Finds

Finds 02.16.11

DRAGON'S DEN
When a young kid named Max discovers a book-hungry dragon in the stacks of his local library, no one believes him. Max races to find help before all his favorite books are devoured by the library dragon. But little Max is determined to save the books and prove there is indeed a dragon living there. This is the premise of the latest book by children's author Dianne de las Casas.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Written by The Independent Staff

DRAGON'S DEN
When a young kid named Max discovers a book-hungry dragon in the stacks of his local library, no one believes him. Max races to find help before all his favorite books are devoured by the library dragon. But little Max is determined to save the books and prove there is indeed a dragon living there. This is the premise of the latest book by children's author Dianne de las Casas. A Louisiana resident, she performs at schools, libraries, festivals and is an award-winning storyteller and author of four other children's books. Illustrated by Marita Gentry, also a Louisiana resident, There's a Dragon in the Library is available for purchase for $13.59 through Pelican Publishing at pelicanpub.com. - Dege Legg

FLEUR-DELICIOUS
Chocoholics will be in heaven with Robicheaux's homemade pecan turtle chocolates. These divine treats are praline-sized - more than big enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Beautifully embellished with gold, white and chocolate fleurs-de-lis, an assortment of these candies would look smashing on a silver serving tray for a Mardi Gras fĂȘte or elegant tea. Made in Poplarville, Miss., Robicheaux's chocolates are available at Teche Drugs & Gifts, 505 Jefferson St. Call 235-4578 for more info. - Lisa Hanchey

MARDI GRAS BREW
The Mardi Gras season may already be half over, but you still have plenty of time to enjoy its most famous and beloved tradition, the King Cake, in all of its forms. The newest is PJ's Coffee's King Cake-flavored coffee. A one-pound bag of the coffee grinds or whole beans is $15, a small coffee is $1.96, a grande $2.16 and a large $2.36. It's even better over ice, as PJ's uses a special cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the beans while producing a coffee that is much less acidic when compared to hot coffee poured over ice. The King Cake coffee has a rich cinnamon and vanilla-creme flavor; it's like you're drinking a cinnamon roll. A medium roast blend brewed with top quality 2 percent Arabica beans, the coffee is roasted and bagged the same day at PJ's downtown New Orleans facility to guarantee its freshness. But you better get it now, as this seasonal brew and will disappear when Mardi Gras season comes to a close on Ash Wednesday. - Wynce Nolley