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February 10. 2012 10:30AM
Shop local for last-minute foodie V-Day gifts
Erica Streisfeld
No, I'm not Cupid.
But I will share a few last-minute gift ideas that might score some points with that special someone. The rest is up to you!
Sweet stuff
Bring your sweetie-pie some homemade pie. On Valentine's Day only, The Pie Shop in York will feature two mini savory and two mini sweet pies for $10. Or let Frank "the pie guy" at the West Shore Farmers Market help you woo that special someone with his popular fruit or Boston cream pies.
You know what they say: Good things come in small packages. Cupcakes are no exception. These cute little ditties are a welcome sight for any sweet tooth, especially when you bring home red velvet. From Just Cupcakes in York to Ciao! Bakery in Harrisburg, there's practically a cupcakery on every corner.
What Valentine's Day would be complete without chocolate? At the Brown's Orchards Loganville market, you can pick up luscious chocolate-covered strawberries. Meanwhile, Bonbonniere, a European-style confectionary shop, has treats that run the gamut from my personal favorite, chocolate-covered pretzel cameos, to truffle fudge salt bites.
Speaking of international delicacies, Lancaster sure knows its pastries. Classic French macaroons are available in all their daintiness at La Petite Patisserie. Ooh, la, la! Or bring home a taste of Italy with cannoli, fruit tarts or sfogliatelle from La Dolce Vita. You'll definitely get a "grazie" for that.
For something a little more heart-healthy, Nuts About Granola bakes up organic granola made from local ingredients. Ask about the Valentine Trio, which includes its Date Food, Lover's Combo and Chocolate Mint Cookie varieties.
Savory bites
If a box of chocolates is not your sweetheart's thing, how about a box of sushi? Empire Asian Bistro, Mitsuru-Ya, Sakura and Fujihana all offer their own versions of a heart-shaped sweetheart roll, each with just enough spiciness and perfect for takeout.
Turn up the heat on any dish with all-natural Torchbearer Sauces. Go for the spicy Sultry Sauce, or for those not afraid to go triple-X hot, try the Slaughter Sauce. Check Torchbearer's website to find out where you can purchase its products.
Admit it, you're a softie at heart, and so are the heart-shaped soft pretzels at Philly Pretzel Factory in Camp Hill, Harrisburg and Lititz. Available only through Valentine's Day, these fresh-baked bundles of love are delightfully salty for your taste buds but not for your wallet.
Liquid love
Get amped for coffee and conversation with Autumn Sweater or Nup's Cup Foreverness blends from Little Amps Coffee Roasters. If you're within Harrisburg city limits, the shop will even deliver via bicycle for free. You also can get house-roasted beans like Tanzanian Teaberry at Saint Thomas Roasters in Linglestown, as well as flavored blends like Dark Chocolate Dust.
Did you forget to buy a card? Ask someone to be your valentine with a Nissley Vineyards drinkable card, which comes in four wine varieties. Then ease into dinner with an easy-drinking riesling from Allegro Vineyards or the Velvet Ruby from Tamanend Winery. Benigna's Creek strawberry wine and Raspberry Delight from Cullari Vineyards are both berry sweet accompaniments to dessert, and hopefully you'll end the evening with The Vineyard at Hershey's Twisted Kiss.
What are your ideas for a delicious V-Day?
Erica Streisfeld is the editor for custom publishing at Journal Publications Inc., parent company of the Central Penn Business Journal. She moonlights as a foodie and wino, and many people also know her as founder and organizer of the Harrisburg Cupcake Cup, a community cupcake competition that doubles as a fundraiser for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Follow her at @HbgFoodandWine.
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