There are three things people bring back from Hawaii: photos, coffee and chocolate covered macadamia nuts(CCMN). These are from Big Island Candies, which is a local chocolatier that does more than the typical Hilo Hattie’s style box (and sells both CCMN and Kona coffee).
Yes, everything Big Island Candies does seems to have macadamia nuts in them, but they’ve got some inventive combos with potato chips (Hawaiian style!) and crisped rice. This box featured a mix of milk & dark chocolate covered macadamia nut cups.
The macadamias are crisp and large, with an even crunch and light coconut taste to them. The milk chocolate was very sweet, a little too sweet for my taste, but still good smooth quality stuff. The dark chocolate set off the macadamias better, with a dark smoky flavor and smooth texture. All that said, there’s nothing wrong with me, but I’ve never been a huge fan of macadamias. They’re okay as an added element to a cookie, but as the feature in a chocolate they’re just not what I want to use my daily allotment of calories on (and boy howdy are macadamias calorie intensive!).
If you’re looking for something a little more interesting to bring back from your next island trip, make an effort to find Big Island Candies. Their flagship store is in Hilo on the big island of Hawaii (with factory tours and free samples!), they also have more than candies, they’re known for their cookies as well.
I always get a box or 3 of chocolate covered macadamias at Christmas and I don’t know what to do with them. They’re hell for you, and I don’t find them to be very interesting. Can’t throw them away, though…like the Seinfeld episode says, “they’re like 75 cents each!”
I love their stuff! You also have to try the chocolate dipped shortbread cookies & bark with smashed kettle style potato chips in them…Delish!
Being originally from the Big Island, I feel I must speak here. Anyway, the most popular item among Hawaii residents are the chocolate-dipped shortbread cookies. They come in milk, white and dark chocolate. I prefer the dark chocolate ones because I figure the healthy dark chocolate is helping prevent the unhealthy effects of the butter in the shortbread cookies.
Marvo: do you go to all-you-can-eat buffets and order a Diet Coke too?
Swag - Hmm…Let me put it this way, if you run an all-you-can-eat buffet, you will love me because I don’t come close to eating my money’s worth. I usually just eat the soft-serve ice cream and make chocolate and vanilla swirls. Also, I don’t know if you notice this, but those people who order a Diet Coke at an all-you-can-eat buffet, their Diet Coke cup is roughly the size of my head.
Marvo,
I love all of their dark chocolate items too.
I have to second the chocolate dipped shortbread… we usually get some whenever the relatives come to visit us on the mainland. =)
It looks as though you could reach in and grab them! Great fliks. Super YUM! I have to try these!
Glad to read all comments, reviews & jokes. Funny, and thanks. We receive snail-mail from Big Island Candies (& cookies.) Smallish brochures. Pics always look fantastic. A few times I was tempted to order, (for that special party, etc.) but BIC prices are crazy sky high. During the holiday season BIC didn’t even offer complimentary shipping. Baked my own batches/variety of cookies. As for shortbreads ... sooo easy. 4 ingredients + dipping in (your choice) of melted chocolate! Best news ... the (shortbreads) cost = maybe $2.25 for tons of cookies!!!
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