is that really all that's in these things? hmm.. I don't know about that.. something tells me Haupt Lakrits has a top secret ingredient it's keeping to itself! ;) all I know is, these little balls remind me of those familiar spiced cookies that hail from various European regions, from the Netherlands to Germany, Belgium Poland and France, which find their way here to the states around Christmas and Yule (and to TJ's, in the form of cookie butter, artisan ale and everything else in between).. there is the faintest whisper of bitter salmiak lightly dusted on the surface, and that initial, surprising flavor immediately opens up the taste buds to welcome a creamy, warm, sweet and spicy milk chocolate that lingers in a comforting, rounded way, with greater depth than chili alone, however precious, can bring by itself (think: ginger snaps, speculoos cookies, or ginger bread). this creamy bliss lasts a good while before being punctuated by a bit of saltiness, followed by a chewy black licorice core. the experience is exceptional. I was intrigued by the Basque pepper ingredient because of my mom's Basque roots, but what Haupt has done with it is definitely tickling my Polish roots too. : ) this one makes me long for the winter holidays of my ancestors. pure magic.
