What a Sweet & Snack Expo!

I am at the Sweet & Snack Expo at McCormick Place in Chicago. Yesterday, I made my Spooky Eyeballs and Gingerwreaths at the Wrigley Booth #1745 to crowds of interested candy crafters. Then I talked to Joni Stern from Stern Ingredients about what is happening in the world of wacky confectionery ingredients. I stopped into American Licorice Company to talk to Michael Kelly about the history of American Licorice and was pleased to get some provenance on this great box from my collection. It's 100 years old!

In the evening the Candy Industry Kettle Awards were held at the Union League Club of Chicago. What great fun it is to learn about who is nominated along with their confectionery achievements.The award went to John Brooks Sr. from Adams and Brooks. His California company was founded by his father and a business partner Paul Adams in 1932.

Today Bill Kelley from Jelly Belly (Booth #831) will school me about Goelitz in chicago. Then I will talk to Mark Puch Primrose Candy (booth #2115) about well, perhaps candy.

And in the meantime I have walked the show and fallen in love with two folks; an beautiful Indian

and a woman who makes fantastic gelatin art. She's coming to New York to teach her craft and I plan to sign up for her class.

Later today, meet me at Candyality for some sweet fun with Terese!