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September 11, 2008

Scrapple pigs love!

For out-of-towners, a first encounter with scrapple can be an off-putting experience. The Pennsylvania General Store has a solution: "Chocolate Scrapple," a sort of Rocky Road candy from Asher's made from milk-chocolate-covered, well, everything ("except the pig snouts," the staff reports) - pecans, marshmallows, butter popcorn, cashews, and an occasional crunch of pretzel. We hate to admit it, but it's a pretty addictive munchie.

Asher's "chocolate scrapple," $5.99 an eight-ounce bag, Pennsylvania General Store, Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Sts., 215 592-9772.

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- Rick Nichols

Local roast

Caffeinated Philadelphians already have a number of great local roasters, but here's another emerging name to look for: Blue Water. This small-batch Germantown roaster uses quality shade-grown and fair-trade beans, endearing it to the socially conscious. But it is the artful roasting behind those blends that most impressed me - distinct, robust flavors that unfurled from the cup with complexity and surprising polish. Try the Havana blend for an everyday brew, or the slightly darker Smokey Cafe.

Blue Water coffee, at Cafe Estelle (444 N. 4th St., 215-925-5080) for $11.50 a pound, or at Weaver's Way Co-op (559 Carpenter Lane, 215-843-2350) where members pay $10.86.

- Craig LaBan

For the cold stuff

We're so proud to see so many shoppers bringing their own bags to local markets. (So European, and we're saving the planet!)

So I was excited to see a practical bonus in a reusable bag: insulation. Now the ice cream isn't half melted when its unpacked. Even after lingering in the parking lot to chat with a friend.

Green Bag, $2.99, at Whole Foods.

- Maureen Fitzgerald