Nostalgia Reigns

On a few recent trips, I've gotten into the habit of searching out locally-made candies/cookies that are not readily available outside of the area. In the age of national big brands, many of these treats are getting harder and harder to find. However, since most of them have a long history, they often evoke nostalgia and fond memories from locals of a certain age. That just makes my search all the more interesting. It's not just about seeking out some obscure candies. In fact, the reaction and enthusiasm from everyone I speak to is what transcend this experience from shopping to traveling.

Berger Cookies is a Baltimore specialty, Berger Cookies. It's a shortbread cookie covered with an equally thick dark chocolatey fudge topping. Yum! Our quest to find Berger Cookies was an adventure. On our way back from a road to Maryland for some crabcakes in Kent Narrows, I suddenly remember reading about these cookies some time ago. I first thought we could find them in any old gas station...but totally came up short. The clerks had absolutely no idea what I was talking about! Fortunately, a customer over-heard our conversation and described the cookies in detail so at least I knew they really do exist.

Next we went to a large supermarket...once again, to no avail. I asked a store clerk about the cookies and his enthusiastic reaction amused me to no end "OMG, they're great! No, we don't have it at the store." and then proceeded to direct us to another supermarket in the area. I was jumping up and down in joy when we finally locate the elusive cookies! It was quite an adventure trying to find these cookies. Was it worth the effort? A resounding yes! Now I understand that dreamy expression on the man's face at the mere mention of these cookies.

Searching out Chick-O-Stick in Houston was equally amusing if not as adventurous. A few days before I were to travel to Houston, I read an article on regional Halloween candies. Pearson Nut Roll is one of my favourites since tasting it at a post-marathon buffet in the Twin Cities in August. Seeing that the author has similar taste, I trust his recommendation for Chick-O-Stick would be equally worthy. Besides, you can't go wrong with the combination of coconut, peanut butter, and honeycomb...flavours that I just can't refuse.

 I love shopping at Central Market when I'm in Texas. I thought the place is too chi-chi to have Chick-O-Stick in stock but it never hurts to ask. I gingerly approached a group of store clerk with my request. What do you know? The oldest one of them all beamed with a huge smile and said to me "let's go find out". The gentleman then proceeded to tell me stories of how he used to love them as a kid and it's been years since he last had them. I almost jumped up and down in excitement when we located a box of at the front cash register in all its glorious retro packaging. I have yet to give them a try since I'm saving them as a treat. Though truth be told, it shouldn't be long before I rip into that plastic bag...

If I'm not much mistaken, my next candies adventure will lead me to South Carolina. I wonder what awaits me there?