Flavors That Remind You of Dad
Did you know that Father’s Day is also National Fudge Day? Fudge is believed to be an American invention, the result of an accidental “fudged” batch of caramels. Fudge is known to have been sold in a grocery store in Baltimore in 1886 at 40 cents per pound – the first documented sale of fudge. Fudge quickly became a new favorite as consumers discovered its irresistible texture and taste and began coming up with their own versions.
Basically, fudge is a crystalline candy. The key to smooth, delicious fudge is controlling the sugar solution crystallization. One of the most important things about fudge is its texture – you don’t want it to be hard like caramels nor gritty or too runny. A firm but smooth texture is the goal. However, now that there are so many recipes for achieving the perfect texture, more and more flavorists are experimenting with fudge flavors, as well.
Because fudge is a basic candy concoction, it can be infused with endless different flavors. Today’s fudges come in flavor combinations such as white chocolate cake batter, cookies and cream, chocolate orange, white chocolate pumpkin, cookie crumb caramel, chocolate with pretzels, rocky road, caramel peanut, maple walnut, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter honey, white chocolate blueberry, cranberry orange, cherry almond, mint chocolate, and many more.
Because National Fudge Day coincides so perfectly with Father’s Day this year, it’s the perfect time to come up with your personal signature fudge flavor. Experiment with different combinations to create something unique – there are so many possibilities, and one of the best things about flavor creation is the ever-present space for new products on the market as consumers seek new and intriguing flavors to enjoy and serve their families and friends.
While you’re cooking up your Father’s Day feast, don’t forget other flavors that dads love – such as the smoky, charred flavors of grilled foods. Beer-can chicken, cheeseburger sliders, Applewood-smoked corn on the cob, barbecue-lime shrimp, stuffed jalapenos, and grass-fed sirloin kebabs. Be sure to round out the meal with a delicious flavor-infused cocktail such as a Gin Rocket full of peppery arugula flavors, a grilled orange margarita made with grilled citrus, bright lime juice, and aged tequila, or a classic whiskey sour, a traditional favorite featuring bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup garnished with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry.
Father’s Day is the perfect time to experiment with the flavors that dads love and the ones that remind us of simpler times. From grilled delicacies to sweet fudge and tempting drinks, it’s easy to create new and unique flavor combinations to help families celebrate this important day. Feel free to experiment and come up with your own takes on any of the ideas you see here or elsewhere using our natural flavor ingredients.