Today, I attended the first day of the Sweets & Snacks Expo in Chicago – the annual conference for the National Confectioner’s Association. As a member of the press, I got into the expo and got to sample an incredible variety of chips, popcorn, chocolates, cookies, nuts, and international treats. Here are some of today’s highlights:
so. many. candy. canes.Â
adorable balloon spider at a natural candy company’s booth.Â
Chicago’s Bean in Jelly Belly beans!
inflatable thingy promoting ‘Toxic Waste’ candy
A bear made out of gummy bears at the same booth as the balloon spider.
My friend Jackie, The Candy Fan, and the one who invited me to come to the Candy Expo in the first place! Why yes, that’s a car full of tic tacs.
wall of candy!
How to Make Chocolate from the 1700s
The Mars/Hershey company gave a presentation on the history chocolate, including an overview and taste test of chocolate as it was consumed in the 1700s in America. It turns out that chocolate was consumed primarily in liquid form, and was seasoned with a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg and more. Check out the spread at the presentation.
1. raw cacao (kind of gross! like pumpkin guts.)
2. cocoa beans
3. beans on a lava stone
4. seasoning
The seasonings and chocolate are made into a sort of hot chocolate with tons of flavor. We had samples!
My instant reaction? "I want to put booze in this."
The gadget in the picture above was used for frothing chocolate liquid.
Hershey’s/Mars has also put out a book on the history of chocolate in America. It sounds and looks fascinating.
That’s all for day 1…
I’m headed back tomorrow for day 2 of the expo. I’ll share any new/interesting finds later!
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