Quite a long time ago, I happened to see a little article about Cherry Mash candy in my favorite magazine, Missouri Life. The confection was highlighted since it's made in St. Joseph (north of Kansas City) and because it's celebrating its centennial. I thought it was an interesting write-up, but I was so surprised because I had never heard of Cherry Mash!
Of course, I made it my mission to track down a sample. I'm a big fan of chocolate covered cherries and figured these would have a similar taste, so I was excited to try one. Guess what? Even after researching it online, I could not lay my hands on this sweet treat. This past spring when we visited a fabulous old-fashioned candy store, I was positive I would find Cherry Mash there. Although they typically carry this product, they didn't have any. You may recall I did buy NECCO wafers that day, though (click here to revisit that recent post). Last week we were able to go on a trip to Branson, MO and one can't be in that town without a spin through the famous Dick's 5 and 10. It is an authentic dime store which is amazing and has been operational for 57 years now!
They have everything you can imagine and several aisles of candy. This display caught my eye...and guess what it included?
There is even a special banner across the bottom of the wrapper in honor of the 100th anniversary of this new-to-me candy. By the way, the actual red and white packaging has remained the same for decades.
The Chase Candy Company produces Cherry Mash and it has always been made in St. Joseph, MO. The same family operated the company from 1918 until the 1940s. The family who took over then still remains in charge. In this day and age, I find that remarkable. I read somewhere that this candy is primarily sold in the Midwest and that due to recent requests from customers across the country, Hobby Lobby stores now carry it so that it's available nationwide (I haven't checked it out so can't confirm or deny that). The 2.05 ounce candies are individually wrapped and I paid 99 cents each.
Cherry Mash candies have a soft fondant center which is mixed with chopped maraschino cherries. The chocolate coating has small peanut pieces in it. In case you're wondering, I did enjoy the texture and flavor and am glad I was finally able to do a taste-test! How about you? Have you ever heard of and eaten Cherry Mash? If so, what do you think about it?
Of course, I made it my mission to track down a sample. I'm a big fan of chocolate covered cherries and figured these would have a similar taste, so I was excited to try one. Guess what? Even after researching it online, I could not lay my hands on this sweet treat. This past spring when we visited a fabulous old-fashioned candy store, I was positive I would find Cherry Mash there. Although they typically carry this product, they didn't have any. You may recall I did buy NECCO wafers that day, though (click here to revisit that recent post). Last week we were able to go on a trip to Branson, MO and one can't be in that town without a spin through the famous Dick's 5 and 10. It is an authentic dime store which is amazing and has been operational for 57 years now!
They have everything you can imagine and several aisles of candy. This display caught my eye...and guess what it included?
There is even a special banner across the bottom of the wrapper in honor of the 100th anniversary of this new-to-me candy. By the way, the actual red and white packaging has remained the same for decades.
The Chase Candy Company produces Cherry Mash and it has always been made in St. Joseph, MO. The same family operated the company from 1918 until the 1940s. The family who took over then still remains in charge. In this day and age, I find that remarkable. I read somewhere that this candy is primarily sold in the Midwest and that due to recent requests from customers across the country, Hobby Lobby stores now carry it so that it's available nationwide (I haven't checked it out so can't confirm or deny that). The 2.05 ounce candies are individually wrapped and I paid 99 cents each.
May your Monday be as sweet as candy! 🍬