To start, I'm kind of annoyed I didn't buy about 5-10 more jars of these juicy, mouth-watering little morsels. Brooklyn Hard Candy is built on a foundation of using the best ingredients to make the finest hard candy products- I bought the wild strawberry and I'm calling it love.
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Brooklyn Hard Candy Company
"Launched in 2010 by two alums of Le Cordon Bleu London, Brooklyn Hard Candy has kept its concept delightfully simple: classic hard candy, made the old fashioned way, using natural flavors like blueberry and pear alongside old standbys like Meyer lemon and root beer. It doesn’t hurt that their simple, sustainable packaging has singlehandedly erased all associations we may have had of hard candy as the stuck-together stuff of elderly family friends’ candy dishes."
As a self-proclaimed sugar junkie, I usually go for the classics-- Skittles, Runts, Sour Patch Kids, Gummi Bears, Swedish Fish, Kit-Kat, Milk Duds, Twix, Rolo, etc. Mix all of those things with my new obsession, Three Twins Ice Cream and I'm a dentist's dream. I even used to work at a candy store. Now that's what I call a bad combination! It's a wonder I still have all of my teeth.
I have yet to venture into the baked goods world of Napa Valley, only because I am aware that there are several world-famous bakeries in the area. I can't seem to muster up the strength to tackle both candy and patisserie finds in one small blog entry. *Sigh* I'm just going to have to save my cupcake, pastry, doughnut and breads tummy for another rainy day. Come to think of it, I better start swimming more at this sweet rate.
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I've been going through a phase of munchies that I call the sweet & savory curse. I can't eat a piece of fruity candy without wanting something chocolate-y or savory. It makes sneaking a piece here or there quite difficult as I always end up not being able to break the vicious cycle. Thus, the reason I ended up with this can of heaven.
"This homemade toffee recipe has been perfected over decades, starting out in Dot Smith’s kitchen in 1976. Now made by Dot’s grandson, Nick Belmont, this signature family candy is sold around the globe — though it stays true to style, still made by hand in the family’s hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Blending Belgian chocolate, sweet cream butter, pure cane sugar, only the best whole and crushed almonds, and a pinch of sea salt. Dottie’s Toffee accents special events, family gatherings, even your everyday workplace. It’s gourmet goodness; an indulgence for every sense."
For anyone and everyone who loves a superior toffee, you must get your mitts on a can of Dottie's. It is the closest thing to homemade you can buy, particularly if you don't have the skill or patience to make some of your own. Dottie's can only be purchased online here in California, but if you're in the area, Dean & Deluca (in St. Helena) happens to have a small supply in stock on a regular basis.
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For dinner, I took the plunge and went for it. I'm talking pot pie. Chicken pot pie. All natural, all organic chicken pot pie from Twin Hens. I couldn't help myself. It's flaky crust and warm, gooey center were calling me from across the artisan food aisle. Considering that I've been trying to eat a little bit more healthy these days, a chicken pot pie seemed indulgent, but I was willing to splurge on a cozy, cloudy evening's main meal.
"DEVELOPED FROM OUR OWN RECIPE, WE MAKE OUR TWIN HENS CHICKEN POT PIE THE WAY YOU WOULD AT HOME. COOKED WITH THE HIGHEST QUALITY INGREDIENTS – FREE RANGE CHICKEN, LOCALLY GROWN VEGETABLES AND HIGH GRADE BUTTER – THEY CONTAIN NO HYDROGENATED OILS OR PRESERVATIVES. MADE BY MOMS WHO DOUBLE AS PROFESSIONAL CHEFS, THE FABULOUS CHICKEN POT PIES ARE IDEAL YEAR ROUND – FOR FEEDING YOUR FAMILY, ENTERTAINING FRIENDS, IMPROMPTU DINNERS OR AS A THOUGHTFUL GIFT."
I had read about this company several times but wasn't able to locate any retailers in the area that actually sold their product- I'm told that Bristol Farms and Andronico's have the pies if there's one in your neighborhood. I got this last pie from D&D in person, practically tackling the chic woman next to me as she went for the lobster mac and cheese instead. I win. Although, that mac and cheese might be next on my rainy day list.
That's all I've got for right now- we have some exciting stuff happening this weekend and a ton of upcoming events that will be a kick to write about about. Stay tuned!
Be well,
B
