Saturday, April 19, 2014

Try Michigan Fudge For A Taste Sensation

By Essie Osborn


Michigan is fast establishing itself as a destination for foodies. The variety of fresh produce here is astounding, with fish, dairy, pork, cherries, pears, apples, beets and potatoes just some of the items grown or caught locally. Moreover, Michiganders are a diverse people and this varied heritage is evidenced in regional specialties like the Cornish-influenced pasties found mainly in the Upper Peninsula. Every great meal has to be ended with something sweet and in the Mitten State the ultimate treat is Michigan fudge.

The place to go to indulge your sweet tooth is Mackinac Island. The name is pronounced 'Mackinaw'. Located just north of the 'mitten', in the strait separating the Upper and Lower Peninsula, the island has been a popular resort destination since the 19th century.

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.

the main product coming from Mackinac, and for many people the real reason to visit, is the famous fudge made here. Since the late 1800s, local confectioners have been making a rich and creamy delight that quickly became sought after throughout the region. Some of those original confectioners are still doing business and now at least ten thousand pounds of their famous treat is sent to other destinations every day.

Most of the confectioners create a huge variety of flavors. If your tastes are more traditional, you'll enjoy caramel, vanilla or chocolate flavors, or butter pecan or chocolate and nuts for a bit of crunch. An old-fashioned delight is turtle fudge, which has chocolate, nuts and caramel all rolled into one. However, you may also want to try some of the more innovative types, such as peanut butter, pumpkin pie or caramel and sea salt.

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.

With its water sports, Mackinac is especially great in summer. This is also the time for the island's fudge festival. There are live entertainment and many activities and most of the food and drinks are inspired by the island's most popular export product.

While getting your fudge straight from the source on Mackinac Island is a great excuse for a vacation, there are other ways to indulge your sweet tooth too. Throughout Michigan you'll find candy stores selling the product. You can also order online from the confectioners and have a box of divine sweetness delivered to your door.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment