Good, Local Easter Candy now that Fannie May is no longer

I used to love Fannie May Easter Candy. But the ingredients are not what they were and the candy tastes cheap and, honestly, terrible in my opinion.

Does anyone know of a good local maker of Easter Candy that a child would like?

Thanks!!!

If you can drive a little ways you will be deliciously rewarded. Anderson's Candy Shop in Richmond, IL is the place to go (Richmond is near the IL-WI border on the way up towards Lake Geneva). I first read about Anderson's at least a decade ago here in SoCal in the LA Times as being one of the best chocolatier's in the country, and then while visiting and driving up to LG a few years ago, we drove right by the place, made the stop, and that's now the go-to place to order from. Wonderful chocolates.
http://www.andersonscandyshop.com/catalog/default.php

My daughter got some pre easter gifts from Long Grove Confectionery. There are a few retail spots that carry their stuff. It's all been very good.

There's the Chicago Chocolate Company in the west loop. While I've not had Easter stuff per se, I have procured chocolate Santas from them in the past. I don't think conversion to bunny or chick form should affect their flavor.

Blommer's has tons of candy, but i cannot comment on its shaped pieces. CHocolate covered anything I've gotten from there has been very good.

There's Ferrara Pan Candies of Forest Park, IL. They're available all over and definitely made locally. Lemonheads are kinda like Jelly Beans...

No camparison to Fannie Mae, or any other chain, Margie's Candies, a family owned store that hasn't changed much since its founding in 1921, makes its own wonderful candy and ice cream.
Margie's Candies
1960 N Western
Chicago
773-384-1035
http://www.margiescandies.nv.switchboard.com/

The candy has to be good. That's the point. I can get mediocre candy anywhere.

It's gotta be as good as the vanilla ice cream at Frontera or the goat milk caramel at Salpicon.

It's important to keep high standards. That's what makes for a good food scene.

Thanks!

make wrote:The candy has to be good. That's the point. I can get mediocre candy anywhere.

Are you saying that Margie's is mediocre?

Hi,

If you look through this thread on someone seeking locally produced chocolates, then you will find more than enough information to satisfy this query.

Regards,

But that's not the same as Easter candy. Thanks for your replies.

So that begs the existential question: Does rabbit shaped candy really taste different?

make wrote:But that's not the same as Easter candy. Thanks for your replies.

Almost all chocolatiers will make seasonal candy. Why wouldn't they make something for Easter?

Regards,

kafein wrote:There's Ferrara Pan Candies of Forest Park, IL. They're available all over and definitely made locally. Lemonheads are kinda like Jelly Beans...

Side question here:
Anyone know if they have a retail shop there? Tours? What about the Mars plant on Oak Park Ave?

make wrote:If you don't want someone to post, then just say that. I asked a simple question. I won't be back.

That's a bit harsh...this is a very accepting board. The comments made were in your best interest. Neither Cathy nor the other members tried to make you look like a jerk by replying, they're just here to help. If they didn't want you to post they'd say it. Maybe have a piece of chocolate and come back with an open mind.

teatpuller wrote:

kafein wrote:There's Ferrara Pan Candies of Forest Park, IL. They're available all over and definitely made locally. Lemonheads are kinda like Jelly Beans...

Side question here:
Anyone know if they have a retail shop there? Tours? What about the Mars plant on Oak Park Ave?

Ferrara Pan used to have an Outlet Store there, but I don't know if they still do. Mars does not.

As for the Original Poster - I would not have made any of my initial suggestions if I did not think they were good, or at least of the same quality of Fannie May. (Good, but not amazing). But thanks for insinuating that I have no taste.

That said - Whole Foods had tiny chocolate bunnies and pigs from Vosges in the flavors of their fancy bars (Bacon, Barcelona, etc). They were $9.49 for a 2-3oz animal.

Ferrara Pan still has a very small retail outlet. Last time I was there (a couple years back), a pound of any of the "heads" in bulk cost $1.20, but prices might be higher now.

I hate to admit it but once a year I'm a sucker for a package of those yellow or pink sugar-coated marshmallow bunnies or chicks. After I eat them I spend the rest of the day regretting it.

There is a See's Candy in Downers Grove on Ogden Ave.

I guess that's 'local' but I don't know know for sure if the candy is made on site.


Maybe the OP could describe what he's looking for in terms of Easter candy. Just molded into Bunny shapes, or a specific item he would get at the holidays, i.e. Marshmallow eggs? ect.

I think people were trying to get a better idea what they're looking for and not trying to be harsh.

Not trying to hijack this thread but for the See's lovers among us, See's has plans for greater expansion in the Chicagoland area. The next store will be in Algonquin in the Randall Rd corridor and others are in the works but locations not set quite yet.

Finally! I really think that Fannie Mae is no longer up to snuff. I love the kiosks during the holidays when I can get my See's fix without paying shipping. I'll be glad to have a store close(r) by. Now if I can only get them to come to the northern 'burbs.....

kafein wrote:There's the Chicago Chocolate Company in the west loop.

The west loop location has been closed for quite some time now. Their only location is:

4010 South Morgan
Chicago, IL 60609
Telephone: 773.650.0535

http://www.chicagochocolate.com/locations.asp

I was sad to see their Randolph location close. Great ice-cream and root beer floats. Nothing else like it in the neighborhood.

iahawk89 wrote:Finally! I really think that Fannie Mae is no longer up to snuff. I love the kiosks during the holidays when I can get my See's fix without paying shipping. I'll be glad to have a store close(r) by. Now if I can only get them to come to the northern 'burbs.....

FWIW, I just saw a See's kiosk inside the Lord & Taylor at Woodfield.

Not sure if it's a left over from the holidays or if they're just trying to maintain some kind of presence until they can open a store here but it looked fully stocked w/all the usual kiosk products.

There's also Lilett's Candies in Brookfield
http://lilett.com/
(Brookfield and Sunnyside Avenues in Brookfield (Along the tracks about 2 blocks west of the Brookfield train station)
I used to see it every day from the train and always meant to go there, but never got around to it. We stopped in on Holy Saturday and there was a line out the door (in fairness, it's a small shop), so we didn't get anything but I am planning to head there with my daughter for a special treat sometime next week and will report back with my thoughts on the candy. (Unless someone else can chime in with their thoughts on the quality there).
But for future reference, I think they must have a variety of Easter candy for them to be packed the day before Easter (or similar to Fannie May, at least).

Cogito wrote:I hate to admit it but once a year I'm a sucker for a package of those yellow or pink sugar-coated marshmallow bunnies or chicks. After I eat them I spend the rest of the day regretting it.

Just once a year? I get them every holiday they're available. (Avoid the 'chocolate' Halloween cats.) I have some neon green chicks at home. Wish I was eating them right now...
I also go shopping for my Easter candy the day after at Jewel/Walgreens/etc. I picked up a bag of Hershey's Truffle Kisses for ninety cents. Score!

With Easter coming up, I bumped this thread. Anyone have any new observations?

I think I'll be headed to See's in Algonquin.

The same friend who gifted me 150 "truffles" shot the Vosges spring catalog last month and alerted me to their new Easter chocolates made with vintage molds. I can't say how they taste, but this friend gifted me about 30 "bunnies" and a dozen "eggs" (unflavored chocolates made just for the photo shoot), which are quite handsome and which we've used as edible party decorations:



Edited: photo was too big

RE: Vosges

Love the 1.25lb enchanted mushroom. Only $75!

http://www.vosgeschocolate.com/product/ ... oom/Easter

Old Fashioned Candies on Cermak Road in Berwyn, makes seasonal chocolates and confectioneries. They use blocks of Bloomer chocolate and hand-dip and hand-mold all the chocolates in their shop. They can do just about any type of special request, too. They also were recently featured on ABC 7's "Hungry Hound" segment.

Old Fashioned Candies
6210 W. Cermak Road
Berwyn, IL 60402
708-788-6669

Erzsi wrote:There is a See's Candy in Downers Grove on Ogden Ave.

I guess that's 'local' but I don't know know for sure if the candy is made on site.

See's is from California. Love them, grew up on the chocolate buttercreams, but not local.

Erzsi wrote: I don't know know for sure if the candy is made on site.

I suggest you try Canady

http://www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com/
824 South Wabash, Chicago

All hand made by Michael Canady in their kitchen on site.

make wrote:The candy has to be good. That's the point. I can get mediocre candy anywhere.

It's gotta be as good as the vanilla ice cream at Frontera or the goat milk caramel at Salpicon.

It's important to keep high standards. That's what makes for a good food scene.

Chicagoland's very best artisanal chocolatiers, IMHO, starting with the best of the best:

1. Belgian Chocolatier Piron (Evanston) - http://www.belgchocpiron.com
2. Vosges Chocolate (Chicago/Lincoln Park, Chicago/North Michigan Avenue, and Chicago/O'Hare Terminal 1) - http://www.vosgeschocolate.com
3. Canady le Chocolatier, Ltd. (Chicago/South Loop and Chicago/French Market) - http://www.canadylechocolatierchicago.com

Piron and Canady also get bonus points because their price per pound is significantly less than Vosges.

Hi,

For DIY types, you can make your own Peeps.

Regards,