NEW AND NOW

Holiday wrap

Just in time for Thanksgiving, food manufacturers are wrapping their goods in holiday colors. Emerald Nuts has dressed up its dry roasted almonds and mixed nuts to look like nutcrackers. Appropriate. And Hershey’s is featuring Kisses in “naughty” and “nice” gift bags. Silver for nice and black for naughty, which if it weren’t so cute, might be mistaken for a lump of coal.

49 nuts

A serving of pistachios can lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels according to studies conducted by Penn State University and by the University of Toronto. The 49 pistachios that make up one serving contain as much potassium as a small banana and the fiber of one-half cup of broccoli. Recipes and uses for pistachios can be found at westernpistachio.org.

Order early

Garrett Popcorn, the Chicago-based shop that’s as famous for its long lines as its delectable cheese, butter and caramel corns is taking holiday orders online. Choose among holiday-themed tins with up to three flavors. Tins are available in 1 gallon to 6.5 gallon sizes and prices range from $26 to $185, plus delivery.

1-888-4-POPCORN or www.garrettpopcorn.com