Howdy y’all!
I’m bouncing in my seat as I write this because I get to go home to Texas to see friends and family for a few short days this weekend. Most coincidentally, my trip overlaps perfectly with Mother’s Day (this Sunday, May 8th) – a holiday that I’ve not gotten to spend with my Mom for several years. She was a little bit giddy with excitement upon that realization and I did my best to make it out as if I had planned things this way all along. What am I getting her? Admittedly, she’s not much of a sweets person but I know the way to her heart: a half-pound of Zingerman’s Housemade Pimento Cheese which I will defend against hungry TSA employees at DTW.
In the name of my own job security, I’ve decided to let my Dad and Sister (the true sweet tooths of the family) in on the fun as well and will be surprising them with
Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory Peanut Brittle (if you haven’t tried this, you’re cheating yourself) and a jar of Askinosie’s Hey Hey Hazelnut spread, respectively.
In addition to being your source for delicious treats for Mom this month, the Next Door (along with the Deli) is celebrating products Made in Michigan. Join us in the ND every Friday this month from 11am to 2pm for product demos highlighting our Michigan Sweets Producers! To sweeten the deal, we’re offering 10% off the featured vendor that day. I’m still finalizing the schedule – so keep an eye on zingermansdeli.com or our page on Facebook for the latest details.
Dovetailing with our focus on Michigan producers is the Food Network’s “Kid in a Candy Store” show featuring our very own Charlie Frank and the Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory! Show host Adam Gertler characterizes Charlie’s Zzang! Bars as “sensationally decadent.” How can you say no to that? The episode will premiere Monday, May 23rd at 8:30pm EST. Pick up a couple of Zzangs! to nosh on while you watch; my personal favorite is the crunchy Ca$hew Cow.
I’ve off to pack my bags, but read on for some of my top picks for Mom (or anyone you’d like to treat!) this month.
Margot’s Top Picks for Mom
Chocolat Moderne’s
Spring Eggs
I’ve got a few of these beautiful chocolate eggs left; pretty to look at and tastier to eat! Already packaged in a clear box with ribbon, these are super easy way to wow Mom.
Green Roses: White chocolate ganache with coconut milk, shredded coconut and a drop of dark Haitian rum.
Purple Roses: Sea Salted Caramel with Halen Môn Sea Salt from the pure ocean currents of the Welsh Coast.
Blue Egg: Sublime pistachio paste blended with white chocolate and rice crisps.
Moderne Bars
Joan of Chocolat Moderne elevates dark and milk chocolate bars with the addition of buttery toffee shavings and spices; the combination of textures and flavors is hard to beat and sure to please.
Charles Chocolates’ Chocolate Covered Almond Tins
The pairing of nuts and chocolate is an oft-heard request; look no further than these triple-dipped almonds; fresh and full in flavor these treats come packaged in a metal tin that Mom can safely hide away.
Valrhona’s Grand Cru “Alpaco”
A perfect introduction to fine dark chocolate for Moms everywhere! Fruity nose with a hint of vanilla, creamy mouthfeel, green/floral flavor with the littlest touch of pepper for balance.
French Honey Nougat (Nougat de Montelimar)
Lavender honey sets apart this soft and pliable nougat with crunchy almonds & pistachios, making it the perfect not-too-sweet sweet.
A Custom Box of Truffles
The Next Door’s truffle case is stuffed to the gills with eye candy that tastes as good as it looks (if not better!) With a variety of flavors and textures, dark and milk, we’re sure to find something that will make Mom swoon.
Some of my favorites:
- Chocolate in Chelsea’s “Provence” (thyme, rosemary, and lavender)
- Sweet Gem Confections’ “Leapin’ Lemon” (lemon curd & milk chocolate)
- Grocer’s Daughter’s Ginger-Pear Caramel (vegan!)
- Chocolat Moderne’s “Parlez Pistache” (crunchy pistachio praline)
- Flora’s Blueberry-Jalapeno Pate de Fruit