Top Snack Finds from the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show

Lark Fine Foods Salted Rosemary Shortbread

 While most of the east coast was battling 95+ degree weather this week, those of us who attended the 2011 Summer Fancy Food Show in Washington, DC were comfortably cool and happily tasting, sipping, crunching and muching our way through the aisles of the annual “snackfest” at the DC Convention Center put on by NASFT (National Association for the Specialty Food Trade).

The Food Show is really something to see and taste with crackers, chips, olives and olive oils, cheeses, specialty teas, BBQ sauces, jams, ice cream and of course cookies from around the world as far as the eyes can see.  Every year I vow not to taste any chocolate products before 12 noon, but with over 2400 companies represented, its incredibly difficult to pass by without sneaking a nibble of treats like Vosges Black Salt Caramel Bar that line the aisles.   Picking the favorites can be difficult, but the Sofi Award Gold and Silver winners give an indication of what’s hot for this year.    Belgian Chocolate S’mores Gelato from Ciao Bella, BBQ sauces from Wild Thymes Farm, Fever Tree Ginger Ale were some of the notable winners in my book.

Among my top “snackfinds” this year were the Salted Rosemary Shortbread and the Scourtins, a french olive cookie, from Lark Fine Foods  an Essex, MA based family owned business run my mother and daughter team. 

Mary Ann McCormick Lark Fine Foods

Pictured here is Mary Ann McCormick with her silver finalist Sofi awards for both products.  All of their cookies and crackers (currently 8 offerings) are made by hand in small batches with all natural ingredients.  The products are advertised as “cookies for grownups” and the minute you taste then you can tell why.  Each cookie in infused with the fresh flavor of rosemary, ginger, lemon and spices that tingle and linger on your tongue.

A few other notable Snack Finds that had my tastebuds singing were:

The Rasberry Lime Rickey from Bonnie’s Jams

Sweet Potato and Sea Salt Chips from Covered Bridge Chips

Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream Mochi in Chocolate Mint, Green Tea & Passion Fruit

Late July Organic Snacks Dude Ranch Multigrain Chips

Ashers Chocolates Crushed Peppermint Chocolate Trees  

The only dissappointment for me was the lack of pretzel offerings.  As a self-confessed “pretzelholic”, I was hoping for some more inventive pretzel creations.  However, this gives me an opportunity to create my own pretzel snack and perhaps be able to win a Sofi award at the 2012 Summer Fancy Food Show.  So, stay tuned!!

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