The Ramona Bar -- Candy Heaven

I remember when I was a kid, you'd open up a candy bar and it tasted wonderful. They were bigger then, and cost a nickel. I recall sitting with a Snickers of a Milky Way for a long time, nibbling away at its chocolate, nuts, and caramel.

Today, the bars are smaller, and maybe I'm just jaded, but they don't seem to taste as good.

So, when I heard about the Ramona bar, a supercharged, all-natural, top-quality version of the classic Snickers, I jumped at it.

In 2008, Double Dutch Sweets opened in Oakland, California to deliver super-quality candy. They targeted the Snickers, but used the finest chocolate, nuts and other ingredients they could find. They make the bars by hand and have a limited distribution network (although you can order then online).

Last night, my wife and I each sampled one. It was a little challenging breaking into the tightly-sealed wrapper, which, now that I think of it, was more like the form-fitted wrappers of the past and not one of today's machine-sealed plastic envelopes. The aroma of the chocolate burst forth, and with the first bite, I remembered that feeling of the perfect, intense flavor of a real candy bar.

About halfway through, I had actually had enough--they're so rich--but I carried on anyway. I'll have to be careful, because these treasures, despite weighing just 1.8 ounces, are $6 apiece. But they are worth it--for the occasional special treat.

Sugar Addiction for the Holidays

OOOOOOHHHH my the candy-coated chocolate morsels looked good in that giant glass bowl as I poured seven bags of them together on December 31st. It was a glorious mixture of plain, peanut, dark chocolate, pretzel, almond...

It's been our tradition for years to watch movies and eat candy and treats on New Year's Eve and this year, despite a slimming, healthful Summer and Fall, was starting out no differently.

As it turns out, I ate significantly less than usual this year, but still, that meant there were lots of leftover treats sitting there, calling my name. Today, January 4, I have called a halt to it. Well, almost--I ate a brownie at lunchtime...

I love sugar--especially chocolate--so I have to be careful. I feel better when I don't eat it, but it tastes so good.

Nothing clever or philosophical to say about it--no brilliant analysis, and not even guilt--it's just a fact--I'm addicted to sugar. I'm better off when I go cold turkey. Actually, some turkey would taste great about now...