Sugar Savvy

Again with the Das Caramelini … they keep sending and we keep reviewing (and chewing).  (Enter “das” in the search field our our site here to see 6 previous reviews of Das salted caramels in a variety of flavors.)

To avoid redundancy, I will simply say that the remarks and opinions put forth with regard to the other Das flavors also apply to this version. Subtle, nice texture and flavor, and perfectly sized. The use of locally-sourced, high quality cream and butter is not in vain - they are indeed noticeable and appreciated.  In the case of this flavor, however, I’m not sure that orange would be my first choice to match with the rich, unctuousness of salted caramel. It was enjoyable enough, but there are other flavor additions that lend themselves more successfully to caramel: ginger, for one. The orange and honey seem to compete with, rather than compliment, the caramel. Again, I would not spit it out, but I probably wouldn’t choose the Orange and Honey among the brand’s other offerings.

The box proudly states that these are “deliciously soft.”  I must point out, however, that not only are they not soft, they are probably the most un-soft caramel I have ever eaten (including Brach’s and Kraft). This is a very stiff caramel. I mean this not as a criticism of the candy, because I rather enjoy a firm and chewy caramel.  I also enjoy a soft caramel; they can happily co-exist in the greater caramel community, as far as I am concerned. As I stated in my review of the Ginger and Pistachio caramel, it is currently mid-winter. Perhaps these are deliciously soft in mid-summer - but while my house is warm and toasty, these caramels remain pretty darn rigid.  

Das, baby, don’t sweat it. If you’re a chewy and dense caramel, that is totally cool by me.  I will still love you.  Pecorino Romano is a very hard cheese; Brie de Meaux, quite soft.  They are both lovely cheeses.  Pecorino, however, never claims to be “soft.”  Because it is not soft; it is a wonderful and hard cheese.

Look, all I’m saying is that there’s no need to front, Das.   Embrace your chewy firmness.  I have.

Photos courtesy of amazon.com and thenibble.com.