Flower flavored concoctions are very old world. Our ancestors did not turn their noses up at such ideas. In fact, in the days of Mozart, it is my understanding that since the actual care of one’s teeth was somewhat foreign and misunderstood the well-moneyed gargled perfume to cover the odor of their bad oral hygiene.
I personally really enjoy sweets flavored with the essence of flowers. My baking repertoire includes a number of recipes that call for violet essence, dried lavender, orange blossom water and rosewater. I completely understand those that are turned off by the idea, but I can also be sure that they’ve never had a piece of rich dark chocolate cake with violet buttercream.
I love these little violet flavored “mints” made by C Howard, Co. I find it funny that my extension of an offer of one of these little bad boys often results in a sneer. It seems that people either love them or hate them.
I first “discovered” these delicate little squares when I moved to Buffalo almost 15 years ago. They reminded me of something that one of Anne Rice’s characters would have enjoyed (I know- that vampire stuff is sooo 80s!).
These “mints” are not minty at all, but are instead sweet with subtle, perfume-y undertones. My best friend loves the gum version because it reminds her of a childhood favorite called Sen-Sen, an item I’m not familiar with.
C Howard’s also produces a hard to find lemon flavored “mint” as well as a more traditional spearmint and peppermint- two flavors which I have never seen.
I think part of the fun of this confection is trying to find it. It seems that every time I find a store that carries them, they never get them again. When I do spot them, I buy as many as I can. I also like to throw them into packages headed out west. They’re made near NYC, and I’ve never met a mid-westerner or a west-coaster that has had them before.
Currently I pick them up at the corner of Hertel and Delaware at the Bella-Mia Chocolate Shop. I’ve been able to find them on every occasion that I’ve visited in the last year or so. They also carry the similarly flavored gum.
Bella Mia also offers an ice cream fountain and an outrageous assortment of penny candy, retro candy (Valo Milk, Gold Rush Gum, Squirrel Nut Zippers, BB Bats, Garbage Pail Kids playing cards, Sky Bars, etc.) and Canadian candy (Caramilk, Aero, Coffee Crisp, Mr. Big, etc.).
It is really a must to drop in and pick up a sweet or two at this time of year. Who wouldn’t like a little retro love in their Easter basket?
Bella Mia Chocolate Shop
1096 Hertel
447-0922