mardi 22 avril 2014

Try Michigan Fudge For A Taste Sensation

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.

Michigan consists of an Upper Peninsula and a Lower Peninsula. In the strait separating the two, you'll find Mackinac Island, which is pronounced to sound like 'Mackinaw'. In the 19th century, people from all over started to come here for summer vacations and it's still a popular tourist destination.

Mackinac's charm lies in its old-world atmosphere. Historic buildings such as Fort Mackinac and the majestic Grand Hotel have been well preserved so that the island as a whole is a historic district. Cars are banned and people here get around either on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage. Hiking, fishing and kayaking are popular activities.

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.

The best way to get your fudge is to buy it from one of the confectionery shops on Mackinac Island. However, you can also get it from a variety of stores in other parts of Michigan. If you can't make it to the Mitten State, though, don't despair. Simply order your slices of pure indulgence online.




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