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SEEN AT THE WINTER FANCY FOOD SHOW: DAY 2

by Denise Purcell

The 2012 Winter Fancy Food Show wraps up today at Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco. Here is a look at some innovative products spotted among the 80,000 foods and beverages from 35+ countries and regions around the world.

Wineforest Wild Foods Dried Candy Cap Mushrooms

This elusive mushroom has a distinctive maple flavor that makes it a taste experience on its own or in recipes. Wineforest Wild Foods, which forages the Candy Caps in northern California, recommends pairing them with savory items such as winter squash or duck, as well as using in baked goods or crème brulee. Packed in .67-ounce jars for $24. Booth 304

Torie & Howard Organic Hard Candies

A new organic- and kosher-certified line of jewel-shaped confections is available in four sophisticated flavor combinations containing fresh fruit: Italian Tarocco Blood Orange & Wildflower Honey; Tart California Pomegranate & Sweet Freestone Nectarine; D'anjou Pear & Ceylon Cinnamon' and Pink Grapefruit & Tupelo Honey. The line is targeted at high-end candy shops and natural food stores. Booth 5614

Holly Baking Cookie Brittle

Crisp and buttery, this innovative treat from Moon Dance Baking combines the tastes and textures of cookies and brittle. Made with all-natural ingredients; available in six flavors: Original Butter Rich, Sweet Ginger, Chocolate Peppermint, Chocolate Toffee, Espresso, Hazelnut Chocolate Chip. Booth 304

Victoria's Kitchen Almond Water.

Based on a French recipe, this premium beverage is ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic. Created from a recipe by the founder's grandmother, this beverage originated in France. It is ready to drink and non-alcoholic. It contains pure cane sugar and no artificial flavors or colors. Packed 12/16-ounce bottles per case. Booth 5511

Partners MiaDolci Cookie Crisps

An innovative cookie alternative, this Cookie Crisp is low in sugar and contains no preservatives, trans fats or artificial flavors. Available in four flavors: Chocolate Vanilla Swirl; Toasted Hazelnut; Cinnamon Crisp and Lightly Lemon in 2- and 6.5-ounce packages. Booth 3005

Avitae Caffeinated Water

A new entry to the enhanced water and energy drink categories, this caffeinated water is available in two varieties, 45 mg (about the amount of caffeine in a diet soda) and 90 mg (similar to the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee). It was created to provide a boost of caffeine without sugar associated with other sodas or energy beverages. Booth 5520

Winetime Bar

ResVez has introduced a chocolate bar that contains Resveratrol, a beneficial antioxidant that's also found in red wine. Resveratrol has been linked to protecting cells from free radical damage, helping to inhibit the spread of cancer, lower blood pressure, and aid in heart health. The new bar also contains superfruits such as cranberry, noni, pomegranate, goji berry, acai, mangosteen and blueberry. It's available in two flavors: Chocolate Dates & Almonds and Chocolate Raspberry. Booth 363

xroads Philippine Sea Salts

This line of sea salts is harvested from the Pangasinan region of the Philippines according to traditional production methods during the peak harvesting season of February-May. Varieties include Ilocano Asin, white salt and Sugpo Asin, a pink salt. Booth 5513

Skillet Fennel & Black Pepper Bacon Spread

This new flavor gives an aromatic and flavorful dimension to Skillet Street Food's Bacon Spread. Also available in Original flavor. Use atop burgers or roasted vegetables or as a base for vinaigrettes. The spread is packed in 7- and 10.5-ounce jars as well as foodservice packs. Booth 5046

Braswell's Carafe Dressings

A all-natural dressing line from Braswell Food Company is packed in reusable carafes. Flavors include Balsamic Herb Vinaigrette and Vidalia Onion & Peppercorn. Booth 1258

Fondarific Fondants

As seen on Ace of Cakes, Fondarific has a line of 14 flavored fondants in striking colors. The line includes Buttercream, Chocolate, Vanilla, Grape, Melon, Peppermint, Orange and Chocolate Cherry. Available in 8-ounce or 2-, 5- and 10-pound containers, the fondants can be used for cake decorating by professionals as well as home bakers. Booth 279

Jeni's Super Pop Cakes

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is unveiling a quarterly collection called Super Pop Cakes, inspired by traditional cakes from around the world. The line takes its name from pop music, because of its bright, fun tone, which Jeni's reflects in its new flavors, drawing on the cuisine, climates and soundtracks of five colorful locales. The selection includes: Hummingbird Cake (American South), Icelandic Happy Marriage Cake (North Atlantic), Mango Kiwi Special Cakes (Asia), Tres Leches with Here-n-There Cherries (Caribbean) and Magnolia Mochi (Japanese). The line will be available to purchase online from Feb. 3 through April 30. Booth 2425