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Breadsmith in Blue Ash (9708 Kenwood Road) is offering a taste of Italy during the holidays with its panettone (pan-uh-TOH-nee) bread. The tall, cylindrical loaves are made with sweet yeast dough, almonds and rum-soaked cranberries, apples and apricots. Breadsmith's panettone costs $8.75 per loaf and is available through New Year's. Call to check availability: 791-8817.

Duck, beef tenderloin or dim sum? What do you eat on Christmas Day? Go to Cincinnati.com to vote in our special food poll. Keyword: Christmas poll. We'll publish the results next Wednesday.

Market Scan

Hearts of palm are the inner portion of the stem of the cabbage palm tree, which grows in the tropics and Florida. Their texture is firm and smooth and the flavor resembles artichoke (a good substitute). Hearts of palm are usually only available canned, packed in water. Once opened, they should be transferred to an airtight, nonmetal container. They can be refrigerated in their liquid for up to a week. Use raw in salads, or cook or deep-fry for side dishes.

Sip It

Fuller's Gift Pack ($19.99): A superb holiday gift for the beer lover, from London's oldest brewery. This big green box contains two bottles each of Fuller's India Pale Ale, London Pride, London Porter, and ESB. That's four of the world's best beers, plus a Fuller's pint glass, two coasters and a $10 mail-in rebate.

Ed Westemeier

Hot Date

Shuckman's Spoonfish Caviar of Louisville will be featured on the Food Network's Emeril Live!, 8 and 11 p.m. Monday . The caviar, which is harvested in Kentucky and costs $35 per 2 ounces or $60 per 4 ounces, is available at Dorothy Lane Market in Dayton and Springboro, or at www.kysmokedfish.com. and (888) 990-8990.