Everyone buzzes about apple butter in fall, but the sweet spread from Reid’s Orchard & Winery (located in Orrtanna, Pennsylvania, but sold at farmers markets in McLean and Reston) deserves to be appreciated in more than one season. I love that there’s no added sugar, as well as a connection to my home state. —RK
As you load up your canvas bags at area farmers markets, keep an eye out for beans—coffee beans, that is. This year, the Fairfax County Park Authority farmers markets will host locally roasted coffee pilot programs at Burke, Oak Marr, Annandale, McLean and Lorton markets. —LN
A summer of gin-filled cocktails is what’s in order. Fredericksburg’s A. Smith Bowman Distillery introduces Tinkerman’s Gin in limited quantities: Citrus Supreme, Sweet Spice and Curiously Bright & Complex. Master Distiller Brian Prewitt spent years playing with a variety of herbs, flowers, spices, fruits and vegetables to concoct these combinations. Each 92-proof gin will be released in 750ml for $29.99 bottles. —LN
Care packages stopped coming after college, but whenever I head home my mom sends me back with a stock of dry goods. I’ve found a protein-packed purpose for the many Quaker Oats packets I’ve acquired by mixing them with peanut butter, flaxseed and honey and rolling them into balls that are kept cold in the fridge—a sweet, filling snack. —RK
Ten years ago I worked in Leesburg and would often stop at Deli South for lunch. The most memorable item: the peanut butter cookie. Bigger than my palm, almost a half-inch thick and smothered with chocolate icing. Need I say more? —LN
