Hammond's Candy Blog

Sprinkled Memories

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 03:55:00 GMT

From messes to masterpieces, the kitchen is where memories are made.

I’ll never forget the first time I rolled my own pizza dough, first time I used olive oil instead of canola oil to ruin 24 muffins, or the first time I made a birthday cheesecake from scratch. The endless ingredients, aromas and recipes create an environment filled with laughter, joy and full stomachs.

Growing up with a chef for a mother meant I could always find her near a stove, by an oven or elbows deep in flour. Watching her effortlessly prepare six different dishes that miraculously had a way of being ready and plated for a 6:30 dinner time. She had a way of making everything look so easy, which I later discovered in college was no where as easy as it seemed. Often, my mom would try and teach me her ways. I started as her helper, laying out the needed ingredients; I was soon promoted to oven starter, ingredient mixer, and my favorite, taste tester.

My favorite memory took place on Fridays; I would come home from school with the house smelling of deliciously perfect, right out of then oven, melt in your mouth chocolate chip cookies. With three younger brothers they quickly became a family favorite and weekly tradition. My timing always seemed spot on, with the cookies already made just about ready to be baked into golden brown goodness. I would quickly scramble to add my favorite toping; it added the right amount of crunch with the perfect balance of refreshing flavor. Crushed up peppermint pieces, not only did it make my favorite cookie it gave me a way to know which were mine and off-limits to my brothers. ☺ Of course it wasn’t long before my mom started adding my sprinkled secret to every batch, they were perfect for the holidays and perfect for our family.

Start baking your memories today and let Hammond’s Candies be part of it! We offer a variety of 30 different flavored candy canes that crushed up could make a number of delicious creations. From our all natural flavors to our chocolate or crème filled canes. Our old fashioned toffee bites or handmade marshmallow can add sweetness to every bite. Take a look at our website for endless ideas, get creative and get your kids excited about being in the kitchen! ☺

Mama’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

12 oz. unsalted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon vanilla
2 cups & 2 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups chocolate chips
Sprinkle of crushed peppermint pieces / toffee bites / marshmallow bites

1) Melt and cool the butter
2) Add both sugars, egg, and egg yolk and mix well
3) Mix together the dry ingredients and add to the butter mixture
4) Stir in the chocolate chips
5) On a parchment lined cookie sheet drop 2 tablespoons to form cookies
a. It’s your kitchen - make the cookies big or small!
6) Add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint on top of cookies
a. Again, it’s your kitchen and you make the rules add as much as you want
7) Bake in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes depending on desired level of golden brown
8) Enjoy ☺
9) For a freezer-fun snack, put a few cookies in a bag and tuck away in the freezer. They make a deliciously good cold and crunchy snack for later!

Only One Mitchell Sweet?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:54:00 GMT

As the radio played, time ticked away and the conversation seemed to die out. The minutes seemed to turn into hours which only made the stop and go traffic more unbearable. Living in Colorado you know the drive home from the mountains is always a gamble. Four hours can turn into ten as quickly as a snowflake drops. As I looked out the window, my stomach began to grumble. Not even the beautiful scenery could stop my hunger. I fumble around the car to find trail mix, assorted chip bags, doughnuts, and gum. Distraught, I return to my original position of nature watching. Just when I thought about giving in to the junk food, I saw a cloud that resembled my favorite Hammond’s Candy, a Mitchell Sweet. Excited, I reached into my coat pocket and remembered I had one! Quietly, trying to hide the wrapper noise under the iTunes playlist that had been on repeat the last 3 hours, I began to unwrap. Within seconds, like vultures, everyone in the car suddenly had supersonic hearing. “What is that?”, “What are you eating”. Busted.

Quickly my body went into Fight-Or-Flight response. Do I eat the delicious vanilla covered marshmallow in one bite and suffer the consequences? Or, do I apply what I learned in girl-scouts and share my tiny wrapped square shaped bite of heaven with the car? Decisions, decisions. As I continued to unwrap my not-so-secret snack I decided to confess what was inside. Hoping, to disguise the delectable melting caramel covered goodness to an average piece of candy, I stuttered to find the words… “Oh nothing; just a piece of candy.” The silence that followed led me to believe my family wasn’t buying it. As my face started to turn red with shame my father spoke up, “Is it from Hammond’s Candies?” I quietly replied, “..Yes.” Game over. I knew it was only a matter of time before heads were turning to get a good look at me, the candy, maybe both. Within seconds, my dad reaches for what I think will be my slice of ooey-gooey bliss, when he pulls out a pocket knife and winks when saying “Be fair when you cut it up.” Sinking into my seat, I smile and reach for the knife as I know what is to follow. I gently unwrap what used to my Mitchell Sweet careful not to lose any vanilla caramel to the wrapper. I slice the covered marshmallow in 4 giant squares and begin to pass them out. One look was exchanged and the bite was taken. An infusion of warm vanilla caramel and fluffy homemade marshmallow heightened my senses and electrified my taste buds. Everyone smiled and the song changed over to Country Roads by John Denver, the road trip may not have been over, but it definitely got a little sweeter.

As I lean back to assume my window watching position, my fingers run over my other pocket of my jacket to feel an unexpected lump. As I reach in my fingers I’m surprised by the familiar wrapping. Knowing better than to bring it out, I just smiled to myself and thought; I’ve already played the role of a good girl-scout, this time I’ll go with the former…

Moral of the story: when a Mitchell Sweet is involved, always bring enough to share. J

By Mallory Walter

Special Guest Blog By Ellen Bruss Design

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:04:00 GMT

Early this year, Hammond’s Candies approached Ellen Bruss Design (EBD) of Denver about redesigning their factory tour. Beginning in May, EBD began brainstorming ideas for an updated, engaging and interactive experience for visitors of Hammond’s.

Seven months and countless revisions later, Hammond’s has an entirely new factory tour. If you haven’t toured before, there has never been a better time to check it out. Be on the lookout for even more changes at Hammond’s as we transition into phase two of the factory tour upgrade.

Living the Sweet Life

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Up on a hilltop in the Gràcia district of Barcelona, Spain sits Park Güell, an architectural garden complex built in the early 1900’s that was originally designed for residential housing. With a lack of success, only two houses were built – one of which ended up being occupied by the artist himself, Antoni Gaudí.

The park has since been transformed into a historical monument that peaks interest to tourists and locals alike. The main attraction is the terrace with tours of the garden and artist’s home available to the public. Its original artwork directly reflects Gaudí’s distinct style where walls are covered with unique designs created from ceramics and stained glass, and architecture includes exceptional sculptures, archways, and wrought ironwork.

Though some are captivated by the neo-Gothic influenced art, we love Park Güell because – let’s face it – it looks like a real gingerbread house! The candy fortress is brought to life with its bright colors and full-sized mosaics. The gleam of the three-dimensional rooftops reflects that of a true candy castle. It is a masterpiece that has (literally) stood the test of time representing the century’s history of nature, religion, and rich European culture.

As the season of sweets is right under our noses, there’s no better time to appreciate nostalgic art like Gaudí’s. While we make our gingerbread houses out of miniature milk cartons and colorful Christmas candies, we’ll be envisioning how enchanted this house truly is…twinkle and all.

12th Annual Candy Cane Festival at Hammond’s Candies December 7 & 8

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:00:00 GMT

Back in December 2000, the company’s creative confectioners at Hammond’s Candies cooked up something a little different for the season. Gathering friends and families of every kind, Hammond’s successfully held their 1st Annual Candy Cane Festival where entertainment, arts and crafts, and –as usual – their free factory tours were held. Now in its twelfth year, the festival continues to grow while the fun gets grander.

Snow or shine, beginning at 11am on Friday, December 7th and 9am Saturday morning, December 8th, all are invited to enjoy a free mini-tour, fresh candy samples, and pick up some gifts for everyone on their holiday list. With activities for the kids and free admission, it’s a n event you just might have to stay all day for – well, at least until the event’s end at 4pm.

Since the new millennia, Hammond’s has evolved into a company who A-list customers include Whole Foods, Nordstrom, and Cracker Barrel. Regularly featured in publications including Better Homes and Gardens and O, The Oprah Magazine as well as television shows including The Food Network’s Kid in a Candy Store and The Martha Stewart Show, Hammond’s handmade candies, snacks, and chocolates are sold throughout the United States and around the world.

Despite the transformation the company has made including the expansion of their factory – now based just north of downtown Denver on Washington – and their product line, Hammond’s continues to handcraft confections the same way they did back in 1920. Though factory tours are given Monday through Saturday every week throughout the year, thousands save the date for the annual festival. 5280 Magazine claims the experience to be something ‘every Denverite must do’ – it’s simply an event that cannot be missed.

With several months until the event, you don’t want to wait to visit Hammond’s Candies today. For more information on free factory tours, or to arrange a visit, call 303-339-5358 or visit http://www.hammondscandies.com/factory-tours-parties and follow Hammond’s Candies on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hammondscandies for insider details and all the latest news.

Drizzle, Dollop, Dip, & Devour

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is an opportunity for all of us to sit down among family and friends and enjoy a home-cooked feast filled with love and laughter. Between a traditional meal and a Pinterest®-inspired one, our idea of the perfect holiday meal fits somewhere right in the middle.

Though we have been handcrafting classic, holiday treats with the same tempting recipes for the past century, we wouldn’t consider ourselves old-fashioned. With love for holiday classics and a little inspiration from some of our favorite seasonal flavors, our variety of Signature Small-Batch Dips brings sweet flavors perfect for the season of giving.

The top three picks this Thanksgiving are perfect and incredibly easy for fall entertaining. Our Pumpkin Pie dip makes a delicious spread and can quickly be added to premade, mini pastry shells for instant pumpkin treats. Grandma’s Apple Pie earns its ‘win’ having the perfect spice-blend with flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. With only 60 calories per serving, it’s a delicious, fruit-based treat with just the right amount of sweetness! Not left behind in the running, our White Chocolate Peanut Butter is always a crowd favorite with a rich and creamy combination that’s perfectly delectable on a sweet, gourmet pretzel…or a spoon!

Just a few weeks left and Turkey Trots will roam towns across the country. Get your kitchen and holiday gift supply prepared ahead of time with a couple Dip Gift Sets. These pre-packed sets of sweet and savory dips and dipping pretzels are full of flavor and fun. So go ahead, try one today. It’s Ready, Set, Devour!

The Anatomy of Chicken Bones

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 22:06:00 GMT

A couple months ago, we received a comment passed along from a customer. While enjoying her stay in Denver, she visited us for some classic, American candies. Upon returning home to Australia, she was going through airport customs when security stopped her upon finding a bag of our Chicken Bones. It was then, that our customer had to explain that they were not actually chicken bones, but rather a confection from Hammond’s.

This isn’t the first time someone has spotted a bag of the treats and stopped in disbelief. When one asks what they are, we like to respond with, ‘They’re good’! Though most don’t traditionally settle for that answer; we assume you are the same so we’ll explain this delicious confection.

Hammond’s brings a sweet trio of flavors back in a nostalgic fashion. Each 77-pound batch is still hand-crafted and pulled with rich butterscotch and creamy peanut butter. While the straw-shaped candies are still warm, they’re rolled in sweetened, shredded coconut to create a true old-fashioned confection.

Crunch into these flaky treats or, for an indulgence, dunk them into the peanut butter jar or dip into some rich, melted chocolate. Autumn is the official season of change – how about getting something sweet this time?!

Special Guest Blog by Real Food Traveler

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 20:51:00 GMT

Here’s a sweet Secret in Denver, Colorado…Located in an industrial part of town, Hammond’s Candies has been making candy that’s handmade, hand-wrapped, and hand labeled since 1920. That makes them the oldest handmade confectioner in the country.

Never heard of Hammond’s Candies? Neither had we. However, on a recent Colorado trip, RFT Editor Anne Weaver did a little research and found this one-of-a kind company that’s been making sweet treats the old fashioned way and they have no intention of changing any time soon.

When we pulled up to the Hammond’s Candies factory and retail store, we were amazed to find the parking lot full. We later found out that this was one of their rare “garage sales” where they sell overstocks of candy by the case. And deals are to be found at this event. A case of their handmade candy canes that retails for $120 sells for $15. This is the event where you can stock up on Christmas candy without breaking the bank. They also always have an “Oops Room” where they sell candy that’s broken or not quite perfect – all at deep discounts.

Plenty to Choose From

Hammond’s Candies makes a wide range of products – more than 400 in all — and many of them are hard candy. They specialize in candies like candy canes, ribbon candy, meltaways, and more. In the hard candy line, in addition to the standard candies, they sell an all-natural line that contain no artificial colors or flavorings. In these candies, instead of corn syrup, they use cane sugar.

They’re also famous for Mitchell’s Sweets, handmade marshmallows enrobed in buttery caramel. This sweet is so popular, it’s their number one seller and they often run out of it.

They’ve recently introduced a line of chocolates that include bars like milk and dark chocolate caramel with sea salt and the S’Mores bar. They carry 9- and 16-piece chocolate assortments. They also dip plenty of things in chocolate, including pretzels and, my favorite, minty hard candies.

Another recent addition is their line of dips such as sweet apple pie, blueberry cheesecake, and ginger honey mustard. They also sell flavored popcorns such as caramel, Chicago style (cheese and caramel), and sweet and spicy habanero.

The company offers free public tours of the factory. It’s here that you begin to appreciate the old fashioned, handmade candy making process. Most of the equipment is ancient – big copper pots, iron cooling tables, and old extruder machines for making candy canes.

Watching Santiago at the candy cane making machine is impressive. A tube-like machine with burners to keep the candy pliable pushes out fat ribbons of striped hard candy. Lightening fast, Santiago pulls the ribbon into the proper length and diameter and snips it with big scissors. A young woman just down the line expertly bends the top of the candy into the iconic candy cane “crook.” Despite the fact that the candy is hand pulled, hand cut, and hand shaped, each candy cane is amazingly uniform.

Hammond’s candy can be found in a wide range of locations from Nordstrom’s to Shopko. You can also buy them online. But, some of their candies are only sold at their own retail store. So, if you’re in the Denver area, a stop at their candy facility for some sweet fun. — by Bobbie Hasselbring, RFT Editor, Photos by Anne Weaver, RFT Editor

View more of Bobbie and Anne’s travels at http://www.realfoodtraveler.com/2012/08/hammonds-candies-colorados-sweetest-secret/

Confections for the Elections

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 16:31:00 GMT

When the National Confectioners Association (NCA) approached us with the opportunity to contribute to this year’s election campaigns, we were thrilled that our candies would go presidential! With the Republican and Democratic National Conventions up to bat for this year’s November elections, we sent over some of our McCraw’s American-made taffy – the world’s only flat taffy.

Whether you’re blue or red, seven-feet tall or two-feel small – no matter what your political views – we think your vote is for something sweet and satisfying, made right here in the USA. Our nation has seen a lot of changes in the past century, but McCraw’s has remained steadfast (and growing!) since 1908. Each handcrafted piece of taffy carries a bite of American history. It’s a symbol of how one vision, two people, and five cents of sugar created an iconic American dream that continues to this day. A special ‘thank you’ goes out to all those at the NCA who gave us a chance to contribute to today’s American dream. November 6 is Election Day; don’t forget to vote!

Sweet Wedding Pictures

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 21:17:00 GMT

Once Taylor Lord - http://taylorlord.com/ - began taking the first few photos for Lauren & Benjamin Marks' wedding, the photographer knew the celebration would not only be memorable, but also award-winning! That's way Lord submitted the cute couple's photography to www.Weddingchicks.com and now the newly weds are celebrating their first few months as husband and wife with family, friends, plus some of their new fans!

Here are a few sweet photos from their Big Day; don’t forget to check them all out at http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/07/27/colorful-diy-backyard-wedding-ideas/

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Happy Christmas in July!

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Though we have hot and humid weather across North America and Europe, our Southern Hemisphere friends may feel a little left out every year when their cold weather fills the air and the holidays are nowhere in sight. This year, we encourage all you ‘Down Under’ to join us as we celebrate the sweeter time of the year! Bring out the jingle bells, menorahs, and gifts – or just celebrate with a hot cup of cocoa.

If you are one among us sharing the peak of the sizzling sun, host a casual ice cream party or toss around some water balloons. Just because the holidays aren’t around the corner, doesn’t mean there’s not reason for a season! Here are the top three ways to celebrate in the hot and the cold.

If you live in the land Down Under…

Decorate cookies! Bring out the cookie cutters and bake your heart out. Then, send us your pictures so we can continue to spread the holiday cheer.

Have a ‘Half-Hanukkah’: Celebrate for six (or seven!) days by exchanges gifts with the family. The kids will love it, of course!!

Host a cocoa night. Invite a few mates over for an American cup of Hammond’s Double Chocolate Cocoa. Stir in with a Peppermint, Vanilla, or Hot Cinnamon Cocoa Stirrer and turn on some holiday songs.

For the warmer-weathered ones…

Head outside for a movie under the stars. Many cities have outdoor movie nights throughout the summer months. Grab a handful of Hammond’s All Natural Caramel Corn for an even sweeter night.

Why stop with water balloons? This July, pull out the gardening hose, and (some say) shaving cream for a wet ‘n wacky water fight!!

Dance the night away with friends and family! Crack open those boxes filled with holiday supplies and play some tunes to bring back the season up ahead.

Happy July celebrations to all, and to all a good night!

Special Guest Blog by The Hungry Bee

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 06:00:00 GMT

One morning during my recent trip to Colorado, I was clicking through the cable stations available in my hotel room when I happened upon a mouthwatering show on the Travel Channel about the best food factories. The first segment that I watched was filmed at Hammond's Candy Factory in Denver. I soon realized that this local institution was located just less than 15 minutes from downtown where I was staying! Being the candy junkie that I am, I was psyched to find out from their website that Hammond's offers free factory tours all day long (except for Sundays when they are closed). An hour later I was in the car and on my way!

Hammond's is most famous for its hard candy treats, including its highly popular candy canes. Every December they hold a Candy Cane Festival with a special visit from Santa himself. The factory tour consisted of a video showcasing the company's past and present, followed by a look at the factory workers in action, and ended with a stop in the Hammond's candy shop. Our tour guide was very animated as she described the candy making and shipping process from start to finish and answered our questions. It was hypnotizing watching the skilled candy makers mold sugar and spin colorful lollipops in the work room. I spent the majority of my visit in the Hammond's store, where there are tons of goodies to choose from, including lollipops, chocolates, caramels, and of course candy canes.

If you can’t make it all the way to the factory, Hammond’s candies are available online and now at certain markets such as Whole Foods, Nordstrom’s, Dean & Deluca, Cracker Barrel, and my favorite Sur La Table. I ended up coming all the way back to New York to try my first Mitchell’s Sweet from Sur La Table. This unique treat combines two of my favorite candies- marshmallow and caramel - into a bite-sized confection. These sweets were created in the 1930s and are named after Hammond's friend who came up with the delicious idea. Click here to learn more about Hammond's company history.

Other than the Ben and Jerry's headquarters tour in Vermont, I had never really thought about adding food factories to my list of vacation attractions, but thanks to the Travel Channel and Hammond’s I definitely will in visit more in the future!

For more information this blog and more from The Hungry Bee, visit http://www.thehungrybee.com/2011/09/hb-sweets-hammonds-candies-factory.html

Proud to be an American

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 23:35:00 GMT

When everyone’s schmoozing about their “friend’s” latest status on Facebook or walking down the street while iTalking or Face Timing their bestie, we tend to take what is real and what is good for granted. Despite all the chaos that seems to be among us on a daily basis, we must remember that we are not in a great disarray as our ancestors once were more than 200 years ago when they left everything they had, hopped on a boat, and set sail across the seas to a land unknown.

Without understanding what the future stored, they carved history and established today’s leading nation: the home of the free and land of the brave. Though America’s favorite past times involve entertainment like baseball and jazz, much is to be said for the path we’ve paved as a country. If Adams, Hamilton, and Franklin could see the transformation from candlelight to the Flashlight app, oh the eyes that would brighten!

Despite the changes that may be needed to truly live freely within our states and ourselves, we much salute those who serve us daily – ever since the first courageous steps off those ships. We must say ‘thank you’ to our soldiers, teachers, governors, and postal workers. Those who deliver the milk and those who make it. Our parents and grandparents for getting us here and our children who continue to see the hope in the same light, as did Madison and Washington.

For the past ninety-two years, Hammond’s has been proud to hand-craft quality confections that are made in America. It is such a pleasure to hire our nation’s fine citizens and know that American jobs are not only being maintained, but also growing. What a privilege to have hundreds of thousands join us every week throughout the year to see just how we do it – and what an honor to know everyone all love us…or at least us! From the entire greater Hammond’s family, Happy Independence Day. We are so proud to be American!

Welcome Summer with Open Arms

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Summer’s just about to arrive which means less field trips to Hammond’s Factory as school is out of session. Though the teachers won’t be in sight, we’ll still be visited by thousands of families with elementary-aged children. The kids are bound to run gleefully as they soak up the sweet smells of citrus and mint and pick out their favorite summer taffy flavors.

It will be a summer packed with fun at Hammond’s as we celebrate our garage sale in June, independence in July, and share the history of our Colorado candies with all those joining us from near and afar. As we say ‘Goodbye’ to classrooms and homework, we’d like to say, ‘Thank You’ to a special group that joined us this year.

Katie Bakanec’s second grade class from Meadow Community School visited us earlier during their Spring semester. Guided by some of our most cheerful hosts, Cathy and Jerry, the kids learned the story of Hammond’s and how candy is made just like it was in 1920. The Mapleton Public School in Thornton, Colorado, left the visit with great enthusiasm and in return, gave their thanks. Here are just a few thank you notes from our guests…2nd grade spelling included!

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Delish Demure Photo Shoot

Mon, 14 May 2012 06:00:00 GMT

Thanks to Delish Demure, Nicole Marcelli Photography, and these beautiful ladies, our candy looks even more stunning than usual!

What happens when you take one delectable boutique, an artistic photographer, a few lovely women, and mix in some brightly-colored hand-crafted candies? Well, we say beauty at its best! During the photo shoot, everyone had a blast - and not just with the Rainbown Blast candies! In preparation for their annual Spring fashion show, Delish Demure Manager, Molly Hardt, paired up with Denver photographer, Nicole Marcelli, for a photoshoot to savor the flavor.

The fashion theme, ‘Candy Couture’, was envisioned by Maddie Adams, Cherry Creek High School junior and DECA honorary. After interning at Delish Demure with owner, Lauren Metz, the idea came to life creating a pallet of colors with a sweetened touch...just the way we like it! Check out all the beautiful photos here and follow us on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/hammondscandies/ for more fun.

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