Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Enjoy The Heavenly Taste Of Michigan Fudge

By Essie Osborn


Foodies in the know are flocking to Michigan to enjoy the many tastes the state has to offer. After all, the Mitten State is one of the most diversified when it comes to agricultural produce, growing everything from cherries to beets. The lakes provide fresh fish and the pastures are perfect for hogs and dairy cows. The variety of people who have made the state their home throughout the years has meant a varied regional cuisine too, with specialties such as the pasties for which the Upper Peninsula is famous. For a true taste sensation though, don't miss out on Michigan fudge.

Confectionery seems to have been perfected in a place known as Mackinac Island. Pronounced to rhyme with 'draw', Mackinac is located in the strait that separates Michigan's main Lower Peninsula from the smaller Upper Peninsula. It's been a popular destination for summer vacationers for more than a century and a half.

As an island, Mackinac is obviously a haven for anybody looking for water-based activities such as kayaking and fishing. However, what makes the island different is that it's a historic district with expertly preserved buildings. Among the sights here are Fort Mackinac and the Grand Hotel and the way to get from one sight to the next is not by car, since cars are banned here. Instead, you'll have to walk, cycle, ride a horse or, in true old-fashioned spirit, take a horse-drawn carriage.

One of Mackinac's main attractions is its fudge. Confectioners on the island first started making this sweet delicacy in the late 19th century. Some of those original confectionery shops are still in business. The sweet as it's produced on Mackinac is so superior and popular that every day, more than ten thousand pounds leave the island's shores.

In keeping with the old-world charm of the island, there are old-fashioned flavors such as caramel or vanilla to choose from. Chocolate flavors are popular too and turtle fudge, a concoction of nuts in a chocolate base and topped with caramel, is a particular favorite among lovers of all things sweet. However, you can also indulge in many other flavors, from peanut butter to caramel with sea salt and even pumpkin pie.

Watching the process of making the heavenly treat is a revelation. Fresh cream and butter are delivered by carriage and then boiled with sugar and whatever is used as flavoring, such as decadent chocolate. The mixture is then spread into a log shape to cool and set. These logs are sliced and you get a little knife with your order so you can cut each slice into smaller pieces.

Mackinac is mainly a summer destination, since this is the best time to be outdoors. However, another good reason to visit in summer is the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. This is a celebration of all things fudgy, with even bartenders getting in on the action by creating special cocktails. The festival also features a host of activities and concerts.

If you find yourself in the Mitten State, be sure to pay a visit to Mackinac Island to buy some fudge by the pound. You'll also be able to buy from outlets elsewhere in the state. When you're back home and need to get a new supply of your favorite flavor, simply order it online, curl up somewhere comfortable and savor the heavenly taste.




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