Local Candies Sure to Please

By Anthony Todd in Food on Nov 20, 2008 6:15PM

On our recent visit to Provenance Food and Wine, we mentioned that we picked up a box of Das Carmelini salted caramels. We liked them so much that we contacted the owner to find out more about this local candy company. Das Foods, created by Katie Das in 2006, started with a line of gourmet cooking and finishing salts. While we’re sure the salts are amazing and delicious, we’re much more excited about CANDY.

Das Foods produces a wide assortment of gourmet caramels and lollipops Caramels come in 8 flavors, including Café Cortado (with pieces of coffee bean), Chocolate-Walnut, Chai Latte, Orange & Honey and, our favorite, Chili & Pecan. Be careful with that last one – it’s got a kick! Das' “Classic Caramel,” a good starting point, is made with hints of lavender and honey and will completely change your idea of what a caramel candy is supposed to taste like. Made with locally produced cream, acacia honey, natural butter and a hint of Fleur de Sel, these caramels melt in your mouth and leave you dying for more. The lollipops come in an equally exciting range of flavors, including Ginger-Lemon, Orange-Pomegranate and Salty Caramel. Our favorite is the Maple-Bacon, a sweet and salty combination that will blow your mind.

Katie (and Das Foods) also has a strong commitment to local food and philanthropy. She is involved with the Family Farmed Expo, a local food convention that is taking place this weekend at the Chicago Cultural Center. In addition, 10% of the profits from Das Foods products are donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

These candies are perfect for gifts or, if you’re greedy like us, for gobbling down in the privacy of your own home. Prices are very reasonable; lollipops are 50 cents each and a box of 16-18 caramels costs $7. You can pick them up at a range of gourmet and specialty stores around the area, or order them online.