Everybody knows the pain of reaching for the last cookie in the jar, the last toffee in the box, or the last pastry on the tray. It’s painful. I reached that point this morning. Now I find myself here, gearing up to do my monthly treats shop. (Yes, it’s a thing, don’t ask) I thought, why not bring you along for the journey? I’m an avid treats shopper and you could learn a thing or two. Every item in my cart is carefully considered and judged, so if you’re looking for a top-tier sweet treat, here’s your place to start!
Darling
We love a smooth, silky, chewy, toffee. I love it even more if it’s locally made with love, by a brand I can get behind. Darling is just that. Couple duo Hentie and Frits are the magic behind the show! They and their 23 staff members (who are 95% women) work behind the scenes on developing some of the creamiest, most delicious toffee flavours I have ever tried!
A step beyond just a normal toffee, their recipe is the perfect mixture of soft, sweet and chewy. Your teeth won’t be hanging on for dear life after devouring a pack of salted caramels, that’s what keeps me coming back for more. On the plus side? Their packaging is 100% recyclable, which makes the indulgence guilt-free. Darling stockists are available locally throughout delis, farm stalls, pharmacies, PNA, Mr Price Home, selected Pick n Pay stores, and online. If you’re looking for a place to start, I’d recommend you try my holy grails:
The crunch of ‘Darling Sweet fleur de sel’ mixed with rich butter-caramel toffee infused with the scent of local veld flower honey. To-die-for!
Fan of a good, spicey chai? This will become the toffee of your dreams…
Filigrana
Alright, Jozi gang, this one’s for you – though, if you aren’t in Jozi, opt to arrange a courier because these little Peruvian cookies (made by a Peruvian family living in Johannesburg) are worth travelling the seven seas via paddle boat for. I am not exaggerating when I say these are the softest, most melt-in-your-mouth cookies I have had, period.
Two layers of soft, shortbread biscuit enrobing a thick, silky layer of homemade, slow-cooked Dulce de Leche, lightly dusted with powdered sugar or coated in chocolate. You need to be sitting down when you take your first bite – it really is that good. View their catalogue or make an order on WhatsApp.
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Chocoloza
Life is a box of chocolates, this box of chocolates, from Chocoloza.
These delicious Belgian pralines are made by a team of talented women. Coated in authentic Belgian choc and filled with all sorts of wonderful nuts and fruit sourced fresh locally. With no artificial flavours, no preservatives and no palm oil, this is about as guilt-free as a chocolate binge can get.
These chocolates contain very little sugar because sugar masks the flavour of real chocolate, and is one of the cheapest preservatives on the market. Try a small box of their pralines to start with, or trust the process and commit to the biggest box available…I know I am.
Cafe Chiffon
This one’s for our Cape Town crowd. Our beloved digital ed, Ashleigh, put me onto this one and for good reason! Cafe Chiffon, located in De Waterkant, is a Japanese-inspired dessert café selling a delectable range of devilish delights. Everything looks amazing! From their cookies and cream basque cheesecake to their clamshell macaroons. If you’re really looking for a treat that will blow your socks off, though, try their Earl Grey Chiffon cake. You’ll need to make the trip, and sit down for the experience, but it’s totally worth it!
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Feature Image: Instagram / @cafechiffon.cpt