FOR AN EXTKAJigin your step this St. Patrick's Day, grab a bag of Leahy's Leprechaun Ears (olympiagranola. com. Local D'Ush, 208 N. First St., MpIs.. 612-886-3047. localdlish.com). The chocolate-covered cashews are a new addition to the Leady Trading Company's line of good-for-you granola bars, and they are delicious.

Tour De Chocolat truffles are not only delicious, they come packaged in designer boxes, making perfect party or wedding favors (wix.com/ tourdechocolat/home). Flavors range from basil to Guinness and are handcrafted by Minnesota Orchestra cellist Mina Fisher. Find them at Lake Wine and Spirits (404 W. Lake St.. MpIs., 612-354-7194, lakewinespirits .com). Kowalski's Markets (kowalskis. com), and in the Orchestra Hall lobby during shows (mnorch.org).

Rebekah Leonhart s Her Majesty's Savouries - sprouted-wheat flatbread crackers - are not only great for munching, they're also great for you: sprouted wheat contains significantly more vitamins and proteins than unsprouted. Find them at Local D'Lish and Golden Fig (790 Grand Ave. SL Paul 651-602-0144. goldenfig.com).

While you wait for your own garden to come out of hibernation, check out the goodies sprouting up in LUy Blooms Kitchen (lilybloomskitchen.com). These gluten-free macaroons range in flavor from Key lime to cinnamon, and make the perfect springtime treat. They say March comes in like a lion - maybe this year it will go out like a delicate macaroon?

Author affiliation:

SUE ZELICKSOH is the founder and director of Women Who Really Cook and Perspectives Family Center's Kid's Cafe. She is the former host of WCCO Radio's Food for Thought.