Three things we think you’ll enjoy as treats for the big night.
Gorgeous Macarons
Credit: C. W. Cameron
Credit: C. W. Cameron
At A Cacao Affair in Marietta, Karl Vivier dreams up chocolates flavored with Georgia olive oil, Tahitian vanilla, wine, whisky and all manner of delicious things. He makes each chocolate himself, hand decorating it and hand packing the chocolates in pretty presentation boxes. But when we met him at the Woodstock Farmers Market, what caught our eye were his beautiful macarons. These inch-and-a-half almond flour cookies are sandwiched with ganache or jam. Their beautiful pastel colors make them Instagram-worthy and their dainty size make them the perfect little two-bite treat. His holiday flavor is white chocolate peppermint. A perfect sweet bite for a sweet new year. $12 for a box of 6 macarons. Available at A Cacao Affair, 825 Jamerson Road, Suite 527, Marietta. 678-903-4534. Or shop online at acacaoaffair.com.
Asiago Crackers
Credit: C. W. Cameron
Credit: C. W. Cameron
Crackers so good you’ll be licking the crumbs off the bottom of the bag? Yes. We found them. Asiago crackers from Brett Self of Bistro 2 Go. Asiago is a full-flavored cow’s milk cheese you might be more accustomed to seeing grated over pasta. In Self’s hands, it’s grated into cracker dough (just flour, European butter, fresh lemon zest and juice and sour cream) which he cuts into 2-inch squares, sprinkles with just enough coarse sea salt and bakes to a golden brown. They’re addictive. And the best part is that they need no accompaniment at all. A plate of these crackers and a hot or cold holiday beverage and you are all set.
$6 per 7-ounce bag. Available at the Peachtree City Farmers Market, Pinewood Market in Fayetteville, Mulberry Market and Village Marketplace in Macon. Or online for $6.50 per bag at b2ginc.com.
Chesapeake Bay Oysters
Credit: C. W. Cameron
Credit: C. W. Cameron
For many, ringing in the new year requires fresh oysters on the half shell. If you’re in this camp, we have a real find - White Stone Oyster Company of Windmill Point, Virginia. White Stone will ship their oysters directly to you. They arrive in an insulated package in perfect condition. When you open the box, you get a whiff of Chesapeake Bay. The oysters are mildly salty and very sweet with a deep cupped shell. Their size should please almost anyone - not too big, not too small. You can enjoy these oysters locally at Miller Union and Restaurant Eugene among other places, or you can order 50 oysters online for $70 (such a bargain) plus shipping.
whitestoneoysters.com Order by December 29 for delivery on December 30, just in time for your New Year’s Eve celebrations.
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