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Top 6 Favorite Specialty Foods

By , About.com Guide

With so many specialty foods to sample at the 2002 Fancy Food Show in New York City, I couldn't possibly try them all. However, for you my dear readers, I did my best! These are my favorite specialty foods among the dozens of nibbles I enjoyed at that trade show. I recommend using these to make your life simpler and tastier the next time you entertain.

1. Route 11 Potato Chips

This small company produces high quality, hand processed chips. They come in a variety of flavors including lightly salted, salt and vinegar, dill pickle, spicy barbecue, sweet potato chips, taro chips and more. These chips don't need dips to give them character.
Manufacturer's Site

2. Tomato Pesto

Timber Crest Farms in Healdsburg, CA produces a tasty, full-bodied, sun-dried tomato pesto. This product will work well on crackers, with cheese, or as an addition to numerous appetizers and hors d'oeuvres.
Manufacturer's Site

3. Artichoke, Fennel Savory Sauce w/ Chardonnay

This savory sauce from Tulocay Company would make an interesting topping for pasta, grilled chicken or grilled fish.
Manufacturer's Site

4. Bittersweet Herb Farm Finishing Sauces

The three flavorful finishing sauces available from this company would work well as marinades and basting sauces as well as finishing sauces on meats and even some vegetables. They come in three flavors: Wasabi Ginger, Lemon Garlic and Chipotle Peanut.
Manufacturer's Site

5. Nirvana Belgium Chocolates

You didn't think I could make it through the show without tasting lots of chocolate, did you? This company offers luscious, rich belgium chocolates wrapped in elegant, celestial packages. Great for gifts, chocolate tastings, or just when you need a quick chocolate fix.
Manufacturer's Site

6. Fernet-Branca

This is not a product for the unadventurous. This very unusual "digestif" liqueur claims to have mystical powers that aid both in digestion and general health. It's created with 40 herbs and spices and has a bitter taste that will grow on you. Very popular in Europe, it's served after meals straight-up, chased down with a soft drink, or in coffee.

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