Best of Rhode Island 2009 Editors' Picks

Local baker and mom Cindy Elder has managed to one-up the tired old boxed mixes from our youth. Not only are her biscotti and cookie mixes delicious, they're also all natural. True, it's hard to beat the old standby (chocolate chip), but our favo-rite is the Dark 'n Stormy ginger cookies: underbake by a minute and it's a soft, spicy, sugar-coated partner for your afternoon coffee. Kids stopping by? All the mixes are nut free. Available at Dave's Marketplace, Eastside Market and Whole Foods.