Try Michigan Fudge For A Taste Sensation

By Essie Osborn


Foodies in the know are flocking to Michigan to enjoy the many tastes the state has to offer. After all, the Mitten State is one of the most diversified when it comes to agricultural produce, growing everything from cherries to beets. The lakes provide fresh fish and the pastures are perfect for hogs and dairy cows. The variety of people who have made the state their home throughout the years has meant a varied regional cuisine too, with specialties such as the pasties for which the Upper Peninsula is famous. For a true taste sensation though, don't miss out on Michigan fudge.

Michigan consists of an Upper Peninsula and a Lower Peninsula. In the strait separating the two, you'll find Mackinac Island, which is pronounced to sound like 'Mackinaw'. In the 19th century, people from all over started to come here for summer vacations and it's still a popular tourist destination.

What makes Mackinac different from every other destination where you can go kayaking or fishing is that there are no cars on the island. Instead, people cycle, walk or travel on horseback. The family 'car' is a carriage drawn by horses. This lends the island an old-world atmosphere in keeping with the historic buildings, including the stately Grand Hotel and Fort Mackinac. Today the entire island is a designated historic district.

the main product coming from Mackinac, and for many people the real reason to visit, is the famous fudge made here. Since the late 1800s, local confectioners have been making a rich and creamy delight that quickly became sought after throughout the region. Some of those original confectioners are still doing business and now at least ten thousand pounds of their famous treat is sent to other destinations every day.

In keeping with the old-world charm of the island, there are old-fashioned flavors such as caramel or vanilla to choose from. Chocolate flavors are popular too and turtle fudge, a concoction of nuts in a chocolate base and topped with caramel, is a particular favorite among lovers of all things sweet. However, you can also indulge in many other flavors, from peanut butter to caramel with sea salt and even pumpkin pie.

The base for the decadent treat is sugar, cream and real butter. These ingredients are boiled together and the flavorings are added. The mixture is then shaped into logs to cool down. When it's set, slices are cut off and sold with a knife so that you can cut off as big or as little a piece as you'd like. Most confectioners will allow you to watch the manufacturing process and some even offer workshops for those who want to learn how to make their own fudge.

Mackinac is mainly a summer destination, since this is the best time to be outdoors. However, another good reason to visit in summer is the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. This is a celebration of all things fudgy, with even bartenders getting in on the action by creating special cocktails. The festival also features a host of activities and concerts.

The best way to get your fudge is to buy it from one of the confectionery shops on Mackinac Island. However, you can also get it from a variety of stores in other parts of Michigan. If you can't make it to the Mitten State, though, don't despair. Simply order your slices of pure indulgence online.




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