Tidbits

A cooler cooler

This summer, you can stay cool, old-school, with Coleman’s “C Steel” cooler from Restoration Hardware. With a 54-quart capacity, it maintains ice for up to three days, even when temperatures soar to 100 degrees F. And with a shiny steel exterior, it looks cool on the outside, too. It costs $99.95 and is available through the catalog, available by calling (800) 762-1005, or online at www.restorationhardware.com (catalog quick shop No. 2610.0043).

Berry patriotic

Celebrate Independence Day by eating red, white and blue Almond Strawberry Shortcake Stars, which include blueberries for a patriotic twist. To make the shortcake, you’ll need 2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 1 roll Odense Almond Paste, grated (available at Shaw’s and Shop ‘n Save supermarkets), and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Reheat oven to 400 degrees F and lightly grease a baking sheet. Sift flour, baking powder and salt into a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Cut the butter into the flour mixture until crumbly. Mix in grated almond paste until completely mixed with the flour. The mixture will have the texture of instant oatmeal. Pour in the cream and process until the shortcake forms a ball. Turn out onto a lightly floured worktable and knead 1 minute. Roll out into a 3/4-inch thickness and cut into stars or circles. Gather the dough and repeat until all the stars are cut and laid on the baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until slightly golden around the tips. Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream.

Scooby snacks

Feeling hungry? Hop into your Mystery Machine and head to the grocery store for a tub of Edy’s limited-edition, Scooby Doo-themed flavors: Peanut Butter Bones and light Scooby Doo Cookie Dough. You also may pick up Edy’s Powerpuff Mint Chip, just in time for “The Powerpuff Girls Movie.” Each of the theatrical flavors features the “Dig In To Win” game, where you have to reach the bottom of the carton to find out whether you’ve won. They’re available in stores now.

Tidbits is hungry for news about local food products and events. Send your Tidbits by mail to: Bangor Daily News, attn: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor ME 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.