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CRAVINGS: Stuff we've gotta have

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By JEFF HOUCK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 11, 2008

DRINK UP AND SALUTE

God bless the French. First they teach Thomas Jefferson about cuisine. Then they give us a big ol' statue. (We won't even get into the whole french fries thing. For that achievement alone, we should rename a state. Frenchissippi, maybe.) Now they're celebrating All Things American with POP Champagne in petite red, white and blue, starred-and-striped bottles. The limited-edition bottles retail for $14.95. Available at www.sherry -lehmann.com or on store shelves beginning Fourth of July weekend.

COLD, QUICK AND DELICIOUS

Been outside lately? It's Africa hot out there. Which means you need some relief that only a batch of cold dairy product can provide. The Cuisinart Mix It In Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker lets you make your own ice cream and frozen yogurt at home. Plus, it's fast; 1 1/2 quarts is produced within minutes without using chemicals, salt or ice, and it dispenses three types of dessert condiments. Cost: $100. Available at KitchenCouture.net.

SEASON FOR PEPPER

Confession time: We were gourmet salt freaks until recently. And by "until recently," we mean "until our blood pressure shot up to quadruple figures." How best to fill the spice gap? By trying two new infused black pepper blends by McCormick. The smokehouse blend worked well on burgers. The Worcestershire lit up a couple of steaks when added to a marinade. Cost: $1.99 for each 2-ounce can.

TASTE OF THE ISLANDS

Kona Brewing Co. has introduced several of its ales and lagers to Florida, including Longboard Island Lager, Fire Rock Pale Ale and Wailua Wheat. Of the three, we enjoyed the hoppy-but-smooth Longboard the best. (First runner-up: Fire Rock, with its light, citrusy finish.) Cost: About $1.45 per bottle. Available at Wild Wing Cafe, Bennigan's at Channelside, Yeoman's Road and Green Iguana as well as Total Wine and local grocery stores.

Jeff Houck

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