Got a long shopping list but no enthusiasm for plunging into the maddening crowds?

Check out this week's Times and Kat Robinson's cover story. It's a detailed list of good Arkansas food, perfect for giving.

Also in this week's paper:

* Speaking of shopping, you CAN'T buy a North Little Rock merchant's boozy chocolate truffles because, well, it's a government thing. Gerard Matthews reports.

* I ruminate on Sen. Blanche Lincoln's political predicament and wonder whether a potential challenge from Lt. Gov. Bill Halter could shape her deliberations.

* Ernie Dumas assesses the toll of the huge outlays of TV advertising on Lincoln's changing position on health care.

* Lindsey Millar checks in with 607, a Little Rock rapper, and his brother Bobby who unveil a new act Saturday at The Village.

* Restaurant review is Santo Coyote, new in NLR.

* Bob Lancaster says thanks for 2009.