Old Timey Faves from Cracker Barrel

As previously mentioned, I bought a few goodies for myself at Cracker Barrel. First, Zotz.

The Ice Cube Queen introduced me to Zotz at an early age, and I immediately loved them. If you haven't tried them, they're little lozenge-sized hard candies. Inside is a burst of fizzy sourness (probably having to do with citric acid, I'm sure), and you can't help but pucker when you taste them. I haven't had these in a long time, but they were just as good as I remembered.

Next, a package of Valomilk. I never had these as a kid; apparently they're a Midwest specialty. They're made by Sifers, a small candy company in Kansas that only makes this one product. I suppose you can compare these to Mallo Cups in that 1) they're cups and 2) they have a marshmallowy filling. The difference is 1) The cups are huge-- one is satisfying enough; 2) The chocolate tastes better; 3) There is no toasted coconut, as in a Mallo Cup; and 4) The marshmallow is gooier-- you can't eat these without getting some on your face. I'm surprised these don't have more of a cult following, because they're darn tasty. If you've never had one, go out and try it.

Lastly, I got a pack of Black Jack gum, which is currently being made by Cadbury Adams. It's been a looooong time since I've had this stuff, and I have to say, I was impressed. The licorice flavor was intense; it tasted just like eating a black Twizzler. Better yet, the flavor lasted much longer than I remember it. I'm sure that's a new innovation from the Adams people. Kudos!

All in all, I showed great restraint at the Cracker Barrel store. Perhaps a little too much restraint. The stock in the candy pantry is looking awfully low these days.