I've mentioned the Squirrel's Nest before, because it is a favorite source of mine for Feingold-safe baking supplies and treats. But, it is worth a mention again, because we're gearing up for a season-of-treats.
The whole organic and all-natural food movement lately has meant that I have local stores in which I can purchase some of the baking supplies that I used to only order online, but I still go to the Squirrel's Nest for things like dark-chocolate covered marshmallows or chocolate solids, like this crispy pumpkin candy that is a fantastic all-natural, no-preservatives substitute for those nestle crunch lovers in your household. Most of the cute Santas, Chanukah Gelt, and Thanksgiving turkeys and other such things in the grocery stores are mass-produced and have things like BHA, BHT, TBHQ, and vanillian in them. But Nancy's confections at the Squirrel's Nest are free of these preservatives and artificial ingredients. (Can you resist these adorable chocolate mini ears of corn?)
Bright colored candy is a whole other story. Can you imagine a candy-cane without that artificial red food dye? Well, the Squirrel's Nest carries them. Believe me, I have no idea how they get them to look so much like the ubiquitous artificial variety, but they've done it! They also have things like gummy candies, such as key lime leaf gummy candy that is green, but not artificially so. The Squirrel's Nest has things like natural chocolate sprinkles and natural rainbow sprinkles so that kids can still have cupcakes, donuts, or bowls of ice-cream with the same types of products that they might see in their grocery store's bakery or at the local ice-cream shop. For an all-natural kid, having a birthday cake that "looks cool" is important, so little touches like sprinkles can go a long way! Meanwhile, the India tree natural food dyes can color frosting or the cupcakes themselves.
Most importantly, the Squirrel's Nest confections taste delicious. Believe me, I never order enough chocolate marshmallows to go around. We just inhale them. And the chocolates definitely don't have that dull clunk of the supermarket variety - this is real chocolate, people!
In fact, because it is real chocolate with no preservatives, there are specific dates during which you must get your orders in. For example, the Squirrel's Nest doesn't ship chocolate during the summer. That is why the autumn and winter season is my favorite. Also, since Nancy needs to make sure to fulfill all the orders while also serving her in-person customers, holiday orders must come in early. So, for example, tiny nutcracker chocolates - and other Christmas fare - must be ordered by 12/6. Thanksgiving orders must come in by 11/15 - so better get over there to make your selection!
There is definitely no need to sacrifice "style" or taste when trying to eat all natural, preservative-free, artificial-color-free food. I'm very glad that the Squirrel's Nest is around to help.
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Disclaimer: I purchase everything at the Squirrel's Nest on my own dime. I learned about them through the Feingold Association. Neither has asked me to post about this, nor will I receive compensation for doing so.
