmers’ Market. Maybe it’s because it was so rare when I was growing up, but there’s something wonderfully decadent about being able to have summer berries in January and the rest of the winter.

It’s that same feeling I had enjoying this week’s choice, St. Dalfour (www.stdalfour.com) Cranberry with Blueberry fruit spread. When you open the jar, the first thing that greets you is the scent of summer fruit. It is made in France, using an old French recipe, and so appropriately, I spooned it on to some French toast. The combination was delicious — the whole berries contrasted nicely with the soft, fluffy toast. It was a great taste of summer and a French summer at that. In addition, the spread is sweetened with a grape juice concentrate, so it’s not too sweet. Since it is made from 100 percent fruit, you can also enjoy it without too much guilt.

I can see it also on a variety of breads, English muffins and bagels. I can also see it paired with cheese, or topping pound cake and cheesecake for a special dessert. I bet it would also be good on ice cream. And it would make a tasty p and j sandwich.

For retailers, the 10-ounce jar of fruit spread would be a nice addition to breakfast baskets and other gift baskets. It could also be sampled in the store or used as part of an international-themed promotion.

—Barbara