December Food News in the Brandywine Valley

Feeling Frosted

Nobody does cupcakes like Dia Doce, so their holiday menu is a special treat (through Dec. 24). Festive flavors include red velvet candy cane, gingerbread, Champagne and more. Choose homemade cake topped with yummy frostings and tasty toppings, like crushed candy canes. Planning a party? Order holiday mini boxes, with a dozen cupcakes in select flavors, and pretend you baked them yourself. 100 S. High St., West Chester. DiaDoce.com.

Hot and Cold

It’s never too cold for ice cream! Head to downtown Wayne for The Vanilla Bean, a new custom ice cream and coffee shop. Begin with a vanilla, chocolate or swirl base. Then have a blast choosing from 40+ toppings, including fruits, nuts, syrups, sweets and more. Afterward, warm right back up with a hot latte, mocha or cappuccino from the coffee menu. 102 E. Lancaster Ave. TheVanillaBeanOfWayne.com.

Rum-Pa-Pum-Pum

Ever see a bar decorated like a Christmas tree? Returning again to Media is State Street Pub’s Holiday Pop-Up Bar. Get in the holiday spirit with a whole lotta lights, festive specials, seasonal beers and creative cocktails. Try the “Grinch,” a delightfully sly rum-based drink, or “Ho Ho Ho,” a jolly vodka creation that’s sure to put you in a merry mood. 37 E. State St., Media. @StateStreetPubMedia.

Popped Presents

Packaged with bright red bows, MoJo’s Pop Co.’s gourmet toffee popcorn makes a perfect gift, stocking stuffer or party favor. Try the holiday special, white chocolate peppermint, along with almond toffee, hot chocolate or dark chocolate pretzel for a salty/sweet treat. Shop online or in person (more fun!) at Artisan Exchange on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., to support MoJo’s and other small businesses. 208 Carter Dr., West Chester. MoJosPopCo.com.

Mull This

Warm up a winter evening with a steaming glass of mulled wine. To DIY: mix one part brandy, four parts red wine with sugar, peeled orange slices, cinnamon sticks and mulling spices to taste over medium-high heat (experimenting encouraged!). When the mixture nears a simmer, turn heat to low, cover and gently simmer for 15 minutes. Then strain, garnish with cranberries for holiday flair and serve! Inhale the aroma as you sip by the fire.