I’m not a big candy person, but JJ’s Sweets just might be my new favorite candy company. I have great things to say about the four sweets I tried and, as I write this, feel a longing for a Cocomel.

What is a Cocomel? It’s a coconut milk caramel and it is fantastic. Fantastic! I tired the original, java, fleur de sel, and vanilla cocomel and enjoyed them all. I actually scarfed them down, to be completely honest.

Cocomels are not only lip-smackingly delicious caramels, they are vegan and gluten free. They’re locally made in Boulder, CO, so that’s a plus, too.

JJ’s Sweets doesn’t only make the soon-to-be-famous Cocomel- they also make “unique hard candies” and I have a new favorite sweet: Fennel and Anise Seed Brittle. I’d never had such a flavor combination in a candy, and I’m looking forward to having it again. The fennel and anise go together so well, and it isn’t too sweet, but sweet enough to satisfy an after-dinner sweet tooth.

The Tangerine Dream hard candy was the best tasting tangerine candy, period. I don’t know much at all about making hard candies, but these were perfectly hard, and my taste buds approved while the candies slowly dissolved. No artificial junk added. That’s the kind of candy we should eat when we indulge in candy.

And the last treat that I reluctantly shared was the Fleur de Sel Chocolate Covered Cocomel. I’ll take a dozen, please.

JJ’s Sweets can be found at the Boulder Farmers Market, as well as local holiday markets. But, don’t worry non-Boulder-locals because they ship! So, order some online for a unique holiday gift this year. That’s my plan.

If you live or work in Boulder and have not yet eaten from the COMIDA food truck, I think it would be a good time to check out their website and make an effort to track the pink truck down for a deliciously fun food experience.

Lucky for me, COMIDA makes stops at Asher Brewing Co, which happens to be across the street from my home. I can just walk over and indulge in their chicken quesadilla (center) or fish tacos (right). The real meat-eater at home ordered a number of meaty tacos and was completely satisfied. Licked the foil clean…

But, one reason I especially like COMIDA, besides a super friendly staff that jams out to music while they work, is they have a number of vegetarian offerings that are more elevated than a simple salad. Go COMIDA Go! Can’t wait for some food tonight.

There is something so seasonal about sipping maple scotch on cold nights, and it always reminds me of my dad’s bar, which is one of my favorite places to go. I plan to have some maple scotch in stock all winter. Here’s how I made it…

I was inspired by my friend Jennifer from The Adventuresome Kitchen to make her Sweet Potato Risotto with Mushrooms and Kale. All I can say is this is one of my new favorite recipes. I followed her instructions exactly except I had no mushrooms, and I used white sweet potatoes rather than the garnet or “orange” variety.

Come to think of it, I have mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and kale in the house right now… might make this tonight.