The Elusive Charlie Chaplin
Charlie Chaplin’s are something of a mystery. Sponge candy is a well known regional oddity, apparently something that people who relocate have a tough time getting their hands on. As an area resident, Charlie Chaplin’s can be hard to track down, far more scattered than the ubiquitous sponge.
They also have an undetermined provenance. Much “Googling” led me to a South Bend, Indiana candy company that has been producing “Chocolate Charlie’s” for over eighty years. The trouble is, they only make them from October to December, and their ingredients and texture are different than the version available here.
It wasn’t until a few years ago that I heard occasional mumblings about Charlie Chaplin’s. The interpretation that I have most often seen is a big block of dark or milk chocolate full of cashews, coconut and windows of gooey marshmallow. I was able to find odd recipes in a few places on the web; some called for a low-grade chocolate, while substituted peanuts or pecans. None of which appear to be nearly as good as our homegrown variety.
The 1/4 lb. sizable portion of chocolaty love above was procured at Strawberry Island in the Broadway Market. The counter and display case are loaded with old-fashioned candy, as well as their own concoctions. Consider how delightful one of these beauties would be in an Easter basket.
The Market is worthy of a visit outside of the Easter season. Many of the shops and stands are closed during the weekdays, but a lot of them aren’t. I enjoy going when it’s quiet, it gives me a chance to poke around and talk to the shop keepers. The produce selection is always good, old-fashioned butchers line the Market floor and you can always find a decent cup of coffee and something worth snacking on.
The Broadway Market 999 Broadway 893.0705
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MikeJr
I have fond memories of the Charlie Chaplin at Granasons in the Broadway Market, but that was years ago. I will stop by to check out Strawberry Island thanks once again for the tip Christa.
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Ike
On a related note, South Bend and Buffalo are two of the only cities that have widespread Dingus Day celebrations
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viking
I hope that this information is politically correct------ Parkside Candy located at Winspear and Main Streets in Buffalo, wholesales to many retail businesses as does Watkins. For Sue who has the store front on Amherst ST., this could be a possible retail seasonal location.
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deardeedle
I love this candy! And as a Buffalo transplant in Rochester it is impossible to find here. But you can get it all year round at Antoinette's on French & Transit in Depew. And theirs [like almost all of their chocolate] is amazing!
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