GOOD TASTES.

A GIFT OF CHEWY PRALINES: If anyone on your gift list is fond of caramel and pecans, give them some Texas Chewie Pecan Pralines from Lammes Candies in Austin, Texas. The company still uses a 107-year-old family recipe to turn out the rich, buttery pecan creations. Each comes individually wrapped, and unlike the sugary texture and flavor usually associated with pralines, these taste like chewy, buttery caramels loaded with pecans. The company's most popular selection, the Texas Chewies (15 pieces to a pound), are available in 1-, 2-, 3- and 5-pound gift boxes and range from $23.95 (1 pound) to $64.25 (5 pounds). The chewies are also available, covered in chocolate, in 10-ounce boxes for $19.95.

Also available is a 26-ounce box featuring Texas Chewies and chocolate Longhorns (rich caramel and pecans drenched in chocolate) for $35.75. Prices include shipping. Also available are other chocolate, nut and caramel creations such as Peanut Paws (peanuts folded into caramel and covered with milk chocolate) and Cashew Critters (cashews nestled in caramel and chocolate) along with a Cutlery Tray that includes toffee, pralines, almond bark and peppermint kisses. I personally favor the original Chewies, which are almost addictive! To order, call [phone] or go online to www.lammes.com.

- Natalie Haughton

ITALIAN FOOD GIFTS: Want to send some real Italian food gifts to friends for the holidays (it's not too late) or throughout the year? Turn to esperya.com/usa (food is shipped from the Bronx, N.Y.). We loved the Panforte cake by Luca Faralli from the Panificio Il Monte in Tuscany - it's among the best we've sampled. Laden with loads of almonds along with spices and not overpowering candied citrus peel, a 1.1-pound square piece of this import is $26. Granted it's pricey, but a little goes a long way. Add to holiday sweet trays for something novel and different. Another favorite is Panettone by Pasticceria Bastianello in Milan that is available for $30 (1.65 pounds). Shipping is an additional $15 for any size order. To order these items or numerous other foods throughout the year, go to www.esperya.com/usa or call [phone] or [phone].

- N.H.

NEW GINGER SYRUP: Just in time for the holidays, Torani has introduced Ginger Syrup, spiced with ginger, cloves and cinnamon. Use it to flavor mochas, lattes, hot chocolate, warm apple cider, hot buttered rum, etc., and a variety of desserts like cheesecake. Available in 750-millileter bottles, suggested retail price is $3.99. Look for it at Cost Plus World Markets, Ralphs, Vons and Bristol Farms. For recipe inspiration, visit www.torani.com or call [phone] for a free recipe brochure.

- N.H.

FREEBIE LEAFLET

Ready Pac is offering a free leaflet, ``Holiday Recipes,'' filled with 10 recipes featuring their products: baby carrots, assorted lettuces, spinach, fresh-cut fruits and more. It also includes three 50-cents-off coupons. Look for a copy in supermarkets or send a stamped self-addressed business-size envelope to Holiday Recipes, c/o April Bracken, P.O. Box 2146, Irwindale, CA 91706.

- N.H.

DINING OUT

The annual prix-fixe Christmas Eve restaurant dinner has become increasingly popular the last few years, possibly due to heavy promotion by restaurants themselves, most of which are closed on Christmas Day. Here are a few of the fine dining possibilities around town.

The Bistro Garden, 12950 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, [phone], has a three-course meal with mocha or tea for $58 starting at 5:30 p.m.

At Pinot Bistro, 12969 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, [phone], from 5 to 10 p.m. there are three options: a three-course meal for $35 and two four-course dinners, one at $45 and one at $55.

For a six-course dinner starting at 6 p.m. that includes a glass of champagne or wine, Mako, 225 S. Beverly Drive, Beverly Hills, [phone], is charging $60 per person.

This year's Christmas Eve dinner at Spago, 176 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, [phone], is a three-course offering at $85 per person.

Melisse, 1104 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, [phone], serves its Christmas Eve five-course dinner between 5 and 8:30 p.m. at $85 per person.

Meanwhile, L'Orangerie, 903 N. La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, [phone], has three courses, an amuse bouch and petits fours for $120. With an additional entree option, the price is $140.

For detailed menu information, call individual restaurants.

- Larry Lipson

NEXT FOOD SECTION - SUNDAY

Due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, the next two food sections will appear Sunday, Dec. 22, and Sunday, Dec. 29. There will be no food section on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.

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