To me, there’s no better holiday tradition than overeating without guilt. Stuff your face with extra stuffing? No problem, it’s Thanksgiving. If you can’t fill your gut on Thanksgiving when can you? Devoured that box of chocolate-covered popcorn in one afternoon? Hey, blame the Boy Scouts for delivering it during the middle of the holiday season.

So, continuing with my December sweets blitz, I decided to try another candy recipe to warm my belly on a cold, winter Midwest day. This time, I’ve discovered what may be the easiest ever candy to make from “scratch”: Rolo turtles.

The sharp-eyed reader may have noticed that I put the word “scratch” in quotes. Unlike grocery store sign writers who put the word “chicken” in quotes in their store windows – Fresh “Chicken” only $3 a pound! – I actually know how to use quotes correctly. Now this “from scratch” recipe requires no flour, measuring or mixing. Perfect for the man who hates baking but loves eating.

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I did something recently that I swore I’d never do: I moved to a place with no Trader Joe’s. To the TJ uninitiated, this may seem like no big deal. But for those of you who have enjoyed TJ’s amazing food, drink, and CANDY (at even more amazing low prices), you understand my loss and dismay. So please join me in bidding a fond farewell to three of my all time favorite TJ candies.

Image by Anthemic Tangle
Milk Chocolate Clouds: Behold the chocolate, caramel, pecan glory that is the Trader Joe’s Milk Chocolate Cloud. Honestly, these are better than any other turtles I’ve ever had. The caramel is buttery and chewy, but doesn’t stick to your teeth. You can fully taste the sweet pecans and somehow they still retain some of their crunch. And, to top it all off: the milk chocolate is sooooo good. Unlike some milk chocolate, it’s not too sweet and is plenty chocolaty. And they don’t skimp on anything: each cloud is jam-packed with chocolate, caramel, nutty gooey goodness. Ah bliss!

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I was recently sent a box full of treats from Sweet Earth Chocolates, a California-based chocolate company that prides itself on selling organic, fair-trade treats. A portion of Sweet Earth’s profits go to support Project Hope and Fairness, a non-profit organization that supports cocoa farmers in Africa by promoting sustainability, agricultural education, and fair-trade practices.

The package that Sweet Earth sent included this info, as well as beautifully wrapped chocolate bars, clusters, and peanut butter cups.

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“From Kettle to You Since 1928″ is Conrad’s Confectionery’s slogan. It’s a good one too, since it’s a home run candy company that’s in it’s third generation of family ownership. Conrad’s Confectionery is all about producing quality candy and ice cream with methods that have withstood the test of time. Their store is located in New Jersey, but thankfully you can order any of their confections from their online website.

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