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The Old World Goes New

Ah, Europe. Cities steeped in history, countryside’s ripe with rolling hills, vineyards, Cyprus trees, and olive groves. It’s the grand, Old World. But that certainly doesn’t mean that new and innovative products in art, music – and of course, food – aren’t bursting from the continent’s seams. From boutiques in Paris to studios in Germany, pastry shops in London to chocolatiers in Spain, Europe boasts a bounty of creative foodstuffs that inspire. Here are some of our favorites.

Edible forks and spoons. Like all good Parisians, Poilâne boulangerie and patisserie is passionate about bread. Among all their carbohydrate-filled dreams, Poilâne’s curry-flavored, edible cracker forks and spoons are a true standout, perfect for dipping into savory canapés. If it’s sweets you’re craving, make use of their shortbread fork for dunking into those tempting Parisian desserts.

Parmesan pencils. Speaking of edible utensils, these Parmesan pencils are just about one of the coolest food products this side of the pond. Truffles, pesto, and chili flavors constitute the “lead” in each of these Parmesan wonders, respectively, which can be easily shaved – via the handy sharpener – onto everything from pastas to risottos to salads.

Chocolate moustaches. From Spain’s famed Chocolate Factory come six different chocolate mustaches, in styles ranging from Hulk Hogan to Pancho Villa and in seven flavors like chocolate caramel or chocolate-covered strawberry. Perfect for awakening the Tom Selleck in your foodie friend.

Veggie cupcakes. Yes, we got the memo. Cupcakes are so yesterday. But that says nothing of cupcakes made entirely from vegetables. Out of London comes Petit Pois: tasty cakes made from pumpkin to zucchini to beetroot. So if you’re struggling to fulfill your 5-a-day quota, you may do well to look no further than these charming green-dotted beauties.

Curried chocolates. Le Carré des Chocolatiers hails – like so much of the world’s best chocolate – from Switzerland (yes, I said it). While that may lead you to overlook these chocolatiers as anything but innovative, consider their Summun Circus: caraway, black mustard, and fennel chocolate topped with crispy Pop Rocks. Or how about their Mediterraneao, which rocks herbs like thyme, lavender, oregano, and sage, among other heady aromas. Neutral, what?!

Wanna scoop up these inspired treats for yourself? Though you may have to travel, you can check out edible forks here, stock-up on Parmesan pencils here, get your (chocolate) Pancho Villa on here, gobble-up curried chocolates here, and shop for little pea cakes here. Et voilà!