Melt-in-your-mouth salted caramels from
Sweetness And Light. Photo by Elvira Kalviste
| THE NIBBLE.

Ferndale, California is a small Victorian village located in Humboldt County, on the North Coast of California. The population was 1,371 in the 2010 census.

The town could be a movie set, with its dozens of well-preserved Victorian store fronts and homes, surrounded by evergreen-covered hills. Close by are extensive preserves of redwood forests (Humboldt County contains more than 40% of all remaining old growth Coast Redwood forests).

And there’s another reason to stop by: Sweetness & Light Handmade Confections.

Sweetness & Light has long been a fixture in the town. When current co-owner (with wife Tami) Matt Toste was in high school, he worked there and began to learn the techniques and skills required to make traditional chocolates. Five years later, he took over operations.

As they’ve been from the beginning, the confections are handmade in small batches using the freshest and best ingredients available: local butter and cream from Humboldt Creamery, real fruit flavors and fine chocolate. Working with copper kettles and marble slabs, the confectioners turn out sweet, old-fashioned goodness.

But not too sweet. The mark of good chocolate candy is that you taste chocolate, not sugar.

We received a gift of chocolate-covered salted caramels and a Moo Bar, a layer of almond-studded caramel topped with a layer of marshmallow, then dipped in chocolate.

We enjoyed them so much, we look forward to ordering a big box of assorted chocolates from the store’s classic repertoire: bonbons, fudge, toffee and truffles. And more caramels, of course.

In addition to wholesome deliciousness, the soft caramel is a bonus for people who don’t like (or can’t have) chewy candies. It melts in your mouth, the softest salted caramels we’ve ever had.

It must be all that moo-velous Humboldt County butter.
Order yourself a treat—or send a gift—at SweetnessAndLight.com.

Here’s a recipe to start you off. The recipe has a number of steps to create the complex flavors. But if you like the concept, you can use any combinations of salad ingredients and cheese croutons that you enjoy.

The recipe, which is courtesy Wisconsin Cheese, was created by Chef Kristine Subido, owner of Pecking Order restaurant in Chicago.

Chef Subido used Wisconsin bread cheese, a firm cheese based on the Finnish cheese Juustoleipa (also known as Leipäjuusto and Finnish squeaking cheese), traditionally made with rich milk from a cow that has recently calved.

Like feta, halloumi, paneer and queso blanco, the cheese doesn’t melt when heated. You can throw any of these cheeses on the grill or into the microwave to produce squares of delicious warm cheese.

Chef Subido added excitement by using a raisin-nut baguette for the croutons, which complements the pears in the salad. If you can’t find a fancy baguette, use what’s available.
 
 
RECIPE: BITTER GREENS SALAD WITH FIGS & GRILLED CHEESE CROUTONS

Ingredients For 6 Servings

 
Preparation

For The Croutons: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Make the croutons with 6 slices of baguette (1/4″ to 1/2″ thick); drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Bake until toasted, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

For The Figs: Combine the figs and red wine in a small sauce pan and simmer until the figs are soft, about 15 minutes. Turn the heat off and reserve the figs in the wine. Chill.

For The Dressing: Combine the shallots and vinegar in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For The Cheese: Preheat the oven or broiler to 375°F. Cut the cheese in 6 slices that will fit atop the croutons. Place the cheese on a cookie sheet and bake until soft; about 5 minutes. If using a microwave, cook for 30 seconds until soft.
 
Assembly: Drain the figs, reserving the wine. Combine the pears, figs and arugula. Toss with dressing; season to taste. Divide among six salad plates. Place crouton on each salad. Top each with 1/2 slice of the warm cheese. Season with pepper and drizzle some reserved red wine over salad. Serve immediately.
 
 
> THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CHEESE
 
 
> THE HISTORY OF CHEESE

[1] Toasted bread with melted cheese atop a tangy salad (photo © Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board).

[2] Raisin-nut toast (photo © Waitrose).

[3] d’Anjou pears (photo © Good Eggs).

[4] Dried mission figs (photo © California Figs).

Jones Au Naturel: at 35 calories a bottle, a clear and clearly delicious low-calorie soda alternative. Photo courtesy Jones Soda.

Sugary soft drinks have been deemed a contributor to America’s growth in obesity and diabetes in children and adults. So a few years ago, The Harvard School of Public Health issued a call to beverage manufacturers to create a new class of beverages with very specific calorie and sugar architectures.

Jones Soda has been the first to answer the call in the sparkling beverage/soda category, and has upped the ante by making the products all natural.

The Au Naturel soda line has stripped sparkling beverages to the bare essentials: only crisp carbonated water, all-natural sweeteners and flavor essences. The sodas are clear because there’s no reason to add color. They include green tea extracts with a small dose of natural caffeine for a pick-me-up.

Consumers who have outgrown full calorie sodas, those seeking lower calorie options and those interested in all natural foods have something new and exciting to sip.

The excitement comes from an excellent, sweet flavor for only 35 calories/7 g sugar per 16.9 ounce bottle (there are 100 calories/27 g sugar in a comparable amount of Coke). That’s an 80% reduction compared to most non-diet sodas, and also includes a full five grams of fiber.

The sweetener mix comprises low-glycemic and low-calorie organic agave syrup (nectar) and noncaloric stevia, along with a reduced amount of pure cane sugar. The new product line provides an alternative to traditional sodas, without sacrificing flavor or fizz.

The Au Naturel line launches with three flavors: Green Apple A Day, Lemon Limelight and Orange Ya Glad It’s Mango. All three are very refreshing, and the calorie savings:flavor ratio can’t be beat.

Au Naturel has a suggested retail price of $1.79 per 16.9-ounce bottle.

Find more of our favorite soft drinks.