"hersheys" news and stories

My friend Todd is a mixologist. Technically, he is a college molecular biology instructor, but on the side, the guy can mix up some fabulous drinks. His specialty? What he calls "booze candy" - anything that's so super sweet that it's basically, well, candy. These are things that are made with fruit flavored vodkas, juices, cordials and liqueurs, and can be very appropriately served in a sugar-rimmed glass.

Normally, the sticky, almost syrupy drinks are too sweet for my personal taste, but if I drink them after dinner and with the mindset that they are dessert, then watch out. Booze candy is so easy is to drink, I can finish three of them without even realizing it. 

A drink recipe I came across is so perfectly "booze candy, it's ridiculous: Almond Joy Martini. I love the dark chocolate covered coconut and almond bar, so I love the idea. I haven't actually made it yet, as I don't have all the ingredients, but the next time I have a cocktail party, I'm sure Todd and I will have to give this a try.

Almond Joy Martini

Shake 1 oz. each of coconut-flavored rum (Parrot Bay or Malibu), Frangelico, Godiva or other chocolate-flavored liqueur, Hershey's chocolate syrup, and vodka. Add 4 oz. half and half or light cream, shake with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with shredded coconut.

Cadbury Creme Eggs just haven't had the same appeal to me since they took the adorable clucking bunny out of their ad campaign. Something about that bunny just made me want to eat a whole, sugary egg. In all probability, age had something to do with it as well. I no longer want to scarf down a large Cadbury Creme Egg when given the opportunity because it almost makes my teeth hurt, though I do enjoy a bite of one every now and again. Leave it to the company to come to my rescue. Their Mini Creme Eggs are just the right size - about 3/4-inch long - to eat in a bite or two. They still have the same sugary fondant filling with the trademark orange "yolk" in the center, but the chocolate-to-filling ratio is much higher than in the larger eggs. The milky chocolate even manages to temper the sweetness just enough to allow me to to indulge in one or two at a time. Cadbury Mini Creme Eggs are definitely a great Easter treat. Maybe I'll reconsider the larger eggs if they bring back that bunny!

[Photo by Nicole Weston]