A couple of weeks ago, we met friends at the beach, and before I'd even gotten fully out of the car, one of my son's friends ran over and asked, "Did you bring caramels?" When I told him no, he looked genuinely disappointed, then asked why not. Fair question.
Apparently, people now expect caramels wherever we go, whether it's a beach day, a dinner party, a weekend visit, or a small thank-you gift. Soft, buttery, easy to share, and usually gone faster than expected.
If you're wondering which flavor to try first, here's what we're leaning on this spring.
Sea Salt: The One People Come Back For
My Sea Salt Caramels are the classic, and they tend to be the flavor people ask for by name. Soft, buttery, and finished with just enough salt to balance the sweetness. It's a safe choice if you're gifting for someone new to handmade caramels, and a reliable one if you're bringing something to a gathering. Sea Salt Caramels
Lavender + Honey: My Limited Spring Flavor
This one is only around for a short window each spring, made with local lavender from Hambly Lavender Farm and local honey from Sierra Honey Farm. It's soft, lightly floral, and a little warm, the kind of flavor that fits this time of year especially well.
Lavender + Honey will only be around through the end of the month before the next seasonal flavor arrives in June. Once it's gone, it won't be back until next spring, so if you've been meaning to try it, now's a good time. Seasonal Caramels
Vanilla + Toasted Almond: A Personal Favorite
This is the one I reach for myself. Toasty, a little nostalgic, and made with the same simple, high-quality ingredients as everything else I do. It's a nice option for someone who prefers a warmer, more classic flavor over something floral or bold. Vanilla + Toasted Almond Caramels
Caramels Made for Sharing, Wherever You're Headed
All of my caramels are made by hand, in small batches, right here in Paso Robles, California, using a family recipe from the 1930s. They travel well, they don't need refrigeration, and they tend to disappear quickly once they're out, which is part of why they've become the thing people expect us to bring.
If you're not sure which to choose, my Gift Collection lets you send a little bit of everything, and it makes a nice caramel gift box for a host, a teacher, or anyone you want to think of this season.
