TRY AGAVE FOR ALTERNATIVE SWEETENER

Searching for alternative sweeteners? If you're a fan of honey, the syruplike agave nectar is a good place to start a sampling expedition. We found Madhava's Agave Nectars, for example, echoed similar experiences we had with different honey types. Madhava's raw agave nectar's flavor was more intense, even molasseslike and could work in sauces such as barbecue. The light version was delicately flavored, a nice touch on biscuits/oatmeal. The suggested retail price for an 11.75-ounce bottle: $3.69. For a store locater, go to madhavasweeteners.com.

TOAST THE GOOD OL' DAYS

A retro snack starts with a Toas-Tite sandwich press. The gadget's heyday was the late '40s, but Toas-Tite is making an encore thanks to two sisters who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, loved sandwiches mom made with it, and decided to replicate an original (die-cast aluminum press, steel rods, hardwood handles), including its vintage box and recipes. Layer a bread slice in the press, add filling (cheese, fruit, cooked meats), then another bread slice. Close and toast over a stove top, grill or campfire. Our grilled cheese test? Simple and tasty. A Toas-Tite is $29.95 at toastite.biz.

--MCT