COMFORTING CLASSICS
Bite-Sized to Big
In these uncertain economic times, we turn to familiar American favorites for solace and comfort. In addition to both traditional and more experiential caramels, we crave turtle-type confections, nut clusters and all-butter toffee, plump and puffy soft marshmallows, and pure solid dark or milk chocolate squares. We're choosing simple truffles, hand-dipped chocolates and molded creations in familiar flavors with just a splash of color, if any at all — these are the sweetstuff of our dreams, and a backlash against super-exotic, unfamiliar, and often just weird combinations of flavors that we may try once for adventure, but then we return to what we love.
Alcohol is IN, however old-fashioned traditional liqueurs like Amaretto and Grand Marnier are now just perceived as "old" and outdated relative to flavorings. Instead, we favor vodka, especially for soaking fruits like cherries, and margarita-flavored and infused truffles, as well as chocolate spins on Mojitos are gaining favor as are port, scotch and whiskey.
We want fair value for our favorite sweets, and, we're saving money by buying more often in bulk for everyday consumption. Even for gift-giving and holidays, we care less about fancy packaging than we ever have. But we do want to instantly know what's inside, even with our eyes closed, so that we can be transported back to the innocent times of our childhood, and be comforted.