World-Class Caramels from DAS

DAS Foods, in Chicago, Illinois, to be specific.

I read about these caramels (above) a month or so ago in passing, and ordered some.

Long story short: not only are they — by far — the best caramels I've ever eaten, I've already reordered (and, alas, finished that supply as well last evening).

But I digress.

Katie Das, their creator, hand-wrote a note on my first order sheet explaining that she delayed shipping it one day so as to send the very freshest ones she had, just made that day.

Each box is hand-dated with a "Best by" date.

Tell you what (as I emailed her then): that's the kind of delay I love.

Okay, then, what makes these caramels so good and sui generis, not even remotely like the Kraft cubes I grew up thinking of as generic caramels?

1) The mouthfeel is extraordinary — silky-smooth and beautifully counterpointing the crunch of the sea salt on top or the walnuts within

2) They're not too sweet

3) They last longer than one might expect once on the tongue

4) The very delicate wax paper wrapping is sometimes a bit difficult to remove, but after a while I grew to like this feature — it prolongs the anticipation of the treat to follow

5) The packaging, in very elegantly designed, clear-windowed boxes with a closure that would do Steve Jobs proud, is just right

I confess to having eaten nothing but these caramels for several days in a row after receiving them — there was nothing I could think of remotely as good, so why fool around?

Five flavors are available: Chai Latte, Classic, Orange & Honey, Lemon & Honey and Chocolate Walnut (below)

which contains — in addition to dark chocolate and walnuts — ancho chilies, ground pepper, cinnamon and fleur de sel.

Exquisite.

Each variety costs $5.99 for 18 pieces (4 oz.) — cheap at twice the price.

Trust me....