Posts Tagged ‘Bella Mia’

Sponge Candy = Sponge Quality

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Real Sponge Candy

Real Sponge Candy

This is not an equation in your high school text book.  But it is the most important math lesson for today!  I get frustrated when I surf the internet looking at other web stores trying to pass off as a rather weak version of what most people in WNY take for granted! When you mention the words “sponge candy” anywhere within the Nickel City (that would be Buffalo, NY for the ill informed…) – everyone knows what you mean and almost everyone has expectations of tasty high quality candy.  You might have a preference for Milk chocolate over Dark chocolate (or vice-a-versa) but it looks like a lot of folks out in Internet-land may only be receiving sponge-candy-like-objects.  Kinda’ makes you wonder what the expectations out in the world really are when other stores pass of versions of “sponge candy” labeled as “sponge toffee” / “sea foam” chocolates and the like.  When it comes to Sponge Candy – you get what you pay for…

Sometimes the Bella Mia Candy Store just can’t catch a break.  We have competitive prices – we have our own recipe specifications using high quality chocolate ingredients (actually it’s Merckens…) plus our inventory is always fresh since we buy for both our retail store and our web site.  It really is a struggle to get this quality equation across to folks outside of Western New York – it’s a simple story of high quality and great taste combined with memories of living in Buffalo, NY.  If you live in the neighborhood – just walk in and taste the difference!  Better yet – send a friend to our web store and give them a real math lesson…

Definitely NOT Sponge Candy

Definitely NOT Sponge Candy

Charlie Chaplin Chocolates

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
The Real Charlie Chaplin

The Real Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin chocolates are definitely a Buffalo or regional “thing”. They are not an actual candy bar you can buy from a nameless and faceless dispensing machine. And you won’t find them at Wally-Mart or the neighborhood candy store. But you will find them at the Bella Mia Candy Store. This is a delicious mixture of selected nuts, coconut, marshmallows and Merckens chocolate. Think of what a Rocky Road confection might taste like if you laced them with coconut.

Charlie Chaplin Chocolates Are Delicious!

Charlie Chaplin Chocolates Are Delicious!

This is definitely a unique Buffalo Treat! This product is a much better kept secret compared to the recent national media (manic) focus on Buffalo Wings that occurs almost every year prior to Super Bowl weekend. Buffalo Wings may get a lot of hype – but Charlie Chaplins are the read deal!

And just where did the original idea for a Charlie Chaplin log come from? I looked around but can’t find a good answer – just consider this item to be almost as unique as our Buffalo Sponge Candy. If you ARE from Buffalo, NY (or have lived here for a while, but moved on..) – you already know how good candy and chocolates from this area came be. You might not miss the winter weather in Western New York – but you will almost certainly miss the chocolate.

Marshmallows are a critical part of our Charlie Chaplins and produce the light texture in your mouth while the Merckens chocolate melts. Your first reaction might be – whoa – that’s too much for me but you soon appreciate the light texture. Charlie Chaplins can be very sweet (and sticky and messy if you leave them in a warm room..) – but the combination of high quality ingredients is quickly appreciated by adults and kids alike.

If you think you are up to the challenge, Google around for a recipe and give it a try.   Better yet – avoid thebig  mess in your kitchen and all of the running around town to get the ingredients.   Stop in at  the Bella Mia Candy Store and buy it by the pound.  Delicious!

And here is one last thing to consider: if you order a few pounds (or more) be sure to keep the exposed (or cut end) end covered to prevent any dryness.   Marshmallows don’t survive long when exposed to dry indoor air or heat or sitting in the sunshine.   Better yet – invite some friends and family over after dinner and pass them around your table.   You can be sure that those Charlie Chaplin chocolates won’t last long.