Vegan Chocolates, Chai Tea, and Shea Butter

The Delivery: An assortment of vegan truffles from Energy Truffles, pure shea butter by Fran Kramer, Angell vegan candy bars, and a chai latte blend from Tipu's Chai Now
Staff Pick: The truffles

The DL: Ahh, Valentine’s Day. They might as well rename it National Chocolate-Lovers Day, especially around here, where all things cocoa reign supreme. With that in mind, you can imagine how jazzed we were to receive not one but two (!) boxes of Energy Truffles, which are made using organic and raw ingredients such as seeds, nuts, fruits, and even cayenne pepper. If you, like us, have chocolate on the brain today, feed your fantasies by checking out this feature on unconventional cocoa treats. Or work your way through this romantic three-course meal, featuring a ganache and raspberry-layered cake courtesy of cupcake queen Doron Petersan  of Sticky Fingers fame.

A Cookbook and Vegan Lotion

The Date: Wednesday, August 10
The Delivery: 500 Vegan Dishes by Deborah Gray and lavender shea butter from Från Krämer
Staff Pick: 500 Vegan Dishes

The DL: It's a double-edged sword, vegan cookbooks: On the one hand, you get a whole host of awesome-looking recipes with beautiful photos for almost every one (as is the case with Gray's cookbook), but on the other hand, there's no Baked Rice Pudding or Leek and Potato Soup anywhere (unless, you know, you make it). We guess it's just part of the job. Make it your job to vote in the world's largest survey of vegan people, places, and products, aka The VegNews Veggie Awards!