I’m just sitting here trying to think of a topic to write about. I’m enjoying a piece of my Christmas candy. It was sent to me by my California grandson. It is chocolate and just melts if you look at it. Did you ever hear of “See’s?” I know there are other candies but none as good as “See’s.”

There are people who can make homemade candy that is just perfect. I remember Rosse Case’s grandmother was one. If you received a plate-full of that you felt you had been honored by the “Queen of England.” Her granddaughter, Nadine Hoch, inherited her art. Pat Jackson makes wonderful toffee. I thought, “I can do that.” Pat gave me the recipe and secret instructions. It didn’t work for me. When I was in high school my boyfriend took me to his home to make fudge to show his folks how great I was. The fudge never did get creamy. It’s a wonder he married me several years later. My fudge hasn’t improved. Maude Thompson, a teacher, helped our school make money by making pulled taffy. She used a big metal hook, fastened to the wall. She would throw a rope of candy over the hook and pull it until it was glistening white.

The kids loved to try to pull it. I don’t think they washed their hands. Who cared. Just delicious. It tasted wonderful! And such a treat to watch the process.

— norma hannaford