Posts Tagged ‘candy’

Jail House Candy

Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

 

Well, I guess I have way too much free time on my hands…Last night I actually found a web site that specializes in sending candy to incarcerated “people” in the Granite State (that’s New Hampshire by the way…) So, if you know someone who is now in jail somewhere in New Hampshire, you might want to check out this link:  http://nhstateprisonorder.com/osc/index.php 

 On the other hand, since the Bella Mia Candy Store is located in the Empire State (that’s New York by the way…) – you might want to check out http://www.docs.state.ny.us/Directives/4911.pdf  Did you know that Inmates may “…receive two packages a month containing foodstuffs and the combined weight of which shall not exceed 35 pounds….Food packages received both from visitors and through the mail shall be included in the two package limit…” 

Bella Mia Candy Store has not yet received any customer requests to send candy to any correctional inmate receiving free room and board compliments of our State government – but what the heck, even Bad Boys deserve some chocolate and candy.  Think Positive! Eating candy might even help an inmate give up smoking…  And they would have plenty of time to work out in the exercise yard to help keep those extra pounds off!  Apparently, there are no restrictions on candy items but don’t try and send any raisins…Must have something to do with jailhouse fermentation techniques and related alcohol by-products I guess.  Obviously, you can’t send any knives, files or other sharp objects but for some reason 2 inch sewing needles (as referenced in the NYS Regulations are O.K. – Good Grief! What are these guys thinking?  Do you remember your grade school warning? “…don’t shot any paper clips with rubber bands or you might put somebody’s eye out!” Just what do you think they would do with a 2 inch needle in Attica?  Knit a quilt?  I doubt it! 

 Is anybody reading these regulations? We don’t know anybody who is incarcerated in any NYS Dept. of Corrections facility – but if YOU do and want them to have some quality candy – let us know and we will try to help you out.  Just don’t ask us to send any chocolate coated raisins and 2 inch needles…

NYS Corrections Dept. Directive 4911

NYS Corrections Dept. Directive 4911

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.