February 9, 2006 by mosaiconline

Sweet and sour; cute and cuddly

By: Kim Ossi (KRT)
Posted In: News

SOUR SWEETS

There’s nothing like that big heart-shaped box of chocolates that you’re bound to get for Valentine’s Day each year. Unless, of course, sweets just aren’t your thing. Now, treat yourself to something sour and your taste buds dance.

If that’s the case for you or any of your friends, surprise them this Valentine’s Day with a bag of Sour Marshmallow Hearts ($5) from Jelly Belly. These gummy candies, which come with tart cherry, raspberry and grape flavors, are just right: they don’t stick to your teeth, they’re not too hard and the sour isn’t over-the-top (though we imagine if you eat a lot of them, besides being sick to your stomach, your tongue will have that lovely sour burn thing happening).

If you really want to surprise your friends, you could make cupcakes _ for the sweets-lovers _ and top them with the sour gummy candies _ for the sour-lovers.

Indecisive, or just don’t know what treat makes your sweetie swoon? Pick up Jelly Belly’s Classic Candies ($10), which includes everything from a sampling of Jelly Belly beans (of course) to classics like licorice bridge mix, candy corn, Jordan Almonds, Chocolate Dutch Mints and pectin fruit jells. There’s a little bit of everything.

Get these and other Valentine’s Day candies at www.jellybelly.com.A LITTLE LOVE

If you want to give something that’s going to last longer than, well, a box of chocolates, pick up a cute little gift from Necco’s Sweethearts (aka conversation hearts). Included in the box is a Raggedy Ann or Raggedy Andy finger-puppet attached to a keychain, plus a little treat of conversation hearts.The brother-and-sister team has been around for about 90 years, helping spread love and cheer to kids and adults alike. After all, Ann has the classic heart embroidered with “I love you” right in the center.

Find a set of three gifts, including two Anns (one in red and one in pink) and one Andy, for $14 at www.raggedy-ann.com.