Culture

A Lava Heat Italia Heater ($1,528) is not only a statement of style and elegance but is the virtue of functionality as well. Standing nearly eight feet tall, the impressive engineering and design is second only to the heat and ambient lighting provided by the unit. Radiating up to 41,000 BTU and showing off an adjustable, elegant flame in its weather-tight, . The tube is secured within the powder-coated steel safety grill to keep hands at bay. The Flame height and heat output are adjusted by the included remote control or from the easy-start manual push ignition and control panel.  Lava Heat operates on a standard propane tank which stores in the base. “Flame Failure” protection means if the flame is blown out or extinguished, the gas supply is automatically disconnected.

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Crown Maple Syrup ($18-$52) is crafted exclusively from the sap produced by 25,000 majestic sugar and red maple trees on their 800-acre sustainably managed farm. These varieties produce the sweetest sap on the planet and, combined with the perfect climate of the Hudson River Valley, make it possible for them to produce their Light, Medium and Dark Amber Maple Syrup. With flavors from light brown butter, salted caramel, fresh toffee and brown sugar, Crown Maple Syrup‘s are crafted to produce unique taste profiles with every bite.

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So you’re traveling across this great nation of ours but one thing is missing–your NPR! Now you can easily tune in to NPR programming wherever you are with this clever NPR Map ($7.00). If you know where you are, this map can tell you where to tune. Never travel alone again; bring the NPR network of over 600 local public radio stations along with you. Bonus point: they can all fit in the glove compartment!

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Established in 2008, Koval is the first craft distillery within Chicago’s city limits since Prohibition. They source all of their grains, fruits, herbs, and flowers from the surrounding Midwest region, and they make all of their spirits in house, entirely from scratch – from mashing to distilling, bottling to boxing. They started with five single-grain white whiskeys: Rye, Oat, Wheat, Millet, and Spelt. In 2010, they debuted an aged whiskey, Lion’s Pride, aged in two distinct styles. No artificial coloring, no chill filtering – only the pure heart cut of the distillate with beautiful amber hues from nothing but the barrel and time. Koval Distillery ($24-$48) lineup also includes several brandies (apple, pear and Bierbrand) and six liqueurs: Chrysanthemum Honey, Coffee, Ginger, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, and Rose Hip.

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The first major reference work to investigate the history and vast scope of beer, The Oxford Companion to Beer ($38) features more than 1,100 A-Z entries written by 166 of the world’s most prominent beer experts. Attractively illustrated with over 140 images, the book covers everything from the agricultural makeup of various beers to the technical elements of the brewing process, local effects of brewing on regions around the world, and the social and political implications of sharing a beer. Cultural entries shed light on such topics as pub games, food pairings and the development of beer styles.  Packed with information, this comprehensive resource also includes thorough appendices (covering beer festivals, beer magazines, and more), conversion tables, and an index. This book is the perfect shelf-mate to Oxford’s renowned Companion to Wine and an absolutely indispensable volume for everyone who loves beer.

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That doesn’t really have the same sort of dramatic impact, does it? Still, that’s basically what Darth Vader meant when he was talking to Boba Fett in the bowels of Cloud City. Thankfully, you won’t need to go to such extremes if your Han Solo Ice Cubes melt. You just stick them back in the freezer and through the magic of the exothermic process you’ll have ice in no time at all. The Han Solo Ice Cube Tray ($9.99) comes with room for six (6) small, 1.75″ Han Solos and one (1) large, 3.5″ Solo.

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Team up with legendary superheroes as they battle evil, avenge dastardly deeds and spread dessert throughout the universe. The action begins in the kitchen, where this Marvel Cakelet Pan ($36) brings six favorite comic-book characters to life. You can turn out individual Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk cakelets. After baking, use colorful icings and sprinkles to give your heroes their superpowers—and let the action begin.

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It’s salty, smoky, and sweet. It’s experiencing a culinary renaissance. It can make almost any dish better. It’s bacon, and it’s the best meat ever. And now, here’s the book that celebrates that deliciously sinful strip of cured pork belly. In Bacon: A Love Story ($12.39), popular bacon blogger Heather Lauer serves up a piping hot dish of fun and facts with this definitive love letter to what she calls meat candy. Heather explores the ins and outs of how bacon finds its way to your skillet and what to do with it when it gets there. Written in a witty, engaging style and brimming with Lauer’s infectious passion for the Best Meat Ever, Bacon: A Love Story is a must-read for anyone who loves bacon or is passionate about food.

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