Fat Witch Bakery
Fat Witch Bakery is a very popular shop in New York’s Chelsea Market, and they are renowned for their brownies (“the best ever,” someone exclaimed in the aisle). They have now made their eponymous confections available to the home baker with a new line of packaged brownies mixes. Finally making it to their booth, I too was convinced that these were indeed very special brownies. They come in three flavors: Blonde Witch Mix, Original Fat Witch Brownie Mix (chocolate chip brownie), and Snow Witch Mix (decadent white chocolate brownie). They are made with all-natural ingredients, the same ingredients used in their retail bakery, baked in small batches, and they are very good. For more information, call 888-419-4824 or go to www.fatwitch.com.

B&R Farms Chutney and Preserves
B&R Farms is a California grower of Blenheim apricots, and more recently, they are producers of an excellent line of apricot value-added products including some delicious Dried Apricot Preserves, Dried Apricot Chutney, and Dried Apricot Chili Preserves. They are absolutely wonderful condiments, and for many people they are a welcome change from the usual jam flavors. Additionally, the preserves are great for baking and cooking (think pork loins and glazed tarts). The company also produces several other fine products from their apricots, including Apricot Topping, Red Pepper Topping, Dried Apricot Cinnamon Spread, and of course, dried apricots and dried apricots covered in chocolate. For more information, call 800-930-9168 or visit www.brfarms.com.

New 750 ml Glass Bottles from Ayala’s Herbal Water
Herbal Water Inc, the manufacturer of Ayala’s Herbal Water, debuted a new line of 750 ml glass bottles at the New York Fancy Food Show this June for connoisseurs and foodies who are searching for a sophisticated and refreshing water option for their guests. Available in three refreshing varieties— Lemongrass Mint Vanilla, Cinnamon Orange Peel, and Ginger Lemon Peel—Ayala’s Herbal Water is the first flavored water of its kind to bring an herb-infused sparkling water to the dining table. These sparkling herb-infused beverages offer creative taste profiles that will complement the flavors of any variety of appetizers, entrees, cocktails or desserts. Like the six original varieties of Ayala’s Herbal Water, the new line of sparkling Herbal Water is made with artesian well water and USDA Certified Organic ingredients, contains zero calories, no additives and no preservatives, and is a delicious substitute for calorie-laden beverages and the plain water options currently on the market today. For more information, visit www.herbalwater.com.

Fruit Classiques from Spoonful of Fruit
Here’s a good illustration of the government rules regarding jams and preserves. These new “Fruit Classiques” from Spoonful of Fruit cannot be called preserves because by law they would have to contain at least 43 percent sugar, while these have only 30 percent sugar. In fact, they are best described as being somewhere between a preserve and a compote with big, delicious chunks of fruit in every bite. They come in a variety of flavors, including Apple Pear, Mixed Berry, Peach Apricot Pear, Pineapple, Strawberry, Strawberry Orange Mango, and Strawberry Peach Fig. For more information, as well as recipes and serving suggestions, call 310-701-3174 or go to www.spoonfuloffruit.com.