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I am aware that there is already a local cuisine topic, but this one is more about small companies with a product or products that don't reach much farther than their immediate locale.
I am most of the way through "candyfreak", which is, predictably enough, about being a candyfreak (a subject with which I identify mightily - read this excerpt and get a scary insight into one facet of my obsessive, childlike brain). however, it focuses mainly on rapidly dwindling small (and primarily family-owned) candy manufacturers and the obstacles they face against oppressive, consuming competition, which I've found interests me.
so, I've been looking around and thinking a lot about local goods, things that are made in and you can only get in maryland or a couple of surrounding states. below you will find a few that I've come up with from the top of my head:
1. bergers cookies, a true baltimore tradition - I don't know where they distribute, but I think they may be an exclusively local business. these cookies are fantastic, if you like a great big wallop of sweetness. a soft, buttery cookie base which crumbles nicely under a super rich, fudgey mound of chocolate, they melt beautifully together in your mouth. mmm. even hardcore sweet eaters like myself can only eat one or two of these buggers at a time.
2. utz, made in pennsylvania (they were kind enough to provide a distribution map) - the only chips/crisps you'll ever see at any of MY parties. I particularly like the ripple, for dipping, or the no salt added for plain old greasy crunchy munching. the chips are light and crispy, almost always fantastically fresh, and come in a wide variety to please anyone. they even come in a crab flavor. no shit.
3. tastykakes, also made in PA ("route" info) - it is, for some strange reason, important for me to note that I absolutely loathe all packaged snack cakes, and these are no exceptions. but I definitely have a childhood history with them, as I loved snowballs and kandy kakes, both of which make me want to barf now, but continue to be a big local favorite, particularly with kids.
4. national bohemian, better known as natty boh, which hails "from the land of pleasant living" (which would be baltimore) - I don't know that I should add this one, because I'm not sure where it's distributed, but despite (or perhaps because? we're a weird bunch) its entirely vile flavor, the beer and its image remain a strong baltimore favorite. it's also no longer in business, at least locally - its now being produced by pabst.
5. old bay seasoning, made by mccormick, which was founded in baltimore and still operates headquarters from MD - I think, unlike the extended product line, this is only available around these parts, but again, I'm not entirely sure. it's a seasoning always included (or imitated) when making steamed craps or shrimp, and often used when making fried foods (fries/chips, chicken, fish, etc) and even on potato chips/crisps. it's one of few premade seasoning blends I keep as a constant staple in my house.
6. peanut chews, also made in PA, and available to only a few markets but expanding, apparently - mmm, mmmm, MM! chewy caramel and peanuts coated with chocolate. very yummy, and also a childhood favorite of mine.
7. goetze's caramel creams, made in baltimore. not exclusively local, really, but I had to include it, because far too many folks have never experienced these yummy things - a chewy caramel hugging a soft, melting creamy....stuff in the middle. everyone seems to eat theirs differently. mmm, get some.
8. ottherbein's cookies, made in baltimore - I have never had these, actually, but have seen them around and will now be sampling them for your amusement. or maybe just my own, whatever. that's it for now.
what are your local goods, whether they be horrible nasty things that spoil your area's good name merely by existing, or wonderful treats you would love to share with the world? don't stop with food, if you have something else that's local! |
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