The Capitol Market held its inaugural Merry Market Mingle recently, and it was an end-of-the-year celebration to enjoy all things holiday and local business related.



There were roving carolers, a little gift bag with jam, a wooden bookmark and Holl's chocolate sucker.



Plus, there was a lovely. spread of cheeses, fruits, veggies, sushi and more. 



If you didn't make it this year, be sure to check out the next one! 

Table 304 in Wheeling makes charcuterie boards of all types.



What does that look like? A hot chocolate box full of marshmallows, Hershey kisses and peppermint stirring spoons. Or, it could be a grazing cup, which is a portable cup with a meat, cheese and veggies.



In my case, I ordered a grazing box to serve as an appetizer for my family. It had this wonderful jarlsberg cheese spread that I could eat by the spoonful. Plus, some strawberries, peppers, blueberries, blackberries, olives, salami, hard cheese, soft cheese, pepitas and nice crackers. Plus a few sweets. Some nice quality ingredients in here with just the perfect amount.



Grade: A

At a recent holiday party, Saving Thyme was the caterer.



They are fairly new in town, and And there were so many tasty treats that I wanted to share!



Mini Shrimp Cocktail



Chili & Mini Cornbread Muffins



Mini Baked Potato Bites 



Spinach & Artichoke Phyllo Cups



Veggies, Fruit & Cheese, Mini Biscoff Cheesecake & Mini Peanut Butter Pie



Pecan Pie Bites



Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cakes 

Have you had a chance to try Saving Thyme yet? 

Let's take a quick trip to the most southern Gino's location in West Virginia. At this point, I've either been exposed to Gino's enough that I enjoy it, or it's just pretty decent. 



Either way, I went with a deluxe pizza, which has pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, banana peppers, green olives and onions. I've also realized how much I liked this combo as an adult. As a kid, never. But all of the flavors together are pretty good. This one was a bit heavy on the green olives - which I like - but it was the dominant flavor.

Grade: B

My latest J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile box contained the following:
 


Charleston Bee Works - Almond Biscotti Lotion Bar
Handmade with love in Charleston, West Virginia. This solid lotion bar is excellent for soothing and nourishing dry skin. Made of high quality ingredients and beeswax, these bars are an essential item for your carryall. A lovely addition to your bag, sink or bedside, simply warm between your hands and apply to areas of dry skin.

J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works - Salt & Pepper Peanuts
In partnership with Belmont Peanuts, these amazing hand cooked Virginia peanuts have a fresh, crunchy, crispy flavor. Available in three great flavors, Salted, Salt & Pepper, and Toffee Crunch.

Emily Ruth Prints - Swedish Style Dish Cloth
our surface patterns created using hand-carved stamps are folksy, fun, and perfectly imperfect. they are designed to accompany you in your daily life and hope to bring a sense of wonder and calm to your home.

Postre - Caramel Pop
Loved as much by adults as kids, this is the best lollipop you have ever had - full of rich caramel flavor. No junk, just organic cane sugar and sea salt.

Epic Pickle - Garlic Dill Pickle Spears
These pickles were made using a combo of whole and minced garlic, dill and peppercorns to add just the right flavor to cucumber chips and spears. Handcrafted in York County, Pennsylvania. 1 quart jar

Firsthand Coffee - Organic Coffee