Friday, December 30, 2011

Worst Candies I've Ever Reviewed - Part 5

The two questions I get most of all are "What's your favorite candy?" and "What's your least favorite candy?".  All this week I've decided to answer one of those questions with a list of the candies that have received the lowest review scores on www.candycritic.org.  Keep in mind that to qualify for this list the candy had to receive a score of 5 or less out of 15.
Swirly Gummy Bears - I remember seeing these at my local candy store and being so excited to try them out.  I thought they looked fantastic, that's the last positive memory I have of these.

Tutles Egg - I hate being disappointed with a treat when I know they can do so much better.

Utz Potato Chips - The joy I had when I finally found a candy that started with the letter "u" was so great.  The disappointment in the chips was not so great.









This isn't all of the horrible treats that I've reviewed, but over the last week I've gone through many of them.  I think I may start an annual list of winners and losers that I've tried in the past year.  Let me know if you've ever tried something that was just so gross, that it makes you shudder.

CC

Friday Candy Video - Lindt Commercial Makes Me Want To Buy Utensils


You'd think that after watching this commercial I'd be craving a Lindt chocolate, but that's not the case.  What I want is one of those awesome looking chocolate whiskers they're using.

CC

Friday's Candy Links

New Peeps store is opening in a casino, I can't wait to see the official Peeps slot machine.

Do you like getting things every month, check out Mental Floss's list of strange ______ of  the month clubs.

Swedish food and culture are becoming very trendy, does that mean a resurgence in the popularity of Swedish fish.

CC

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Classic/Creative Candy Advertising - Skittles Snowflake

It's funny, I'd never really associated Skittles with cool.  However, a few years back, they came out with minty Skittles as a breath freshener.  They actually worked fairly well, and they still make them, but I haven't seen them in years.

Ad found on Vintage Ad Browser

CC

Worst Candies I've Ever Reviewed - Part 4

The two questions I get most of all are "What's your favorite candy?" and "What's your least favorite candy?".  All this week I've decided to answer one of those questions with a list of the candies that have received the lowest review scores on www.candycritic.org.  Keep in mind that to qualify for this list the candy had to receive a score of 5 or less out of 15.
Oh Henry! "Pro" - I'm never really sure what thought process leads a great candy bar maker into thinking it can manufacture a "healthy" version of their bar.

Popeye Candy Sticks - This might be the shortest review I've ever written.  It's one of the only candies that both offends me and taste pretty horrible at the same time.

Quax "The Yummy Ducky" - If the fact that you're eating a rubber duck doesn't turn you off enough, the words "Milk Flavored" should.

Skittles Crazy Cores - I forgot how much I hated these.  I always thought I was a pretty big fan of just about anything "Skittles", apparently I was wrong.





CC

Thursday's Candy Links

Serious Eats lists their favorite cereals for this year, I'm not sure what the criteria was to make this list, but I can tell you that it's a great list of sweet cereals.

On the topic of cereal, I found this great story about a man who found a Batman promo on the back of his box of Honey Nut Cheerios, and made a horrible discovery.

Are you a graphic designer and a candy fan as well?  Then why not try and design Orbit gum's new package?

CC

Field report; Orange Jellies from Japan

Greetings candy enthusiasts.  This is Brent, your sometimes friendly field reporter coming to you live from the land of the rising sun.  As I have recently consumed sweets and eatables from this stange and mysterious land - I feel compelled to share with you my profound thoughts and feelings.  Join me as I take you on a magical journey in which we discover the wonders of my recent snackable.

Pictured precariously perched is the subject of our tale; Mikan or Tangerine Jelly.  The first impression upon grabbing this gem from the refrigerator is that the jelly and fruit suspension spins freely in the container.  A singular tactile thrill for the average consumer.
Peel off the lid and find the heart of the matter.  The jelly is cool, clear and not over sweet.  The tangerines, none too stingy - I prefer this over my usual flavor, grape.  The grape jelly comes with only three or four grapes (complete with seeds for undoubtable freshness), the Mikan however comes chock full of fruit. This jelly comes in many other flavors.
Behold the confection in its intended state.  The tangerine is fresh and is a good compliment to the jelly.  Like marmalades cool cousin. One thing to note is that the sweetness of the fruit varies from package to package.  I give this orange jelly a solid 9 out of ten, losing a point only for the fact that the label did not peel off on the first attempt.  For the equivalent of a buck fifty its a good value and a solid addition to the candy lovers arsenal. 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

Ice Cream Twist N’ Lik Pop - Made by: Koko's - Why: I like ice cream so much and sometimes it's too cold to eat it. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Worst Candies I've Ever Reviewed - Part 3

The two questions I get most of all are "What's your favorite candy?" and "What's your least favorite candy?".  All this week I've decided to answer one of those questions with a list of the candies that have received the lowest review scores on www.candycritic.org.  Keep in mind that to qualify for this list the candy had to receive a score of 5 or less out of 15.

Marshmallow Banana - This is why marshmallows have such a bad name.

Nestle Crunch "Mocha" - When people at parties ask me for an example of the worst candy I've ever eaten, this is often the candy I tell them about.

Nestle Crunch Dark - Until compiling this list, I never realized what a hate on I have for Nestle Crunch, or at the very least the variation bars.

Nestle Toll House Candy Bar 'Brownie' - You'd think I had a real hatred for Nestle today, but it's really luck of the draw.  It's not that I hate all Nestle products either, they just make so many products that they're bound to miss the mark on a few.

CC

Wednesday's Candy Links

Some high end chocolate shops are realizing that they have to sell their chocolate at a lower price, it's only hopeful that this won't lead to a lowering quality.

I love it when a candy company goes all retro to promote their treats, Goldenberg's looks like their doing a good job of it too.

The department of homeland security has purchased 13 snow cone machines, I can only hope to come across it while being searched at the airport next time.  "Your pat down sir... and would you like blue raspberry or cherry on your snow cone?"

CC

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Worst Candies I've Ever Reviewed - Part 2

The two questions I get most of all are "What's your favorite candy?" and "What's your least favorite candy?".  All this week I've decided to answer one of those questions with a list of the candies that have received the lowest review scores on www.candycritic.org.  Keep in mind that to qualify for this list the candy had to receive a score of 5 or less out of 15.
Gummy Bands 'with messages' - The idea of edible jewelry is not always a bad one.  In this case it's not only a bad idea, but it's a horrible idea.

Gummy Pop Corn - I remember seeing this treat on the shelf wondering if I could possibly live with myself without reviewing it.  I was fairly certain it would be a train wreck, but I was hopeful.  I love to be proven wrong about a treat that I assume will be horrible.  A train wreck is being kind to this product.

Heart Chocolate - I bought this treat at a trade show selling all kinds of stuff.  It was the only chocolate bar I saw at this show, and they claimed that it was the best tasting healthy chocolate you've ever eaten.  It might be healthy, but the taste is nowhere near "the best".

It’s Happy Bunny Toasted Marshmallow Egg - I think if your candy is being rude to you before you even ope it, it's probably going to be a disappointment.










CC

Tuesday's Candy Links

Now that the new year is approaching lists of food trends from last year and upcoming predictions are starting to rear their ugly heads.

An interview with chocolatier Brad Graham with an explanation into the science of how chocolate is made, it's very interesting.

Indonesia is apparently  a growing economy, and because of this their want for higher quality chocolate has grown.  I wonder if this is always the case?

CC

Monday, December 26, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

M&M's snack mixes - Made by: Mars - Why: Salty and sweet is one of the best flavour experiences you can have. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Worst Candies I've Ever Reviewed - Part 1

The two questions I get most of all are "What's your favorite candy?" and "What's your least favorite candy?".  All this week I've decided to answer one of those questions with a list of the candies that have received the lowest review scores on www.candycritic.org.  Keep in mind that to qualify for this list the candy had to receive a score of 5 or less out of 15.

Fillerish - This treat suffers from several of the standard candy problems.  It has a great package but doesn't deliver, one flavour dominates over all others, the one flavour that does dominate is gross.

Fudgsicle Candy Twist - This might be the first really bad review I've ever given a candy.  The review is really short, both because back when I wrote it I kept my reviews short, and it's pretty much so bad that few words are needed to describe how bad it is.

Boooo Bands - Two things bothered me when I wrote this review.  One was the fact that I felt like I was chewing a rubber band, the second was the over use of the letter "o" in the name of this candy.

Gold Brick Egg - This is one of those reviews that I had to re-read.  I frankly don't remember eating this treat at all.  It fell so short in anything original that I completely forgot about it.  That should say a lot.




CC

Monday's Candy Links

Check out Wythe Candy & Gourmet Shop in Williamsburg, it's been open for 50 years.

New Cars 2 Pez dispensers actually roll away from you.

How much can you make selling candy?  Well if you sell it on the New York Subway you can make up to 55 grand.

CC

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas Gang

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to any and everybody who happens to read this blog or www.candycritic.org.  I hope you have a great holiday, and I hope you get some sweet treats under the tree.

CC

Friday Candy Video - The Commercial That's Sweeter Than The Candy


If sickly sweet commercial that make you feel like M&Ms provide a great snack, and the answer to all the problems in the world, are your cup of tea, then do I have a video for you.

CC

Friday's Candy Links

So all of the stereotypes you hear about women that want to lose weight eating a big box of chocolates... that just a stereotype... right?

Are you a nerd?  Do you like Dungeons and Dragons?  Do you like chocolate?  Well this is the link for you.

Before you eat that candy cane, here's 5 facts you may not have known.

Rapper Slim Dunkin was murdered recently, rumor has it, over a piece of candy.  No word on what type of candy it was.

Make the coolest art out of marshmallow Peeps, and you could win $100.

CC

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Classic/Creative Candy Advertising - What's a "Gingy"?

I don't really know what this advertisement is advertising, and I'm certainly not sure what "Gingies" are.

I found this ad on Vintage Ad Browser.

CC

Thursday's Candy Links

Vending machines are getting smarter by the day, a new one from Kraft can guess your age and sex.

The mystery of candy canes is a mystery no longer.

Snacks and nibbling probably aren't your problem when it comes to being overweight.

Milwaukee chocolate shop, Atomic Chocolate Co. offers some great looking hand made treats for the holidays.

I bought a bag of candied chestnuts, I can't eat the whole thing, what to do, what to do?

Kosher store sells chocolate Santas... you do the math.

CC

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

The Adventures of Tintin Lollipop - Made by: Idolpops   - Why: Because Tin Tin is awesome. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Trying to Get an Agent/Publisher - Rejection 13

As you may or may not know, I'm trying to sell a Candy Critic book idea. If you know (or are) someone that can help me out, say hello.  If not, please enjoy my now regular posts of rejections I've received from agents and publishers.

"Thank you for querying _________ and giving me a chance to read your work. After giving careful consideration to your query, I'm afraid I was just not hooked enough to want to ask for more.
As you might know, publishing is a very subjective business and what one agent loves, another might not. For this reason, I encourage you to continue querying and working on your next book.
I wish you the best of luck in your publishing endeavors.
________________ "

CC

Wednesday's Candy Links

A quick and funny look at "The 6 Most Infuriating Types of Candy".

I found this great list of breakfasts from around the world.  I love breakfast, but I hate eating first thing in the morning, is that strange?

Mental Floss looks at the Peppermint in all its glory.

The Captain, from Captain Crunch, apparently celebrates Christmas, here's how he does it.

CC

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

Sour Dippers - Made by: Impact Confections - Why: “These new products expand the brand portfolio to include offerings that range from sour to extreme sour, and in a multitude of textures and formats.” - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Tuesday's Candy Links

Here's a great piece about how your holiday chocolate get's delivered to your front door.

Have you been to a local Christmas Bazaar yet?  I recommend it, the homemade candy can be spectacular.

Laughing Squid posted about some new treats for all of my Jewish friends over the holidays.

The taste of candy and beer can really work well together... so you'd imagine that beer candy would be good too.

CC

Monday, December 19, 2011

Candy Art - Jello Grenade

I love Kyle Beans interpretation of everyday thing made up of non-threatening materials.  I particular like this Jello grenade and wish it would go off.

Click here to check out more of Kyle's stuff.

CC

Monday's Candy Links

This list of the "Worst children's cereals", should instead be called "Unhealthy cereals that you love".

"Contains Natural Colours", a strange ingredient on candy, maybe you'd like to learn a little bit about it?

Irish Chocolate is coming to the USA, can't say I've ever tasted Irish chocolate, but it can't be bad.

"Doctors against tax exempt soda & candy"... What?!!! There's some place where candy and soda are tax free, I'm packing my bags right now.

CC

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Review - Christmas 2011

I'm looking forward to snow... I'm not too sure I'm going to see any this year, particularly on Christmas, but I'm looking forward to the possibility.  I'm looking forward to this possibility with the caveat that I don't have to shovel any of it.  I'm not sure why Christmas makes me think about snow, is it the song "White Christmas"?  What if instead of a "white Christmas" the song was about a chocolate filled Christmas, would we expect chocolate every Christmas?  I'm thinking that would have been a better situation, after all you can't make snow, but you can always find chocolate.


CC

Friday, December 16, 2011

Friday Candy Video - Take the Fastest Cab Ride Ever


What does this video have to do with candy you ask?  Well if you'll notice, many of the passengers are chewing gum, and at the end, you'll also notice that they're giving free gum away.  So the concept pretty much has nothing to do with candy, but it is the inspiration of an advertising agency for a gum manufacturer.

CC

It's Chocolate Covered Anything Day!

I have a firm belief that anything can be made better with a coating of chocolate.  Horrible things become palatable, nice foods become spectacular, and the best foods become so good that I can't use words to describe it.  So today I'm going to cover everything I eat with a little chocolate.

CC

Friday's Candy Links

I still don't like the idea of food trends, but I really like reading lists about great food ideas.

Why is science cool?  "Maine soda-and-candy-powered car travels 239 feet." That's why.

Here's a pretty amazing collection of Geeky Gingerbread houses.

CC

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Classic/Creative Candy Advertising - Leaping Santa Claus

When I was a kid, I was always a little nervous about the idea of a large man landing a sled on my roof and breaking into my house.  The cool gifts were the only reason I would tolerate this kind of violation.  If I had seen this advertisement when I was young, I may have drawn the line.

I found this ad on Vintage Ad Browser.

CC

It's National Cupcake Day!

Why is it the only way to "improve" cake is to make it cup sized?

CC

Thursday's Candy Links

Do you know how many calories are in your favorite candies?  Why not take a test.

Brazilian imports are up in the US, does that mean people are eating more Brazilian candy?

Hershey is buying Brookside Foods, a Canadian candy company... Don't go messing with their treats Hershey.

Check out the new Lindt Bear app... how can you eat it?

CC

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

Chocolate Space Invader - Made by: ?   - Why: It's the only way I can conquer Space Invaders every time. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Politically Incorrect Cookies

I'm not saying that these cookies are out and out racist, but I am saying that I felt rather uneasy when I saw them on the store shelf.  It may not seem like much by just looking at the package, but a little perspective is in order.  In this line of cookies all of the people depicted on the packages are white, except the people depicted on the packages of cookies covered in dark chocolate.  Most of the packages have pictures of Santa Clause (a white Santa Clause) giving gifts to little boys and girls.  I'm not sure who this fellow on this package is supposed to be, but the only cookies with whom he is represented are covered in dark chocolate.  Is this wrong, or am I just being an overly politically correct Canadian?

CC

Wednesday's Candy Links

As you may or may not know, I hate food trends, but I do like reading lists of good food ideas... so ignore the name of this article.

Here's a great article about cooks using candy canes as an ingredient.

The new and improved Dr Dreadful line of candy/toys, the perfect gift for any Candy Critic you might know.

CC

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Candy Canes for a Cause

I'm a big fan of people using candy to support a good cause.  This campaign from True Blue Candy Cane Company sounds like a great way to eat candy and feel good about yourself:


"True Blue Candy Cane Company Donates 25 Percent of Profits to the 
Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation
This holiday season, True Blue Candy Cane Company offers a new take on an American classic: red, white and blue candy canes for a cause. Twenty-five percent of profits from the candy canes benefit the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, which assists children who have lost a parent in the Marine Corps by allowing them to pursue higher education.

In 2009, Alexander Lynn—just 18 at the time—vowed to help families of U.S. service members after his cousin returned home from a 4 and a half year assignment in the Marine Corps. It was just two weeks before Christmas, and Alexander glanced at his Christmas tree laden with candy canes, and the idea of True Blue Candy Canes dawned on him.

“Candy canes are a cornerstone of American tradition, and what better way to honor that tradition than to give back to the those who defend this country,” said Alexander. “The True Blue Candy Cane is a product that fellow Americans like myself can be proud of.”

Now a college student at the University of Miami in Florida, Alexander not only wants to help service members and their families, but also American workers. “Unlike most candy canes on the market, True Blue Candy Canes are produced and manufactured right here in the U.S. of all-American ingredients.”"

Click here to learn a little bit more about these candy canes.

CC

It's National Hot Chocolate Day!

Why is chocolate so good when it's warm?  Why is chocolate so good when it's a drink?  Why is it that no matter what the form, chocolate is good?

CC

What's The Best Advent Calendar You've Ever Seen?

Everyday, my friend Jon is posting the newest star wars Lego toy to come out of his advent calendar.  I got particularly excited for him when he found a Wookie.  There are some pretty amazing advancements in advent calendars over the last few years, and this is just the tip of the iceberg.
As I wrote before, I'm going through this Advent Kalender Tee (It's a tea advent calendar), and it's really great.  What I'm wondering is, what's the greatest advent calendar that you've ever seen?  Or even better, what's the greatest advent calendar you can imagine?

CC

Tuesday's Candy Links

Check out Kegg's in Houston Texas, it looks like their butter creams are pretty tasty.

Did you know that the US military has the technology to keep a sandwich "fresh" for 3 years, is this good or bad?

Just a little reminder that Peeps Fest is coming.

CC

Monday, December 12, 2011

Christmas Is Coming...

And I'm going on vacation for a little while.  The posts here on the blog might start to slim down a bit while I'm away because my internet connection is not guaranteed, and Allison doesn't like it when I blog on vacation.  So over the next few weeks I'll continue posting a few things here and there, but not as much as usual.  Take this opportunity to get outside a little, you're looking kind of pale.  Enjoy some time with the family, say hi to grandma for me.  And most of all, eat lots of Christmas/Hanuka/Kwanzaa/Holiday treats.

CC

Monday's Candy Links

USC student writes a great article about a Japanese candy shop that's been open for more than 100 years.

Eating brains isn't most people's idea of tasty, eating stuff shaped like brains seems to have a universal appeal... strange no?

The stock market is down, jobs are hard to find, sales of just about everything are down, well almost everything.

CC

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Review - Have Some Cake

As always, the holiday season has just kind of appeared on my doorstep without any warning whatsoever.  I seem to remember only yesterday setting up my Halloween reviews, quickly followed by my fun Finnish review-a-thon.  Next thing I know Christmas is quickly approaching.  It's going to get a jump start on me this year too, because I'm not planning to celebrate at home this year.  The goal is to take a wonderful trip to the Christmas capital of Europe, and maybe the whole world.  Vienna is really the place to go during the holiday season, so it sounds like something I shouldn't miss.

Click here to read today's review.

CC

Friday, December 09, 2011

Today is National Pastry Day.

In the last week I've eaten a few pastries, and since today is the national holiday celebrating this fine baked good, I'll just have to eat more.

CC

Friday Candy Video - Skittles Dance


What should one do when Skittles sends you a free boom box?  Why not dress up like a freak, dance in public, with Skittles pouring out of your pants?

CC

Friday's Candy Links

I'd just like to send out a warning to all of my friends "Healthy Habits Are Most Contagious Among Similar Friends", only because I have none.

Check out these great looking chocolates from Vosges-Haut.

Apparently football player Marshawn Lynch must eat Skittles whenever he does something right.

CC

Thursday, December 08, 2011

Stuff I Want To Try

Sour Foam Candy - Made by: Cosmic   - Why: Because there's not enough foamy candy on the market today. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

Thursday's Candy Links

Check out La Petite Occasion, in Northern Westchester Pennsylvania.

New Ghirardelli store opening in Disneyland, I wonder if they'll have chocolate mice?

Check out what I can only describe as the coolest cake ever based on the forest moon of Endor.

CC

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

Candy Store Tips - A Good Staff

For many years now I've been lucky enough to explore candy stores all over the world.  I've seen the worst and I've seen the best.  Now, each week, I'm going to give you a tip that will help you know instantly how good any candy store you walk into might be.  This is also useful if you happen to own a candy store as well, follow these tips and customers will notice.
Candy stores often hire a younger staff.  If you see someone in a candy store that is over 25 chances are they own the place.  I'm not saying this is always the case, I'm just pointing out an observation.  The thing about hiring young people is they don't always care about the place they work, even candy stores.  The one thing I can tell you from my candy store shopping experiences are, whenever I meet a candy store employee that knows their stuff and is enthusiastic about candy the store is good.  I can tell you that I've never been to a great candy store that didn't have employees that really loved working there.  So this is both a tip for stores and for shoppers, make sure candy store employees are good.  If they're not knowledgeable and happy employees then there's a good chance your store is not great.

I'd like to thank the beautiful Snyder's Candy for providing photos for this article.

CC

Stuff I Want To Try

Star Wars Han Solo Carbonite Chocolate - Made by: ? - Why: Because candy and Star Wars go so well together. - Click here to learn more about this treat.

CC

It's National Cotton Candy Day!!!

Who would have thought that a candy that feels and looks like insulation would continue to be so popular.

CC

Wednesday's Candy Links

Learn all about Zoe's Chocolate in Washington.

I don't always like to talk about economy and trade, but here's an interesting look at how Pennsylvania and West Africa are linked through chocolate.

The new Sour Patch Kids game from Capcom looks tasty and fun.

CC

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Tomorrow in Athens!!!

I just wanted to remind you one last time that our sister site Beware the Cheese Photography (www.bewarethecheese.com) is having a really big art show.  The show is the premier of their photography/mixed media series called "Senses".  If you find yourself in the Athens (Greece) area on December 7th (that's tomorrow), come on out to the Canadian Institute in Greece, and show a little support for the photographers that shoot the stuff for Candy Critic.

Hey guys, if you can't make it to the show, you can check out our live feed from the show on December 7th at 7:30 Athens time.

Click here for more details about the show.

CC

Drink Your Advent Calendar

Every year, Allison and I buy advent calendars.  To us it's one of the most important Christmas traditions.  We also do whatever we can to buy these advent calendars in Germany because we feel they make the best quality inexpensive advent calendars.  We never like to spend large quantities of money on the really fancy, expensive calendars, and German cheap advent calendars have proven to have the best chocolate for the price.
This year, while Allison was in Germany (lucky us), she came across a really great idea to ad to the advent calendar tradition.  Advent calendar tea gives you 24 tea bags, each a different flavour.  This is a great way to count down the days until Christmas and it also lets you try all kinds of different tea.
Each package is clearly marked with the day and the type of tea.  This is good because it would be horrible to try a tea, love it, and have no idea what flavour it is.  It's also nice that they numbered the bags because if they didn't, then you might just think they randomly threw teabags into a box and called it an advent calendar.  I'm wondering if the closer you get to Christmas, the more festive the flavours.
So this year we have a new countdown to Christmas tradition.  In the morning we enjoy our advent chocolate, and in the evening a cup of advent tea.  I sure hope advent tea takes off because I'd love to do it every year.

CC

Tuesday's Candy Links

What is the Napa Valley's second most popular production?  Chocolate?

The gingerbread AT-AT is great, the little gingerbread Luke Skywalker about to destroy this gingerbread AT-AT is awesome.

I've said this before "Chewing Gum Can Boost Mental Performance", and I'll say it again.

CC

Monday, December 05, 2011

Just Desserts - Simply Burgers Cookie Cheesecake

My favorite Burger chain in all of Greece just introduced a new dessert to their menu.  Actually this is really their first dessert I've ever seen them offer on their menu since I started going to Simply Burgers.  That's not to say that they're unfamiliar with sweets, they've always offered Häagen-Dazs ice cream (but I don't count it because they don't make it) and they always give you a free brownie when you get delivery.  
The dessert in question is the Simply Burger Cookie Cheesecake, and it's pretty good.  It's a lighter cheesecake with a cookie bottom, chocolate cookie bits throughout it's light cheese cake center and it's topped with a chocolate frosting.  The only thing that I didn't like about it was the size of two of the cookie bits in the cake.  For the most part I really enjoyed the fact that the cheese filling has a great variety of sizes of cookie bits floating in it.  The problem was I got two bits that where huge, and that threw off the texture and flavour balance a little.  Since the bottom is made up of cookie as well, when you have a piece of cookie in the cake that is too large you're pretty much getting a mouthful of cookie with little cream.

I have to say that this is really a small problem and nothing to avoid this cake over at all.  I also look forward to this new trend at Simply Burgers and hope to see more of their own desserts hit the shelves.  Anybody else know a good dessert at a burger place?

CC

Monday's Candy Links

See how you score in the Mental Floss 40th aniversary Willy Wonka quiz, I only got 33%, that's not good.

How can you make cupcakes even better?  Why not add candy to your cupcake recipe?

A look at the science that makes things taste really good.

CC

This Wednesday Be In Athens

I just wanted to remind you that our sister site Beware the Cheese Photography (www.bewarethecheese.com) is having a really big art show next week.  The show is the premier of their photography/mixed media series called "Senses".  If you find yourself in the Athens (Greece) area on December 7th, come on out to the Canadian Institute in Greece, and show a little support for the photographers that shoot the stuff for Candy Critic.

Click here for more details about the show.

CC

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Review - The Holiday's Begin

Today's review is very special.  First of all it's a gift from my friend Carrie who got them from her friends at Jonhston's Cranberries, so it's like a got a gift from two people.  Secondly it's the first, festive treat I've had all year, which is good, because I love festive treats.  Finally it's national cookie day, and I know it has nothing to do with chocolate covered cranberries, but it still makes me warm inside.  So thanks for the cranberries guys, have a happy pre-holiday fun month, and eat a cookie.

Click here to read about these chocolate covered cranberries.

CC