Cassoulet from NJ
Learn the basics of preparing this bean-and-meats stew from its masters in Southwest France. But give it soul with key Garden State ingredients.
Jersey Girl Cheese
The cheesemaker to the country’s reigning pizzaiolo is Sal Pisani, who makes the very best fresh and aged cheeses in the Italian tradition at a small dairy farm in Sussex County.
Hunterdon Land Trust Farmers’ Market
Situated on the historic Dvoor property, this now-year-round market is home to a prestigious lineup of farmers and food vendors. Stock up this Sunday – Dec. 19 – and all winter long.
Make Someone Hoppy
A bottle or three of that special Garden State micro under the tree will prompt the beer lover on your gift list to grin like a kid on Christmas morning. Santa Shawn has several selections for you to consider.
Mitsuwa
A thrilling and practical place to gather foodstuffs year-round, and especially at holiday time, this emporium for Japanese edibles in Edgewater is a prime inspiration for the Smart Shop column. Eat at its food court, shop in its vast marketplace and be merry.
Hung Vuong
An Asian uber-market in Cherry Hill offers a bounty of ingredients to cook things Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese. It’s the bigger, brawnier younger sibling in a mini-chain born across the Delaware, and it’s well-stocked with condiments that add a world of flavor to everyday dishes.
Chocolate in the Oven
A bakeshop in Milford specializes in many things chocolate. Indulge. But don’t pass by the savory hand pies, pumpkin gooey bars and a carrot cake that’s one for the ages.
Chasing Rainbows
Like the Thanksgiving table itself, your beer menu should provide choice. Our faithful guide advises offering a many-colored range of styles and flavors.
Delicious Orchards
The family-run produce mecca in Colts Neck is one-stop shopping for holiday meals. Shop it right and you’ll have what you need for a spate of unfussy cooking.
Victoria’s Cake
A bakeshop on a side street in Westfield is a new entry in the ever-growing genre in the Garden State. Sizing up a selection of its French-accented sweets yields hits and misses.
Noon Tea Creperie
Could the cool tea-inspired desserts and drinks at a slender downtown storefront frequented by students make it the snack version of Playa Bowls?
Phillips Farms Market
A diverse-crop farm in Holland Township feeds a year-round market where everything locally grown and locally made reigns. BONUS: Dining and antiques/décor must-stops nearby.