The Food Tramp?s 2010 Valentines Day Picks!

This is an article to all the foodies out there who’d live in Arizona and would like to get their loved ones a collection of some of the yummiest sweet edible things and one that is not edible, for this Valentines Day.  I got to brainstorming about four of my favorite gourmet products that would make one kick ass Valentines gift this February 14th. 

Here was my conclusion: Goody Twos toffee, The Gelato Spot gelato, Strawberry Hedgehog organic soaps, and Arcadia Fine Wine Prosecco.  What a combo…I could soak in an amazing smelling bath, drinking my favorite champagne and enjoy two amazingly sweet and sinful treats.

First off, Goody Twos is a toffee company, featuring a daughter/mother team of candy makers who have been perfecting their recipe for many years.  They now have a cute little shop on Frank Lloyd Wright that features more than ten different flavors of their delectable toffee.  The most popular flavor is traditional.  My favorite was the “Cinfully Hazelnut” toffee that had a touch of cinnamon and hazelnuts.  My next favorite and my husbands favorite was the “Sweet and Salty” toffee made with almonds, Madagascar vanilla, dark chocolate and topped with sea salt.  For me it could have used a touch more salt to really make it the ultimate salty/sweet, however, in their defense, I think some of the salt had fallen off in the bag. At any rate, it is all addicting and delicious!

Goody Two's storefront, new sign coming soon

so many to choose from

                                         Next up is The Gelato Spot on Shea Rd. in Scottsdale.  This has been, for awhile now, my favorite place to get yummy frozen dessert when the mood strikes.  I love gelato because it is so smooth and silky and just lighter than ice cream.  I don’t feel super guilty after I eat it.  What is gelato you ask?  Gelato is an Italian ice milk made from milk and additional flavors, not cream like traditional ice cream is.  With using milk, you get a lower fat content.  With a lower fat content you get a lighter texture, an ability to serve at a not such a freezing temperature,  and with that ability, you get the result of a light, creamy,and  smooth gelato that is soft to the spoon and just delicious.  When my husband and I go to Shea 14 to see a movie, we almost always stop here for a little treat.  I often get the almond snickers, but after discovering how delicious their coconut gelato is, I very rarely get anything else.  For Valentines Day they’re also selling very cute heart shaped cakes decorated to look like sweetheart candies.  Pick one up and a pint of gelato for your honey today.

frm lft to rt: Pineapple, chocolate hazelnut, mango, and coconut

sweetheart cakes

Groupon is responsible for my next amazing find.  Strawberry Hedgehog is run by a vegan, eco friendly woman named Tracy Perkins, who just wanted to have an animal friendly soap that she could use in college.  That need and want resulted in her ultimately starting her own company selling luxury eco-friendly bath and body products.  These gourmet bath goodies are only made with the highest quality plant based products and essential oils with no artificial dyes, perfumes or animal additives.  Strawberry Hedgehog organic soaps smell so good and so real and fresh that you may in fact want to eat them, but please don’t!  With scents like lime/nutmeg, tea-tree/rosemary, sweet orange/clove and minticinno how can you not feel pampered and deliciously clean at the same time :) They even have so many followers now that they were able to start up a “soap of the month club” where you can either pay to receive one bar or three surprising  fresh soaps scents every month!

In closing the V-day ceremonies I turn to the wine goddesses at Arcadia Fine Wines.  They always have everything you need to ensure a very romantic evening when it comes to wine and champagne.  I really enjoy their Bisol Jeio Cuvee Rose Prosecco ($17.50)  It has a crisp and lightly sweet taste and would pair very well with the toffee, gelato or just a simple fresh strawberry.  My husband and I have easily finished this bottle in one sitting a few times now.  Arcadia offers everyday discounts for multi bottle purchasers.

the perfect bubbly

 I love Valentines Day.  It is a terrific excuse to celebrate your love for your mate and even your children and I think sometimes you need to just go all out for that one special day in the year!  To all of my followers, have a fantastic Valentines Day 2010, and let your taste buds be your guide.