Tasty Tuesday: Mehlenbacher's Taffy Giveaway and Review~ 2/7

Momma Told Me: Like a kid in a candy shop.

Ask anyone who knows me what my weakness is and they'll quickly proclaim; sugar. For me, my sweet tooth goes much further back than childhood candy bar fancies and Halloween plunder. In fact, sweets were what Momma and I shared most. Granted, half the time was spent at war with one another over who could tolerate the most Tearjerkers at once, or just how sour a Warhead could be before burning one's tongue. But we also shared a love for sweets of the chewy persuasion, such as gummis and taffy. I recall, once or twice a year, our family would make the trip past Santa's Village (a local seaside tourist trap), to quaint little Solvang. This, equally tourist driven, Dutch town had the most ornate curio shops, authentic German smorgasbords, and the freshest confectionery shops for miles. Very much, as I still do this day, I would squeal and run ahead, down cobblestone paths, towards the scent of fresh fudge here, and warm sugar cookies there.

At the very end of our trip, and I mean the very end (no sane parents would risk loading their child up with sugar at the beginning of such a journey), we would stop in at my favorite shop. This venue was located, downstairs, in a sort of basement, and filled wall to wall with single wrapped confections in authentic wine barrels. Candy at my (child) eye level, as far as I could see, and a round yellow basket in hand- my ticket to an unlimited shopping spree. My favorite, of course, were the 40+ flavors of fresh pulled taffy bites; labeled with colorfully hand drawn signs and equally fun spirals of flavor and color. Though taffy was, essentially, the same candy, I felt as though I'd hit the motherload when I was presented with such a wide range of options, each piece so soft and chewy, and vastly different. Inevitably, the ride home would consist of Momma and I swapping flavors, analyzing the texture and authenticity of each one, like harsh taffy critics.

When I discovered Mehlenbacher's Taffy it's no surprise these cherished childhood memories came flooding back. This (local to me) California based business specializes solely in preservative free, hand pulled taffy. Their current flavor catalog exceeds 50 selections spanning classic flavors such as Hot Cinnamon and Peanut Butter, to various collections like Cheesecake, Holiday, and Mixers. Seasonal flavors are constantly changing, and Mehlenbacher's is always looking for new suggestions from fans, as well as open to custom creating a taffy blend and label for special events! Their taffy will store up to 6 months from arrival, and can withstand refrigeration and freezing (simply allow the taffy to thaw prior to consumption). I should note, most importantly, that Mehlenbacher's is not a salt water taffy company, they believe in allowing the natural flavoring to shine through in their recipe.

Mehlenbacher's Taffy is made with an original 1900s recipe, and still hand processed (pulled) in small batches, with the traditional 'hook' method. This involves creating a base taffy and infusing flavor oils and color during a hand pull process. Afterwards the taffy is spread on a work surface to be rolled and cut (by hand), then wrapped and labeled. For this reason, each and every stick receives personal attention and the variety in detail only hand processed can allow. Currently Mehlenbacher's is sold nationwide (and even overseas) at various markets and retail locations, though all flavors may be ordered online at any time. The going rate for one (1.25oz) stick of Mehlenbacher's Taffy is $1.85, with boxes of 35+ offering a discounted $1.50/stick rate. Gift options such as sampler bags and boxes offer a fun way to share this authentic childhood treat as a gift or reward for friends and loved ones.

I received an 8 stick Sampler Bag of assorted Mehlenbacher's Taffy for review here on Momma Told Me. My taffy arrived in a gift ready, branded, box with vintage lettering and artwork. Inside were clear wrapped sticks of taffy approximately 5" in length and 1" in diameter. Each individual stick bore an easy read flavor identifying wrapper with weight and ingredients. My first experience was Orange Cream, with vibrant orange and whit swirls of color, and a creamsicle reminiscent scent. I was surprised just how soft and pliable the taffy was, though extremely chewy. Just a 1/6th bite was enough to keep my mouth occupied, and happy, for a while! I was also glad to note the flavor was less sweet, and more profiled, focusing on the Orange Cream, rather than a decadent sweet base. On this, and following sticks, I ate half in one serving and wrapped the rest up for later. My favorite? Dutch Apple Pie, as indulgent as it sounds, and impressively complex in flavor. With hints of cinnamon, and a creamy center ribbon (twisted throughout), this flavor was tart and sweet all at once. Truly the stuff my childhood memories are made of!

What Daughter Says: If you're looking for a different treat this Valentine's Day, trust Mehlenbacher's hand pulled taffy- with over 50 flavors, you can't go wrong!

One Momma Told Me follower will win a Mehlenbacher's Taffy Gift Pack valued at $40!


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