1 | Green Goodness.
Great tasting can also be good for you. Suck down a smoothie packed with flax meal, a heaping helping of spinach, and sweet strawberries and bananas to taste. While you're there you can nosh on dried cranberry-filled tuna or sample some European delights. Green smoothie, $4.75 ($5.25 for 8oz.), Abondance, inside Shillington Farmer's Market, 10 S. Summit Ave., Shillington, 610.777.3919 or 858.401.3779.
2 | Photo-worthy.
Creamy Welsh cheddar packs a punch when it's coupled with mustard seeds and Welsh ale, a tangy delight with an added bite. Use a few slices for a sandwich melt and munch on the rest, or try other offerings for an eclectic cheese plate. Red Dragon, prices vary, Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese, 600 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.406.5390. saycheese-restaurant.com
3 | Taste of Italy.
Savor the superior flavor of quality olive oil imported directly from Italy along with a host of other exotic international delicacies. Casa Ligaro uses mostly Carolea olives, preparing several oil varieties including some flavored with lemon, mandarin, rosemary, ginger and truffle. Casa Ligaro Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $8.99-17.99, Russo Gourmet Foods Market, 1150 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, 610.898.1918. russofoodmarket.comhttp://russofoodmarket.com
4 | Lush Lemon.
You'll buy a jar of flavorful lemon curd intending to use the smooth and creamy delight to dollop on desserts, mix with sauces, or even add a special touch to the main course. But we can't blame you if you end up spooning the pudding-like spread from the jar straight into your mouth. Luscious Lemon Curd by Whimsey Doodles, $6.50. Available at It's A Gift! The Woman’s Exchange, West Reading, 610.373.096; Cobblestone Farms, Mohnton, 610.775.7590, cobblestonefarms.biz; or Five & Divine, 27 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville, 610.670.9700, fiveanddivine.com. facebook.com/whimseydoodles
5 | Big Whoop(ie).
When you’re craving something sweet and salty, this little decadent treat fits the bill. Dulce de Leche buttercream, rich chocolate ganache, crunchy pretzels and homemade caramel are sandwiched between rich chocolate whoopie cakes. Or choose from more than 150 other fresh-baked flavors. Caramel Pretzel Crunch whoopie pie, various sizes, 99 cents to $1.89, The Whoopie Pie Company, VF Outlet Center/Blue Building, 801 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing, 610.372.2102. thewhoopiepiecompany.com
1 | Green Goodness.
Great tasting can also be good for you. Suck down a smoothie packed with flax meal, a heaping helping of spinach, and sweet strawberries and bananas to taste. While you're there you can nosh on dried cranberry-filled tuna or sample some European delights. Green smoothie, $4.75 ($5.25 for 8oz.), Abondance, inside Shillington Farmer's Market, 10 S. Summit Ave., Shillington, 610.777.3919 or 858.401.3779.
2 | Photo-worthy.
Creamy Welsh cheddar packs a punch when it's coupled with mustard seeds and Welsh ale, a tangy delight with an added bite. Use a few slices for a sandwich melt and munch on the rest, or try other offerings for an eclectic cheese plate. Red Dragon, prices vary, Say Cheese! Restaurant & Cheese, 600 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 610.406.5390. saycheese-restaurant.com
3 | Taste of Italy.
Savor the superior flavor of quality olive oil imported directly from Italy along with a host of other exotic international delicacies. Casa Ligaro uses mostly Carolea olives, preparing several oil varieties including some flavored with lemon, mandarin, rosemary, ginger and truffle. Casa Ligaro Extra Virgin Olive Oil, $8.99-17.99, Russo Gourmet Foods Market, 1150 Bern Rd., Wyomissing, 610.898.1918. russofoodmarket.comhttp://russofoodmarket.com
4 | Lush Lemon.
You'll buy a jar of flavorful lemon curd intending to use the smooth and creamy delight to dollop on desserts, mix with sauces, or even add a special touch to the main course. But we can't blame you if you end up spooning the pudding-like spread from the jar straight into your mouth. Luscious Lemon Curd by Whimsey Doodles, $6.50. Available at It's A Gift! The Woman’s Exchange, West Reading, 610.373.096; Cobblestone Farms, Mohnton, 610.775.7590, cobblestonefarms.biz; or Five & Divine, 27 E. Penn Avenue, Wernersville, 610.670.9700, fiveanddivine.com. facebook.com/whimseydoodles
5 | Big Whoop(ie).
When you’re craving something sweet and salty, this little decadent treat fits the bill. Dulce de Leche buttercream, rich chocolate ganache, crunchy pretzels and homemade caramel are sandwiched between rich chocolate whoopie cakes. Or choose from more than 150 other fresh-baked flavors. Caramel Pretzel Crunch whoopie pie, various sizes, 99 cents to $1.89, The Whoopie Pie Company, VF Outlet Center/Blue Building, 801 Hill Avenue, Wyomissing, 610.372.2102. thewhoopiepiecompany.com
