Leaves of class

Looking for a way to jazz up the Thanksgiving table without turning to a ceramic turkey? Check out Crate & Barrel’s Seasons Leaf Appetizer Plates. Designed by Barbara Eigen, the plates come in green, brown, yellow and red, and make a perfect serving dish for snacks. They cost $24.95 for a set of four and are available at www.crateandbarrel.com or by calling (800) 967-6696(SKU No. 242055).

Fight fire with fire

Does your cooking ever set off the smoke alarm? Even if it doesn’t, the Passadumkeag Volunteer Fire Department’s new cookbook may be just the thing for you. The group has published “Firehouse Favorites” to raise money for the purchase of a thermal imaging camera. “Fire House Favorites” features recipes by firefighters, friends and family, including Venison Stew, Cranberry Pork Roast and Three-Layer Chocolate Cake. To order a copy, send $10 plus $3.50 for shipping (or if you prefer first-class mail, send $5.60 for shipping) to Passadumkeag Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 22, Passadumkeag 04475, or contact Kathy Ouellette at 732-3531 or e-mail firehousefavorites@midmaine.com.

No small potatoes

Don’t fear the fry – McCain Foods has developed a healthier french fry. The new fries are made with canola oil and have zero grams of trans fat, which has been linked to increased levels of LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol and heart problems. The potatoes for McCain’s new fries are grown in Aroostook County and processed in Easton. They are available in five varieties: Classic Cut, Crinkle Cut, Shoestrings, 5 Minute Fries and Steak Cut.

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 04402-1329; by fax to 941-9476; or by e-mail to kandresen@bangordailynews.net.