Soda

DUNKIN’ SCORES AGAIN

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It must be teaching season because I have been talking a LOT about coffee and other ways to get going in the morning.

Having already sung the praises of new faves like IQ Joe and Kickstarter coffees, I would be reticent if I did not check in with some old friends as well.

While they may be best known for giving America something to run on, Dunkin’ has recently expanded their partnership with Harpoon Brewery by not only bringing back their popular Dunkin’ Pumpkin flavor but also by jumping on the burgeoning beverage bandwagon of ready-to-drink spiked beverages.

As the coffee drinks are dairy free, there is no “regulah,” but the set of 6% ABV coffee-based refreshers ranges from the rich and classic taste of original to a bold and chocolatey mocha, a creamy and smooth vanilla, and a sweet caramel iced coffee. There is also a quartet of 5% ABV teas that start with slightly sweet and then go a bit wild with the addition of mango pineapple and strawberry dragonfruit. For the golfing set, there is even an alcoholic Ahnold Pahlmah that combines equal portions of black tea and fresh lemonade with a twist of malt liquor.

Though the flavors may be favorites to young and old alike (and surely will be for those who are yet to try them), as these beverages are for adults only, Dunkin’ has been wise enough to give them their own domain – https://dunkinspiked.com – and to sell them only in age-appropriate venues, either as single 19 ounce cans or in variety packs of 12 ounce cans that will help you stop runnin’ at the end of the day or just run a bit more mellowly in the middle.

I hate to mix sports metaphors, but if Dunkin’ Pumpkin is any sign of what Harpoon and Dunkin’ can do together, Dunkin’ Spiked is sure to be a slam dunk!

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HOLDAYS AT HAYMARKET

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Now that we are (hopefully) visiting others for the holidays it is time once again to get gifts for them all!

As usual, our friends at Boston Public Market have everything we (and everyone we know) could ask for…and more!

From gifts to groceries and treats to trimming, BPM makes holiday prep easy. And not only will you be helping the Market’s marvelous makers, you will also be supporting area entrepreneurs through the “Market on a Mission” non-profit program as well.

As part of its December Happenings series, the Market is hosting such special events as Pine Bar tap takeover featuring Shelburne, VT’s Fiddlehead Beer on December 22, a visit from Frosty the Snowman December 18, and a Holiday CrEATor Market (with an emphasis on the “E A T”) every weekend right up until Christmas Eve! There will also be a sleigh-full of tours, tastings, and classes, including pasta ornament making with Seven Hills Pasta December 17, ornament decorating with Laurel Greenfield Art December 20, and a coffee tasting with George Howell on the 23rd that will help you power through the final shopping days and get ready for what is sure to be a great holiday (or at least better than last year)!

No matter when you visit, there are always plenty of pretty and practical pieces from the enviro-conscious crafters of Peterman’s Board and Bowls, American Stonecraft, and the ever-able artists at HOPe Unlimited. If you have already finished your holiday shopping (as if!), you can still enjoy local legends like Beantown Pastrami, Crescent Ridge ice cream, Red’s Best seafood, and the ever-popular gift-makers at Q’s Nuts (as well as bagels from Bagel Guild for those who prefer to shmear through the snow).

Whether you need gifts for others or a well-deserved treat for yourself, Boston Public Market is always ready to deliver. And as we prepare to give to others we love, a visit to the Market is a great opportunity to also give to some of our most creative our friends and neighbors as well!

www.bostonpublicmarket.org

Generally Great

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As kids go back to school and holidays lurk just around the corner many are looking for places to stock up on supplies and other good stuff.

In my town of Needham, we are fortunate enough to have most of it taken care of at the Needham General Store!

Located just across the street from the Hersey stop on the Commuter Rail, the General Store offers not only a full Dunkin’ Donuts but also great food and gifts from other local makers. They even have books from folks who have been on my TV show “The Writer’s Block” (including my book, Lions, Tigers, and…Bulldogs? An unofficial guide to the legends and lore of the Ivy League)!

One of their latest offerings is a weekly meat pick-up from Bianco’s in Medford that allows participants to trim their weekly shopping list by a few delicious pounds.

They also offer all-natural salts from Saltire Brands, a woman-owned business that took inspiration from Paris markets and now hand-harvests sea salts from Duxbury.

If you need a quick gift (or yummy snack), bags of small-batch Minute Man kettle corn are always a hit! This Worcester-based company takes inspiration and recipes from the American Revolution and is sure to change how you see (and taste) popcorn.

Another great snack that is especially popular in my house is the GIANT peanut butter cup from Swampscott’s CB Stuffers. They apparently make the largest peanut butter cups available, as well amazing bars and other sweet treats, including items with the Red Sox logo that can let you end a sour season on a sweet note.

If you need a bit of a bridge from your typical store to one that offers as much as this specifically-situated “general” store does, remember that it also has a full Dunkin’ counter so you can enjoy a “regular” while finding unique gifts.

Keep track of wine tastings, author talks, and other events by following www.facebook.com/NeedhamGeneralStore or visiting https://the-needham-general-store.business.site and have a General-ly better shopping experience!