Local Food Finds

During a recent shopping trip to Whole Foods in Princeton, NJ, I tried out a delicious local coffee called One Village Coffee. The company is located in Souderton, PA, but they distribute their environmentally and socially conscious coffees to shops throughout the Northeast (with a heavy focus on New Jersey and Pennsylvania). According to Lead Sales Manager Rob Altieri, who I spoke with while he did a product demo, One Village Coffee is certified USDA Organic and the company is dedicated to responsible farming and fair-trade.

I tried the Evening Blend a dark roasted "half and half bledn of regular and water processed decaf coffee" with aromas of "honey, spice, and fresh roasted nuts." The coffee was smooth and mellow, not bitter at all, with a hint of cocoa flavor.

For those of you craving an all-natural ingulgence, try Simply Nic's shortbread cookies (I picked them up at Jamie Hollander Gourmet in New Hope, PA). Nic uses fresh, local ingredients like honey from Princeton, NJ and Lavender from Doylestown, PA to craft her tasty shortbread bars in sweet and savory flavors. My favorite is the rosemary - delicate and buttery with just a hint of herb. A perfect snack or dessert paired with a cup of slightly sweetened herb tea. Simply Nic's products are available at shops throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but if you don't live in the area, you can order them online.

"Skinnygirl" Frappachino

I love Starbucks, especially their mocha frappachinos, but I don't want all that fat and sugar, so I created my own recipe for a "Skinnygirl" (a la Bethany Frankel) Frappachino that I ask for when the line isn't too long.

Starbucks tends to be very accommodating, so here's what you should ask for- or you can make this at home using Starbucks Via.

Grande (regular or decaf) Iced Americano
1 pump mocha (or more if you like it extra chocolaty)
Skim milk
Blended with ice in a Venti cup

This delicious drink has virtually no fat and just a hint of sweetness with a creamy frappachino consistency.