Werther's Caramels

When I was a kid, we always did a fundraiser and sold candy bars. My favorite ones were the chocolate bars with caramels. There was just something so yummy about the soft, gooey caramel centers. As I got older, I found myself doing baking using caramels. There was a cookie bar that one of my aunts introduced me to - it used cake mix, chocolate and melted caramel. I like to make caramel puffcorn. Really, I am a big fan of caramel.

Years ago, I tried Werther's Original Caramels. I liked them, but when I am looking for a sweet treat, I rarely turn to hard candies.

Then, a few weeks ago, through a BzzCampaign, I had the chance to try out some other varieties of Werther's Caramels.

I think my favorite variety is the Creamy Caramel Filled Hard Candies. The outside delivers that same buttery, caramel goodness that was familiar from their hard candies, but after a few moments, you notice that the hard candy shell gives way and you are left with a sweet, chewy caramel center. Yum!

As a fan of chocolate and caramel, I also enjoyed their Caramel Chocolates. The caramel that is nestled inside these chocolates is a soft, sweet, buttery caramel. The whole candy seems to melt in your mouth.

I also got to try their Chewy Caramels. Visually and initial texture-wise, these reminded me of Royals - do you remember those candies? I don't think I have seen them in a while. The candy starts out rather firm and you have to allow it to soften for a few minutes in your mouth before attempting to chew it. Once softened, it delivers a nice, chewy caramel that has that familiar Werther's caramel flavor.

One new thing that I learned through the BzzCampaign is that Werther's offers a number of recipes on their site. As expected, they have a section dedicated to caramel apple treats of many varieties. But, there are so many more like Caramel Silk Pie, Crunchy Caramel Snack Mix, Caramel Hot Chocolate and Chewy Caramel Bars. I think I might have to do some baking and check out these recipes!

No compensation was received for this post. I received product samples, coupons and information through my participation in BzzAgent. All opinions expressed are those or that of my family.

Brach's Candy Corn

Okay, if you haven't figured it out, I am a candy fiend. That's probably why I have to worry about my weight. When it comes to candy though, not just any old candy will do - I have standards.

Candy Corn has always been one of my favorite treats, but I learned early on that the one's made with honey (like Brach's) are the best. They are smoother or creamier or something and they just have a better taste. I have bought the "cheaper" versions and blah! - they were not worth the savings. I definitely splurge now and only buy Brach's Candy Corn. And, while we are on the subject - Candy Corn, not Indian Corn. Something about that chocolate or whatever the black section is, doesn't work for me. Candy Corn is one of my favorite treats in the fall - although, now I stock up post holiday (when it is 50% off!) so that I can savor them into the winter and spring.

My first real "candy corn memory" was from high school. A friend and I went to a youth group event and when we arrived, it was just the two of us. We decided to still do something, so she drove us over to the local grocery store (local to where we were, not home). We bought 1/2 gallon of Apple Cider and a large bag of Brach's Candy Corn. It was a great fall combination - if you can handle the sugar rush. We didn't have any cups, so we went through a drive through and ordered a small fry or biscuit or something really cheap like that and a cup of water. We headed to Charleston Falls Preserve (a local park, check out the pictures) and went for a walk. We dumped out the water, so that we could use the cup to share Apple Cider. We had a great time that evening, doing a whole lot of nothing, just walking (more like meandering), talking and giggling. To this day, when I enjoy Brach's Candy Corn, I am reminded of that experience.

I've already purchased something like 4 bags of candy corn this year. Yum! Of course, with watching what I eat, I do have to limit myself to 20 pieces (one serving, which has 150 calories - 3 points!) so I really have learned to savor it when I have it.

Do you have a favorite candy or candy memory? Share it in the comments or post a link to your story on your blog.