Tidbits

Dysart’s dining

“The Dysart’s Cookbook,” published last April, just keeps on truckin’. The book, which includes such favorites as Dysart’s Famous White Bread and the Hermon restaurant’s house blue cheese dressing, was such a hit that it’s now in its second printing. It was written in memory of David Dysart, who founded the popular restaurant and truck stop with his father, Ed. David died in 1999 after a long battle with cancer, and all of the proceeds from the cookbook’s sales benefit three cancer charities. The books cost $10 and are available at Dysart’s Truckstop in Hermon and each of the four Dysart’s Travel Stops, in Newburgh, Holden, Orono and Hampden. For information or to purchase a copy by phone, call 942-4878 and ask for Ext. 122.

Warm-hearted

Put a little lovin’ in the oven this Valentine’s Day, or any day, with Chantal’s heart-shaped ramekins. The ceramic baking dishes come in pink or white and cost $1.99 each at T.J. Maxx ‘n More in Bangor, where they also sell Chantal’s heart-shaped cake pans. And while they make a great baking dish, they’re cute enough to put on the table, filled with Hershey’s Kisses, conversation hearts, ice cream or fruit salad.

Stylish sweets

The way to your sweetie’s heart may be through her stomach, but she shouldn’t have to deal with a tacky satin heart bedecked with a fake plastic flower on her way to chocolate bliss. Thank goodness for Ethel M. Chocolates, which has completely done away with the ugly side of Valentine’s Day. You can leaf through the tantalizing pages of the Ethel M. catalog and design your own gift box. You get to choose from a bevy of cool boxes, such as the pictured leopard print, crinkled hot-pink pink velvet, elegant red paper or the unusual giraffe and tiger prints. Then, fill it with any combination of chocolates, such as the seasonal x-and-o shaped white chocolates, smooch-inducing pink lips, or almond butter crisp truffle hearts. For a catalog, call (800) 438-4356 or visit www.EthelM.com.