Pore through it

Emma Roberts , owner of Capers Catering in Stoneham , found herself pouring fewer glasses of champagne and making more customized drinks. One batch of brandy and Cointreau-spiked apple cider for a hoedown party inspired the caterer to offer a sweet and salty nut mix she dubbed "birdfeed." So many clients asked for the recipe, she realized it was time to get serious about her playful drink-and-snack pairs. The self-published "Sassy Sips & Nibbles" ($14.50 to $15.95 ) is the result, with recipes for 35 combinations that go from Cuban cabana snacks with berry mojitos to bourbon bites with Old-Fashioneds . Tips tell you how to make a swizzle stick, or where to find sugar for rimming glasses. The 6-by-6-inch format makes the book easy to set out on the bar. Available at DeLuca's Market, 11 Charles St., Boston, 617-523-4343 ; Barnes & Noble, 800 Boylston St. (Prudential Center), 617-247-6959 , or go to caperscatering.com .-- CLARA SILVERSTEIN

For all the people who only want their steak well done, insist on eating the brownest fries, letting the toast go until not a trace of white is left, and generally go for near-burned food, come Utz's Extra Dark Specials ($2.49 to $2.92 for a one-pound bag). More than golden brown, these pretzels are dunked into an extra-hot water bath and then baked about 15 minutes longer than their standard-issue compatriots. They emerge from the oven tastier than the rest of the crowd -- and they're free of cholesterol and trans fats. This way, when you lose track of the munchies and find yourself left with crumbs, there'll be no guilt to mess with your mood. So, the next time you see a sack of pale, salty twists on the shelf, step away. These darker snacks will make your taste buds stand up and twist and shout. Available at Shaw's, Star Market, and Stop & Shop locations, or go to utzsnacks.com . -- EMILY SCHWAB

Dinner party shoppers clamor for soft rolls you brown yourself, while Portuguese muffins -- their tops caramelized and sides creamy white -- sit virtually ignored on the shelf. Known in Portuguese as bolos levedos or "yeast cakes," they are akin to English muffins -- minus the nooks and crannies. This southeast New England treat is often spread with peanut butter and jelly, but the sweet citrus flavor also mellows the spice of linguica and scrambled eggs. The dense, puffy cakes are best when toasted. Warm muffins ($2.49 to $2.59 for six) might replace the ubiquitous crescent roll on festive holiday tables. Better yet, rejuvenate leftovers. Toast the muffin halves, spread with mustard, and serve ham or roast beef sandwiches. Available as the house brand at Super Stop & Shop, 60 Everett St., Allston , 617-779-9116 and Trader Joe's, 1317 Beacon St., Brookline , 617-278-9997 . -- KAROLINE BOEHM-GOODNICK