Party Favors

Yesterday I popped into The Candy Store and chatted up the gregarious owner, Diane Campbell. I really didn't intend to walk out with a gigantic bag full of candy -- pinkie swear! -- but when I learned that she makes custom party favors, I was sunk. After all, last night I was hosting a small birthday party (with a little help from Nua) and all my best local girlfriends were in attendance, and I thought what would be cuter than miniature Chinese takeout boxes stuffed with hard to find candy?

Diane gave me tastes of everything to help me decide. In the end, I walked away with:
> chocolate olives (see photo) -- white or dark chocolate around a crunchy almond nougatine center
> gummi cherries -- chosen for their vivid reds and greens
> chocolate toffee caramels -- need I say more?
> black licorice chalk -- a sudden and unexpected new addiction, and this from a girl who despises black licorice. 6 out of 7 taste testers agree it rocks.
> butter caramels -- "We go together like shama lama lama lama..."
> ultimate malt balls -- a triple threat covering of white, dark, and milk chocolate
> river rocks -- gorgeous smooth "stones" in all colors and flavors, like chocolate-covered apricots, chocolate-covered almonds, and marzipan

Thanks to Diane for giving me my very own happy birthday party favor, a mixture of chalk and olives and a chocolate bar brimming with caramelized bacon!

Comments

[Maureen]

Hope you enjoy all your birthday celebrations! Isn't is strange I can still remember when your birthday is?!

[Tea]

I just discovered licorice chalk this week as well--totally addictive!

Have a wonderful time at the party--what cool goodie bags.

[patti digh]

i love the look of those chocolate olives - and i feel like my life would be complete if only i could try licorice chalk... i wonder if they ship?

[sam]

Are you sure you gave me river rocks? I can't seem to find them anywhere. There's an empty box - but there is nothing in it! Thanks for the favour and I hope you have a wonderful day and I can't wait to find out about tonight's surprise.

But hang on - you have the chocolate bacon bar in your posession and YOU DIDN'T TELL US??????

[sam]

Forgot to add Happy Birthday! oops

[sabrina]

Happy birthday! I'm so glad you visited the candy store, isn't Diane the cutest thing?! Hope you're surprise is fantastic!

[Tammy]

Nothing says Happy Birthday like chocolate and bacon! Mmmm...

[sandy]

i've never been to or heard of this candy store... it looks dangerous, especially if they have the evil addictive chocolate bacon bar! but now i must visit

[The Cooking Ninja]

Happy Belated Birthday !

Those olives chocolates are so good.