Valentine’s Day! Huzzah! I don’t so much care for the holiday – I enjoy the romance in the air, but hate the restaurant crowds – but I do love a theme. And, of course, a chance to eat candies without reproach. To mix things up, I decided to grab some caramels to go with my usual licorice nibs and dark chocolate.
If the name of these candies sounds like a mouthful, they’re only echoing the candy itself.
There’s a strong hit of salty at first bite. The caramel itself is exactly as the name implies; lovely. Each bite’s chocolate center is more Tootsie than caramel. But the salt and “Tootsie” balances the richness of the caramel. Though to be honest, with the smooth buttery caramel, I wouldn’t have minded full on caramel. (Note: Lovely makes straight up caramels as well. I need to find these.) The cashews are loud and proud here; no skimping on the nuts!
Each bite is individually wrapped, like little pieces of salt water taffy. It not only keeps the caramels from turning into one big lump, but it’s an adorable presentation.
The problem? While a good buttery caramel is indeed lovely, these bites are super rich. If you can eat more than three in one sitting, you’re more of a stomach master than I am. The buttery rich caramel and chewy chocolate center definitely makes these candies ones to think of as a treat, not ones to mainline. They’re too yummy to tie to an overindulgence tummy-ache.
Kosher, gluten-free, and made with no high-fructose corn syrup. Plus, those heart-healthy cashews. That makes them a health food, right?
If these make it to your Valentine’s table, the fizz of a champagne or seltzer works great to counterbalance the richness. Or perhaps a nice cup of tea and a few bites on a cold evening. Cheers!
