One hundred and eighty thousand specialty food products from around the world were on display in New York at the 54th Summer NASFT Fancy Food Show. Whereas previous shows have been dominated by a few signature flavors like pomegranate and blood orange, this year's products gravitated toward a more general trend: assertive, exotic spices and spicy combinations of sweet tempered by salt and heat. The following are TGR editors' top 10 favorite products discovered at this year's show:

James Mellgren, Senior Editor

Porcini Essence From Gourmet Porcini
In the Spanish Pavilion, we found this wonderfully enigmatic essence of porcini mushrooms. This all-natural and organic reduction of porcini has a concentrated flavor that allows one to savor the taste of porcini all year round. The family representative, Carolina Garcia Rizo, a charming woman from the Murcia region of Spain, told me the idea began when the family had a container full of the local porcini, or boletos, and no market. They devised this delicious essence that is already being used by chefs around the country, including Michael Mina who uses it in his incredible porcini flan. The essence lasts up to a year or more, and is great with filet mignon, soups, pastas, in soufflés and risotto. Garcia Rizo advised putting a drop (for a drop is all that is needed) on a piece of Manchego, accompanied by a glass of earthy red wine such as Rioja. Divine. For more information, e-mail crizo@gourmetporcini.com.

Peanut Oil From La Tourangelle
La Tourangelle, maker of some of the finest nut oils in the culinary world, has done it again with its new Peanut Oil. I smelled it at the show and it was redolent of freshly roasted peanuts, as if I had just stuck my nose in a batch of fresh-roasted peanut butter. The applications are endless, especially when any kind of Asian cooking is concerned, or if you simply want to conjure up the flavors of Asian cooking. It's great for deep-frying or dressing salads, and can be a nice alternative to sesame oil (they make a fabulous sesame oil as well). They have also debuted a provocative organic coconut oil that is virgin and unrefined (no trans fats). I love all the oils from this company that has a partnership with one of the oldest and most respected oil mills in France, and also California Oil Corporation. For more information, e-mail contact@latourangelle.com or visit www.latourangelle.com.

Pancetta From Fra'Mani
Fra'Mani is the brainchild of renowned chef, author and restaurateur Paul Bertolli, and is located in Berkeley, Calif. His idea was to make traditional Italian-style charcuterie the way he had always seen it being made growing up. The result is some of the finest handcrafted salumi to be found on either side of the Atlantic. They have introduced a stunning pancetta, a cured pork belly that is akin to our bacon except that it is not smoked. Most pancettas I've eaten are fine to use as a flavoring, but Paul's pancetta was served fried like bacon and would likely be highly addictive to bacon aficionados. It's sold in 3-pound loaves. They also presented two new pates, a pork mousse made with liver and jowl, and spiced with cumin, nutmeg and clove, and a more rustic pate Campagna. Both are available in 8-ounce retail packs as well as full loaves. For more information, e-mail bertolli@framani.com or go to www.framani.com.

Epicurean European-Style Butters
Always a sucker for good butter, I stopped to sample the new European-style butters at Epicurean. They have it two ways, with Mediterranean sea salt and olive oil, and with lime sea salt. They both have 83 percent butterfat, perfect for sautéing, baking or for slathering on your morning toast as I do. The lime sea salt may sound like a foreign idea but it was delicious. Who knew that lime and butter would marry so well? Of course, they make a full line of flavored butters, both sweet and savory, all of which can make cooking easy, flavorful and fun. For more information, e-mail Janey Hubschman at epicureanbutter@msn.com or go to www.epicureanbutter.com.

Pure Norway Jams and Bread Mix
After wandering through the vast food show, I came upon my people at the Haram-Christensen booth, and specifically at the Pure Norway station where they were sampling an extraordinary line of jams. Norwegians, including myself, love berries, which are a significant part of Norwegian food traditions. Their new jams reflect this tradition with Raspberry, Strawberry and actual Wild Blueberry. The jams are quite low in sugar, probably because they don't need a lot. The berries are so flavorful that they are delicious eaten straight from the jar. However, try them on the new Pure Norway Bread Mix in which you only need add water and bake, making the perfect vehicle for their lovely jams. They also like to fill the bread dough with vegetables before baking, a healthy and delicious idea. For more information, e-mail sales@purenorwayusa.com or go to www.purenorway.no.

Feed Granola
There were an extraordinary number of really good granola makers at the show this year, and as a granola fan, I was delighted. One that delighted me the most was called Feed Granola, founded and manned by a fellow named Jason Wright. There are several varieties -- Cranberry Coconut Crunch, Raisin Nut Crunch, Blueberry Almond Crunch, Bittersweet-ness, and Apple a Day -- and they all contain organic multigrains and flaxseed. The packaging was simple and would remind you of old farm feed bags (surely everyone knows what they look like!). They are high in fiber and flavor, and low in sugar. They also have handy little 2-ounce bags for snacking, backpacking (even urban backpacking) or anytime one is on the go. For more information, e-mail jasonwright@feedgranola.com or visit www.feedgranola.com.

Chufa de Valencia From Culinary Collective
Culinary Collective (formerly Powers-Selles Imports) had all kinds of new things to show us. Since it was a typically warm summer day in New York, I was first taken by their new Chufa De Valencia from their Matiz side of the business (Matiz focuses on Spanish products while Zocalo is all about Latin America). Chufa will be familiar to anyone who knows Mexican horchata, except this one is the original and much better. While horchata (orxata in Valencia) from Latin America is usually made from almonds, Chufa de Valencia is made from Tiger nuts. The product is probiotic and is full of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins and a bunch of other good stuff that I dare not try to translate from the Spanish. Best of all, it is very refreshing. They had it swirling in a chilled drink machine and it was absolutely delicious. Founder Pere Selles is very good at ferreting out these products from his native España and this is as good as anything he's found so far. Also from the Matiz side of Culinary Collective, they had some great new Tortas -- little fried, tortilla-like pastries, in both savory form (with garlic, parsley and sea salt) and sweet (dusted with cinnamon and sugar). Both are great for snacking and the savory is ideal as a vehicle for cheese and cured meats. Also, from Zocalo, they had Genuina Toasted Chilean Nuts. Actually they are known as Chilean hazelnuts (genuine avellana) and they are a common snack in Chile. They were delicious and I can't wait to try some over cocktails at the earliest opportunity. For more information, e-mail Marion Sproul at marion@culinarycollective.com and check out their Web site at www.culinarycollective.com.

Cosmic Chocolates
These are appropriately named for I couldn't think of any other way to describe these chocolates besides cosmic. They come in a dazzling array of brightly colored designs, filled with an equally dazzling choice of flavors, and each one is more delicious than the last. Some are formed into little balls while others are more traditional box or heart shapes. They include such inventive flavors as limoncello ginger, mojito, peach champagne, dulce de leche chipotle, cinnamon rose, mint grapefruit, hibiscus chai, and jasmine orange. They are a treat for the eyes as much as for the palate, and I would think they'd make lovely gifts. Try these as soon as you can. For more information, e-mail carly@cosmicchocolate.com or visit www.cosmicchocolate.com.

Sea Salt Shaver From Microplane
It doesn't seem like very long ago that the Microplane grater took the food world by storm, and yet now many of us can't recall how we ever got along without one. They've hit on another great idea with their new Sea Salt Shaver. It has a very comfortable grip that currently comes in Aqua, like the sea, and a rubber piece at the bottom end for gripping the countertop. It really grates, or should I say shaves the sea salt beautifully, either directly over the food or to grate a pile for cooking. It's solid and will withstand a great deal of use in the kitchen and at table. They also have available a gourmet series of shavers in a variety of coarseness, complete with a grater attachment for saving the fingertips when grating a batch of cheese, salt or whatever. They are slowly taking over the gadget sections of kitchenware stores everywhere. For more information, e-mail Melissa Moore at mmoore@microplane.com or visit www.microplane.com.

Tavern On The Green Sauces
This line of sauces, marinades and dipping oils from New York's famous Tavern On The Green are delicious, versatile and full of all-natural ingredients as one would expect from a revered restaurant such as this one. What really got us about this company, however, is that they support the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC; www.missingkids.com). In fact, Lou Bivona, founder of NCMEC, sought out Tavern On The Green for just that reason, to raise money and awareness for this most worthy cause. So every time you sell a bottle of sauce, money goes directly to the NCMEC to further their projects around the country. For more information, e-mail lou@taverndirect.com or visit www.taverndirect.com.


Sherry Hoffman, Senior Editor

Bacon Salt
Three 20-somethings on a drunk decide, "Everything should taste like bacon." The next morning, they still think it's a good idea. Against all advice, they went ahead with the production of Bacon Salt -- the no-fat, no-calories, no-bacon seasoning that makes everything, you guessed it, "Taste Like Bacon." It's kosher and perfect for vegetarians because it's made with soy. Now in four flavors: natural, hickory, original and peppered. They suggest it be put on everything from tadpoles to tequila shots. You've got to love a company with a sense of humor and belief in their product in spite of the odds. It really does make everything taste like bacon. For more information, visit www.baconsalt.com or call 866-692-3980. MSRP: 4 x 2.5-oz. jars, $15.99; 3 x 2.5-oz. jars, $12.99; individual 2.5-oz. jars, $4.49.

Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn
Another story of three 20-somethings, these college friends wanted a healthy snack alternative. And they've taken this gourmet popcorn where others fear to tread with flavors like Sun-Dried Tomato and Parmesan; Caprese; and Asiago and Cracked Pepper. No cholesterol, no trans fats, kosher and whole grains, these popcorns are high on flavor and stay true to the taste promised on the package. A personal favorite is Smoked Gouda. This trio of friends has succeeded and they're funny, too. For more information, visit www.oogiesnacks.com or call 303-455-2107. MSRP: 1-oz. bag, $1.50-$2.00; 5-oz. bag, $2.99-$3.99.

Salem Baking Company
This Winston-Salem bakery unveiled a new line of Moravian cookie flavors in some adorable shapes fit for fall, spring and the holidays. The new flavors include spiced apple cider and maple brown sugar, shaped respectively like apples and maple leaves. The Meyer Lemon, Key Lime and Tangerine Orange in fruit shapes make up the spring collection. The best of the bunch is the dark chocolate-dipped sugar and mint cookies and the red, heart-shaped chocolate-dipped sugar cookies (in a heart-shaped tin). For more information, visit www.salembaking.com or call 800-274-2994. MSRP: 10-oz. tin, $14.99.

Nikki's Cookies and Confections
These cookies are a present inside a present. Open the box of butterfly-shaped cookies by separating the wings of a 3-D pink and yellow butterfly. The sugar and cinnamon shortbread cookies inside are as delicious as the box is beautiful. All-natural bunny cookies dipped in pink chocolate are whimsically packaged with bunny ears sticking out of the top of the square box. For more information, visit www.nikkiscookies.com or call 414-481-4899. MSRP: large butterfly gift box: $9.99; 1.36-oz. small butterfly box, $2.99; bunny gift box, $11.99.

Indigo Grinds
A unique assortment of flavors in refillable spice grinders makes this product a standout. Two of the more interesting combinations are Flower Up, a blend of Western Australian-Indian Ocean solar sea salt, lavender, juniper berries, elderflower, calendula petals, lemon grass, poppy seed and caraway seed; and Firestorm, a blend of Malaysian sarrawak, black aster peppercorns, sarrawak white peppercorns, birdseye chili, nigella seed, mace, baked citrus zest, poppy seed and cloves. For more information, visit www.indigogrinds.com. MSRP: 1.76-oz. jar, $8.00.

Divvies Cookies
These soft yummy cookies come two in a pack because they are "Made to Share." Forget they were invented by a mom whose son had major food allergies; forget they may be a real treat for a kid who can't eat nuts, eggs or dairy; the cookies are so good you'll want to eat them even if you're allergy-free and you may not want to share them. Playfully packaged in blue and white stripes, they come in chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, molasses ginger and oatmeal chocolate chip. Perfect for vegans and just about anyone who wants a great cookie; and they freeze well. Other treats are also available. For more information, visit www.divvies.com or call 914-533-0333. MSRP: box of 12 x 3" cookies, $10.00; 12 packages of 2 cookies, $19.00.

Koppert Cress
It's almost like magic from Long Island, N.Y. This small yet global company takes rare seeds from plants, herbs, vegetables and trees to produce "micro-vegetables" that have maxi-tastes. With a goal to inspire chefs, the tastes in the Sakura mix include Alfilla Cress (peas), Borage (oyster and cucumber), Mustard (horseradish and wasabi), Shiso Green (mint and anise) and Shiso Purple (cumin). The Sechuan Button is a must-try for a sensation you'll never forget. These fresh plants have a refrigeration life of 10+ days. No minimum order. For more information, e-mail info.usa@koppertcress.com or call 516-437-5700. MSRP: individual 2" x 3" blister pots $3.00.

Divine Delights
Petits fours are a beautiful and elegant surprise at the end of a meal. Divine Delights' petits fours not only lend an air of Old World charm and taste delicious, they also come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Divine Delights have a line of "Critters" that are adorable and give the dessert a new whimsical life. Pigs, frogs and naturally a chocolate moose boast many interesting fillings such as chocolate truffle cream, roast coffee cream and lemon curd. A must-try are the Trufflecots, jumbo Australian glace apricots filled with a "pit" of bittersweet truffle. All the small cakes are handmade and can be specially ordered. For more information, visit www.divinedelights.com or call 800-443-2836. MSRP: 36 bite-sized cakes: $34.95; Critters: one dozen, $35.95, two dozen, $49.95; 35 pieces, $59.95.

Totally Wild
This is a young Cape Town, South Africa-based company specializing in aloe-ferox-based products, each including a minimum of 40 percent aloe-ferox, harvested from plants growing in the wild. The aloe marmalade with aloe cubes, lemon and orange is a wonderfully sweet blend with a tart finish. The Cape Aloe pickle is mouthwatering with cauliflower and onion in sweet curry mustard sauce and is fabulous eaten right out of the jar. Totally Wild Aloe Drink with Mango is the first of their new line of beverages. The Totally Wild line is about to break into the U.S. market so look for exciting news from this company that's about to make some noise. For more information, e-mail Barbara@totallywild.co.za.

Blue Bay Crab Company
Get Beached Spiced Margarita Mixer is an all-natural blend of lemon and Chesapeake Bay spices for an amazing mix of sweet/hot/sour. Use tequila, rum or vodka, or drink as is. The bottle, which pictures a quintessential beach scene complete with a toppled margarita glass, comes with or without a weathered fishnet top. A great go-with is their newest snack Shuckers honey roasted nuts. Always a great choice is the best-selling Sting Ray Bloody Mary Mix. For more information, visit www.baybeyond.net, e-mail sales@baybeyond.net or call 800-221-2722 ext. 3. MSRP: Shuckers: 9 oz. $12.99; Get Beached/StingRay: 25-oz. bottle without fishnet, $7.99.


Kristin V. Montalvo, Senior Associate Editor

Port Clyde Lobster Mac and Cheese
Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.'s Port Clyde Lobster Mac and Cheese is not your grandmother's mac & cheese. Winner of this year's NASFT sofi award for "Outstanding Pasta, Rice or Grain," this decadently creamy dish features pasta in a creamy mascarpone-cheddar sauce with sweet chunks of Maine lobster. All this topped with a crunchy mix of panko bread crumbs, herbed butter, lemon zest and Parmesan cheese. This online food-order deliciousness, at $48.95 for two frozen 9-ounce casseroles, is well worth the splurge. For more information, visit www.hancockgourmetlobster.com.

FoodShouldTasteGood Chips
The company with the brand name that is its motto, FoodShouldTasteGood, introduced three new addictive flavors inspired by some of America's favorite flavor profiles -- The Works!, Sweet Potato and Buffalo -- to its line of distinctive chip varieties including Multigrain, Olive, Jalapeño and Chocolate. The entire delicious line is made from the highest-quality, all-natural ingredients baked into the chips -- not from artificial flavoring sprinkled on top. For more information, visit www.foodshouldtastegood.com.

Cypress Grove Truffle Tremor
Cypress Grove, the Humboldt County goat-cheese producer that makes the wildly successful Humboldt Fog (and in my opinion is one of America's most talented artisanal cheesemakers), shakes the cheese world again with its latest creation -- a truffled goat cheese christened Truffle Tremor. Creamy, earthy and oh-so-sophisticated, this cheese perfectly balances the intricacies of goat cheese with the delicacy of black truffle, resulting in a truly blissful experience. I can't wait to melt it into some barely scrambled eggs or bury a wedge in my risotto. Truffle Tremor sells for $22-$24 per pound. For more information, visit www.cypressgrovechevre.com.

Bissinger's Blueberry Acai Gummy Pandas
Winner of this year's NASFT sofi award for "Outstanding Confection," Bissinger's Blueberry Acai Gummy Pandas are actually good for you -- packed with the antioxidants of its hand-selected organic fruit extracts. Soft and satisfying, they are truly perfect for both kids and adults. Other antioxidant-packed flavors include Green Tea Spiced Peach and Pomegranate White Tea. MSRP for a 1-pound bag is $13.50. For more information, visit www.bissingers.com.

Das Foods' Caramelini
Das Foods is a Chicago-based artisan and handmade candy company specializing in to-die-for French-style salted caramels. The Das Caramelini line features eight unique and exotic flavors, made with all-natural local and sustainable ingredients. In fact, owner Katie Das procures the fresh cream, butter and natural honey for her creations from small, sustainable farmers in the Midwest to reduce carbon footprint. Her company also contributes to the local community via partnerships with various nonprofit organizations, as well as donating 10 percent of all profits to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Besides being impressed with the philanthropic efforts, I was transported to caramel heaven after I sampled the Das Caramelini Assortment Pack (a sofi Silver Finalist this year), consisting of three 4-oz. boxes of spectacular flavors: Classic with Lavender, Chocolate and Toasted Walnut, and Ginger and Pistachio caramels. The caramels are all-natural, preservative-free and trans-fat-free. They are housed in a keepsake box that can be reused after all the caramels are gone -- which will be in a few minutes after opening, they're that good. For more information and to drool over other flavors offered, visit www.dasfoods.com.

DRY Soda Co.
I'm continually on the search for healthier alternatives to high-fructose-corn-syrup-laden beverages and was delighted to come across Seattle-based DRY Soda Co.'s line of all-natural beverages. Lightly carbonated and subtly sweetened with pure cane sugar, they combine the faint essence of fruits and herbs in four cuisine-inspired flavors -- kumquat, lavender, lemongrass and rhubarb. DRY's clean finish and low acidity levels make it an ideal soda to pair with a great meal or a delightfully refreshing beverage on its own. For those who enjoy cocktails, DRY Soda also makes a distinct and sophisticated mixer (lavender with vanilla vodka mixes quite nicely). MSRP for a 12-pack: $25. For more information, visit www.drysoda.com.

Nettle Meadow Lavender-Honey Fromage Blanc
Located near Lake George, N.Y., Nettle Meadow is committed to the principles of natural ingredients, happy and healthy goats, and carefully handcrafted artisan goat cheeses -- and in my opinion, was one of the rising American cheesemakers at the show this year. Their unsalted Lavender-Honey Fromage Blanc (another sofi Silver Finalist) is a wonderfully soft and creamy French-style fresh cheese that had me begging for repeat samples at the show. Also available in a delicious Rosemary-infused flavor. Distributed by CheeseWorks Ltd. For more information, visit www.thecheeseworks.com.

Organic Nectars' Raw Agave Gelato
You might think that Organic Nectars' raw, organic, non-dairy low-glycemic agave gelato is taste-free, too. Surprisingly, that's far from the case. Amazingly delicious, with a creamy texture, their Raw Agave Gelato has a mouth-feel you'd expect from a classic Italian gelato, yet free of any refined sugar, dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, glutens and GMOs. Considered more of a cashew crème, it's made from raw, organic soaked and rinsed cashews, and sweetened with Organic Nectars' own 100 percent raw, organic agave syrup -- making it low-glycemic and suitable for people watching their sugar intake. Available in 12 luscious flavors, including a sinful Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl, all ingredients are raw, organic and kosher. It seems I wasn't the only one who thought this was one outstanding product line. The company's Raw Agave Gelato Pistachio flavor took home this year's NASFT sofi award for "Outstanding Diet or Lifestyle Product." For more information, visit www.organicnectars.com.

The TeaRoom Organic Masala Chai Milk Chocolate Bar
The TeaRoom has created a dream product for tea and chocolate lovers -- Organic Masala Chai Milk Chocolate Bar. Translated in Hindi to "Spiced Tea," Masala Chai relies on a marriage between black tea and an assortment of spices to achieve its taste. A perfect medley of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and star anis offsets the black tea's strength to achieve a balanced and extraordinary flavor. Handcrafted in Napa, Calif., using the finest Belgian and French chocolate. MSRP is $3.35 per bar. For more information, visit www.thetearoom.biz.

Wholemato
Regular ketchup is loaded with cancer-fighting lycopene, but also with high-fructose corn syrup. Thankfully, Wholemato is sparking a healthy ketchup revolution by taking ketchup flavor and quality to a whole new level with the launch of their Original Organic Agave Ketchup. This fresh take on an old classic combines the rich flavor of premium ripe organic tomatoes with an artistic blend of spices and agave nectar -- a natural sweetener that is one of the hot culinary trends in the healthy food marketplace. Wholemato is less sweet than Heinz (with 3 sugar grams, 1 less than Heinz), with an edgier taste. MSRP is $4.99 for 13 ounces. For more information, visit www.wholemato.com.