You won’t find them in the Bible, but many cherished Easter traditions have been around for centuries. The most prominent secular symbol of the Christian holiday, the Easter bunny reportedly was introduced to America by the German immigrants who brought over their stories of an egg-laying hare.
The decoration of eggs is believed to date back to at least the 13th century, while the rite of the Easter parade has even older roots. Other traditions, such as the consumption of Easter candy, are among the modern, and we think the best additions to the celebration of this early springtime holiday.
Fowler's has been making molded Easter bunnies and favorites since opening our doors in 1910. The Easter Sponge Candy box was introduced in 2014 and quickly became a seasonal favorite.
]]>The partnership aims to unite the joy of indulging in delicious treats with the compassion of giving back to the community. For every delectable bite of sponge candy enjoyed, a contribution will be made to FeedMore WNY, fostering a connection between the joy of Sponge Candy and the fulfillment of nourishing those in need.
To encourage further community involvement, FeedMore WNY will be setting up collection barrels in each of the Fowler’s store locations. Customers and supporters are invited to contribute non-perishable food items to these donation barrels, which will go directly towards supporting FeedMore WNY's ongoing efforts to provide nutritious food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. As an enticement, donors will save 10% on any purchase when they bring in a non-perishable item.
As the highlight of this collaboration, on Sponge Candy Day, September 21, FeedMore WNY representatives will gather non-perishable items at Fowler's Chocolates' Union Rd store. They'll also treat visitors to samples of Fowler's Chocolates' newest creation: Pumpkin Spice Sponge Candy, a delectable fall-themed treat. This partnership embodies the blend of community joy and support.
"We are excited to partner with FeedMore WNY to make a meaningful impact on our community," said Ted Marks, President at Fowler's Chocolates. "With every pound of sponge candy sold, we're not only satisfying sweet cravings but also contributing to FeedMore WNY's incredible mission of ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry."
"We are truly grateful for the support of Fowler's Chocolates as we continue our mission of providing dignity, hope and a brighter future for our Western New York neighbors in need,” Tara A. Ellis, president and CEO of FeedMore WNY, said. “This collaboration is especially timely as September is Hunger Action Month. When you purchase a pound of Fowler’s Sponge Candy and donate nonperishable food items when you shop at Fowlers, you are taking action to alleviate food insecurity and nourish your vulnerable community members.”
Fowler’s commitment to making a difference through this collaboration will help us provide nourishment and support to those who need it most."
Join Fowler's Chocolates and FeedMore WNY in this heartwarming initiative to turn every bite of sponge candy into an act of kindness. Visit Fowler's Chocolates stores or online throughout September to enjoy the delectable treat of Sponge candy and contribute to this worthy cause.
]]>We are frequently asked how long our chocolates will last. Here is an article that we found at Stilltasty.com.
The good news is that chocolates have a long shelf life, so you can shop early and they will still be good for the holidays. Even better, months after the holidays have passed, you can still dig into those boxed chocolates. Here's how to keep them fresh and tasty:
For best results, store boxed chocolates at a moderate room temperature.
The ideal temperature for storing chocolates is generally between 60° and 70° Fahrenheit — much warmer than that, and the chocolates’ texture and appearance can begin to suffer.
How long does a box of chocolates last at room temperature? Stored under those moderate temperatures, most types of boxed chocolates will retain their quality for at least 6 to 9 months, even after they been opened. It is shorter for chocolates filled with creams and caramels. Sponge Candy should also be enjoyed within 8 weeks as it is susceptible to moisture which make s the sponge candy start to dissolve.
For longer-term storage -- or in hot, humid conditions -- refrigerate or freeze chocolates.
If the climate in your home is routinely above 70° Fahrenheit and humid — or if you can’t polish off an entire box of chocolates within a few months — your next best option is to refrigerate or freeze your boxed chocolates.
How long do boxed chocolates last in the fridge or freezer? As a general rule, refrigerating chocolate can extend its shelf life by at least 25%, while freezing can prolong it by 50% or more. Place the original box in a heavy-duty plastic freezer bag, seal it tightly and then refrigerate for up to one year, or freeze for up to 18 months for best quality. Thaw frozen chocolates in the refrigerator.
Handmade, premium chocolates and chocolate truffles have a shorter shelf life.
Handmade, premium gourmet (and typically ultra-expensive) chocolates and chocolate truffles purchased from specialty stores don't last as long as regular boxed chocolates. They will usually remain at peak quality for 2 to 3 weeks at room temperature . For longer storage, they will keep well in the fridge for 2 to 3 months or for 6 months in the freezer.
Wrap tightly to keep the odors away.
Chocolate absorbs nearby odors like a sponge. So it’s important to keep your boxed chocolates well-covered, no matter where you’re storing them. For maximum taste and freshness, place opened boxes in a heavy-duty plastic bag and close tightly.
Good eating habits have long been known to be a way for people to stay healthy and in shape. The Department of Health and Human Services explains that healthy eating includes consuming lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats while limiting the intake of trans fats, sodium, and sugars.
This can become a problem for chocolate lovers since the popular sweet is known to contain some unhealthy ingredients (sugars and fat). But there are a few ways to have good eating habits without taking chocolate away from your diet completely.
Eat it in moderation
Health enthusiasts know that eliminating something from your diet, especially when you love it, can create unnecessary cravings. It is why restrictive dieting is not ideal for anyone. In lieu of this, you can eat chocolate in moderation. Consuming sweets like the iconic Sponge Candy is okay to do once or twice a week. And on these days, make sure not to eat too many other sugary foods that might elevate your insulin levels.
Offset its effects
Another way you can have a good diet without sacrificing chocolate is by eating foods that will manage or lower blood sugar. Medical News Today suggests that eating whole-grain carbohydrates, such as rye and rice, has been proven to lower glucose levels in comparison to processed grains like bagels and white bread. Sweet potatoes and oatmeal also have similar effects on your body. If you are eating sugary foods like chocolate, you can also add these ingredients to your meals to help offset the effects the confection may have on your blood sugar.
Try getting better chocolate
The last thing you can do is to try getting better quality chocolate. This doesn’t necessarily mean buying more expensive chocolate. When choosing what to get, be sure to check the nutrition label. A person should eat only 24 grams of sugar and 77 grams of fat per day. Going over this limit will lead you to bad eating. Choose chocolate that has less of these per serving so you know you aren’t consuming too many unhealthy things. You can also consider trying our Mini Chocolate Buffalos, which come in a dark chocolate version. Dark chocolate is known to contain less sugar than traditional milk chocolate.
Healthy eating doesn’t always have to mean sacrificing foods you love. By consuming sweets in moderation, offsetting its effects, and looking at the nutrition labels, you will be able to have a good diet while still enjoying chocolate.
Post solely for the use of Fowler's Chocolates
Written by Colleen Veronica