Buffalo Rising Online

Aug 5th 2007, 11:16am By Adam Fix

Caramel corn can be prepared many ways, and everyone has their own favorite variation. Of course Cracker Jack and Fiddle Faddle have been around forever, but Screaming Yellow Zonkers are just as historically significant. Introduced in 1969, they quickly became popular among caramel corn fans that prefer their snacks sans nuts. The funky packaging is considered a strong representation of the period’s art, and, at one time, was even displayed at the Louvre in Paris. This, along with revolutionary advertising campaigns, gained SYZ's a cult following that has lasted through the generations.

A few weeks ago, we went on a mission to find Screaming Yellow Zonkers in the city of Buffalo. We thought that our best chance was at Bella Mia Chocolate, a candy and ice cream shop on the corner of Hertel and Delaware. Bella is a treasure trove of Canadian candy bars, “penny” candy and retro confections from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. Surprisingly, they didn’t carry it, but the owner got pretty excited, asking us to forward him any information we unearthed regarding the once popular caramel corn treat. I imagine that he'd be equally interested in hunting down your favorite little bit of nostalgia.

Our extensive search to find SYZ in Buffalo ended with a thud after a call to the manufacturer, Lincoln Snacks, unearthed that we had done too little too late. A customer service rep told us that production had ended a mere six months ago.

I know, I know, you're very upset- but don't worry, you can recreate the zany Zonkers yourself in your own kitchen, and it's not even very hard to do! It's a great snack to share with your kids, just as they were shared with me during my childhood. If they start running around the house and screaming “Zonk!” (and chances are good they will), well, that's just the price you pay for such a tasty treat.

Here are the official SYZ instructions for what to do when preparation of the snack has been completed:

What to do with your Screaming Yellow Zonkers:

Put them in your mouth
Put them in your friend's mouth
Read to them
Dress them up and take them to the show
Tease them
Yell back at them
Juggle them

What not to do with your Screaming Yellow Zonkers:

Don't put them in a room with a beast
Don't ignore them
Don't paint them blue
Don't lie to them
Don't buy them a new car
Don't leave them in a car
Don't buy them shoes
Don't let them talk to strangers

Have you prepared yourself to experience something outrageously awesome? If not, you'd better start prepping, because we here at BRO are about to share with you the recipe for a most excellent variety of caramel corn- Screaming Yellow Zonkers.

You might as well print that list because I'm sure once you try this caramel corn you'll want to make it again. Now hurry up and blast off to Zonkville! The Z-Man is waiting!

Bella Mia Chocolate Shop
1096 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14216
716.447.0922
www.bellamiachoclate.com

Lead photo provided by Adam Fix