When I was a young girl Santa always made sure to fill my stocking with plenty of goodies. I always received chocolate bars (or those holiday chocolate balls), LifeSaver “books” (do you remember those?), assorted goodies (crayons, small toys) as well as an apple and an orange. Sometimes what was in my stocking was equally as exciting as the presents waiting for me under the tree.
I have carried that tradition into my own family. I always fill my children’s stockings, as well as my husband’s (after all, he’s a big kid too) with sweet treats and other fun goodies.
If you are fortunate to live near a Whole Foods Market they have plenty of delightful sweet treats that would not only make wonderful stocking stuffers but you can also serve them to your guests at holiday get togethers. In fact, some can even be given as hostess gifts or small tokens of appreciation for other people in your life such as your mailman or hairdresser.
I had the opportunity to try a few of the goodies available at Whole Foods Market. I would love to enjoy some right now as I type this, but I’m dealing with a stomach bug at the moment and I’ve only been able to keep down some toast and crackers. 🙁
I received the following goodies – French Caramels, Espresso Clusters, Cappuccino Truffles and Milk Chocolate Marshmallows. Mmm… I cannot wait until my tummy feels better so I can enjoy these again.
The French Caramels are hands down the best caramels I have ever tasted. They are a bit different then other caramels I have had in the past. Each one is individually wrapped. They are solid, yet creamy at the same time (if that makes any sense). These are the kind that you suck on. You can chew them (although they are sticky), but they are best enjoyed by sucking on them and letting them slowly dissolve in your mouth.
The Espresso Clusters are pretty cool. I have never had anything like them before. They are crunchy and sweet with a touch of coffee flavor to them. They look like some kind of an alien food (LOL) but don’t let their strange appearance fool you – these tiny treats are packed with flavor!
I love, love, love, LOVE the Cappuccino Truffles! They are amazing! They are dusted with cocoa (I’m assuming that is what it is). Each piece is perfectly sized to pop in your mouth. Just like the caramels, these are meant to be savored and enjoyed for a long time. You can chew on them right away but I found that letting them melt in your mouth is the best way to experience them. Out of all the treats I tried these are my favorite. Words cannot describe just how good these are.
I had forgot that these were CAPPUCCINO Truffles. When my husband tried them he said “They taste like coffee” I told him he was wrong, that they were just truffles. Oops! 🙂 To me they taste like gourmet homemade truffles. My husband (a non-coffee drinker) instantly picked up on the “coffee” (cappuccino) taste.
The Milk Chocolate Marshmallows were a favorite with my children and my husband. There is nothing too fancy about them. They are simply puffy squares of ooey gooey marshmallows dipped in a flavorful milk chocolate.
Aside from the great taste, what I love about these boxes of candies is that they are the perfect size. They are great for one person or to share. For those of us (myself included) who can get a little carried away and over indulge in sweets, the small sizes make it hard for you to get too crazy (unless of course you buy multiple boxes).
All of these treats would make great stocking stuffers. Even better – put several varieties in a basket along with a mug or two and some hot cocoa packets and call is a “Winter Survival Kit”.
Of course don’t forget to pick up a few boxes of your favorites for yourself too. After all, who does’t like to indulge in sweets from time to time.
Look for these and other yummy treats at a Whole Foods Market near you. To find a location visit www.WholeFoodsMarket.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.
Kimberly
*I received free product samples in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced in any way.