The Stuff of Life

Breadies (the foodies who live for fresh bread) can now go to La Brea Bakery for non-fresh stuff too: Parmesan cheese toast at $2.50 a bag (four or five pieces) and mega-major croutons made from La Brea’s olive bread, walnut bread and country white bread, fried in olive oil. The croutons come in the traditional cubes or a rustic-look pulled style (“My preference,” says baker Nancy Silverton, because they’re “sort of pretty”) and are $4.50 for a 6-ounce bag at La Brea Bakery, 624 S. La Brea Ave., Hollywood.

For Your Four and Only

Black & Decker, the power tool makers, have a Valentine’s side as well: the Sweet Hearts Wafflebaker (model G12), which makes a plate-sized waffle that can be separated into four heart-shaped segments. A melodious tone signals when the waffle is baked; $44.98 at kitchen shops.