Christmas time is a special time to celebrate the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ. In the winter, we usually spend time as a family, staying warm by the fire, and focusing on indoor chores. We do however treat ourselves on occasion to some fun treats, especially in the cold winter. Let me introduce our favorite 2023 Top Christmas Treats.
Best Caramels
We have found the best caramels so far in Bozeman, Montana at Bequet Caramels. If you happen to be in the area, you can visit their shop where they have free samples available for all of their flavors. If you aren’t in the area, you’re still in luck! These caramels are usually available on Amazon and Costco. You can also order direct from Bequet on their website https://bequetconfections.com/. If we were to recommend one flavor to try first, the Celtic Sea Salt is so good. Most of their flavors are usually in stock on Amazon including their Best Sellers Mix. But you may want to try one of their many varieties or flavors or even get the assortment gift bag to try them all. If you know you love caramels, or you really want to spoil someone or yourself, you can order their 5 lb box with your favorite flavor(s). If you want total control of your selected caramels in quantity and type, then go for their Custom Assortment, and you can build your own.
It’s nice to get their Best Sellers Assortment, but sometimes you’ll find Celtic Sea Salt flavor on sale at Costco. No matter which you pick they are delicious, we just haven’t gotten used to the Chipotle or Sour Apple yet ourselves.
Maple Syrup Leaf Candy
This one is new to us actually, not having spent much time in the area, but a little nice treat from our friends up north. Solid Maple Syrup anyone? One day we’d like to do a taste test to compare them all but we’re happy with the Mount Mansfield Maple Certified Organic Pure Vermont Maple Candy. If you love maple flavor and appreciate real organic flavors straight from nature, then this is going to satisfy the taste buds.
Scottish Sweets
One of the delights we’ve found from Scotland, aside from the surprisingly good haggis, and the delectable Sticky Toffee Pudding, is what is called Scottish Tablet, a type of hard fudge that is super sweet. Growing up we had this in our family and I never knew that’s what it was until we took a trip to Scotland. Each recipe seems to be unique but generally, it should crumble nicely and have rich intense flavor. We recommend Ross’s Scottish Tablet for the bulk jar affordability per ounce cost.
A second closely related treat from Scotland is Clotted Cream Fudge. This is softer than tablet, and texture varies by brand. We were a bit smitten with this one and had to order some like the ones we had in the Highlands. We recommend Gardiners of Scotland Clotted Cream Fudge
Kit-Kat Celebration
How many types of Kit-Kat are there? Well sources say there are 300+ flavors, but you can buy smaller sets of unique flavors year-round. We love the Matcha and Hojicha flavors but we can’t get into the Wasabi really. Oh well, there’s so many to pick from, you must try as many as you can. Pick up an assortment like the Japanese Kit Kat & Tirol 30 pc assortment. Try individual packages of Uji Hojicha, Matcha Green Tea, or even Ice Cream flavors. Be aware that there are two Matcha flavors, a dark rich matcha and a more Matcha Latte flavor, both are delicious but you may prefer one or the other. It’s a rabbit hole once you start trying all the different flavors, have fun and treat yourself.
Crunchie Spread
One of the unexpected delights we have found were Crunchie Bars from the U.K. We have actually given them away as part of gift bags. Now though we usually just buy the Crunchie Spread and we double down by adding it onto Stroopwafels (see below). It’s decadent but so yummy.
Stroopwafels
Stroopwafels have been experiencing a bit of a renaissance in the U.S. even making their way into your local Costco or grocery. There is a good reason for this, they are simply delightful, and easy and light. You may find that you can’t eat just one though. Order Le Chic Patissier in bulk for a good price. You may want to try the Daelmans Variety Pack for different flavors including Honey, Chocolate, Caramel, and Coffee.
Dubbelzoute Licorice
You may find these in different shapes and sizes and perhaps different names. Sometimes they are rounds, sometimes diamonds. It may be called salmiak, zout, zoute, dubbelzoute, schuinzoute. These are not your typical American or Australian licorice you often see in stores. These are salted with ammonium chloride, and it may be the best thing you ever tasted. Then again it may not be. Personally, I like them because the flavor stays through the whole licorice piece. It’s a different salty sensation some say really opens the sinuses.
Classic Old Timey Treats
Some things never get old they just need a new audience. If you still need more fun ideas for treats for your loved ones, try old timey Mary Janes, Slo Pokes, or Horehound Dusted Candy. In order, those are going to be the flavor of peanut butter, caramel, and licorice/root beer respectively. Introduce the next generation to candy grandma and grandpa used to eat!
We hope this helps and introduces you to select some new and fun treats to try with your family. Share them as gifts for friends and loved ones. Make fun memories and Merry Christmas.
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