Gobble, gobble

Raymond's Turkey Farm has been turning out Broad-breasted Whites since 1950. Established by Raymond and Claire Rischer, today the farm is run by son Jim and his wife, Patt. Now the third generation, in their 30s, help keep the roast turkeys coming out of the oven. Raymond's offers whole birds ($2.59 per pound) and all the fixings: stuffing ($3.25 per pint), giblet gravy ($3.50 per pint), even turkey chop suey ($4.25 per pint). There are also old-fashioned savory pies (individuals are $4.25-$5; banquet size, which feed 10 to 12, are $40-$50). The Rischers will let you customize the contents, so if you prefer white meat to dark, or no peas and carrots, it's all yours. If your turkey pie comes without vegetables, even Mom can't make you eat them. Raymond's Turkey Farm, 163 Hampstead St., Methuen, 978-686-4075. - KAROLINE BOEHM GOODNICK

Black Jade Marinade, produced by 'Cue Culture BBQ Sauces in Hollis, Maine, combines rich brown sugar tones with velvety Guatemalan coffee, and a touch of cayenne. A great alternative to all the red marinades and sauces you've been using all summer, Black Jade ($6.95 for a 12-ounce bottle) can also go on poultry or beef, especially steak tips. When the weather is cooler and the grill is tucked away, add some of the marinade to short ribs and let them braise all afternoon. Available at Fruit Center Marketplace, 79 Water St., Hingham, 781-749-7332; Tendercrop Farm, 110 High Road, Newbury, 978-462-6972; Assinippi Trading Post, 2053 Washington St., Hanover, 781-871-0805; and most Whole Foods Markets. - RACHEL TRAVERS

By this point, you've probably had your share of milk shakes, ice cream sundaes, and old-fashioned cones. So something different is in order, namely Mikawaya's mochi ice cream, a soft rice pastry surrounding a rich ice cream center ($2.99 to $4.99 for a box of six). These snack-size dumplings mix Japanese and American tastes, and come in enough flavors to satisfy both East and West cravings: strawberry (the top seller), vanilla, chocolate, coffee, mango, red bean, and green tea. Mochi are perfect finger food, and make an easy, attractive dessert when sliced and speared with a toothpick. You can't say that about a milk shake. Available at Kotobukiya, 1815 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-354-6914; Cherry Mart, 349 Newbury St., 617-267-0205; some Trader Joe's and Super 88 Markets. - MELISSA CARLSON

In May, Marianne Gulino opened Cafeteria Tropical, a Dominican spot, in Jamaica Plain's Jackson Square with her family. Small green beans called gandules (also pigeon peas) are a staple of the plates sold at the cafeteria, where prices are approximate by plate size and weight. Gandules are served over rice and can accompany every dish from stewed chicken or oxtail to whole snapper cooked in coconut milk. "The joke is that the Dominican flag is beans, rice, and meat," says Gulino. An assortment of sides, like green or ripe plantains, fried pork skin, and sliced avocados, are offered for around $1 each. That's something to wave a flag for. Cafeteria Tropical, 282 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-0202. - LEIGH BELANGER