A is for Allsorts.
When I was a little girl, these were my favorite candy. They were a very rare treat. Partly, I think because the grown-ups wanted to keep them for themselves and considered them an adult confection. Children weren't supposed to like licorice. And, partly, because being made in England they weren't as readily available then as they have become. And candies were always quite special...not an every day - or even weekly - treat.
I loved the sweet fondant - I had an enormous capacity for sugar - that contrasted so well with the bitter and chewy licorice parts. Mmm...I can imagine them now. And that's all I'll do. My capacity for sugar has disappeared.
This big yellow one was the shape which made me root around in the bag until I found as many as I thought I dared. The fondant was mixed with coconut which was another flavor that always made me want more. The ones that I wouldn't bother with, though, were the ones with tiny little licorice balls stuck all around a jelly. They were that icky girl-boy blue and pink and I loathed them. I was quite happy to leave them for the younger kids.
This is the beginning of the A-Z Challenge. My mother always said: "Start as you mean to go on" and with this post I've given you my theme. Exactly. I have no theme...it will be whatever strikes me each morning. My flighty mind has difficulty with that kind of firmness of purpose. So, fasten your seat belts...we're off!
Wow. Allsorts. I haven't thought of them in literally decades. What a time tunnel trip. I loved and still love black licorice. When you get to the letter G, don't forget Good and Plenty.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of those candies before. I am not a fan of licorice but they sure are pretty candies! Looking forward to visiting daily! And thanks so much for you sweet comment today!
ReplyDeleteMmm, I loved those too. My favs were the black logs with the white centers and the 3 layer squares. Now I want some.....
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I love those licorice allsorts. Haven't had any since my son left home. I used to buy them for him from time to time so I could have some. I'm with you on the jelly ones with the little balls. Uck. But the log shape with the white centres and the three layer ones, especially with the pink! Yum.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your exploration of multiple ideas.
Allsorts! I loved them - they can be made to last a long time by peeling off the layers; for a child this makes them even more desirable.
ReplyDeleteI know. I was that child!!!
Haven't had them in ages - used to trade the jelly ones (with 'hundreds and thousands' all over them) with my brother in exchange for the multi-layered fondant and liquorice bricks (for the above reason).
Really fancy one, now ;-/
I came from the UK, now living on Vancouver Island - happy to meet another Pacific Coast resident.
ReplyDeleteAllsorts were commonplace in my childhood, but for some reason I never really liked them. I guess I've never been keen on liquorice. But I know lots of kids loved them.
I enjoyed this post. Though I'm not familiar with the candies you show, your post did cause me to reminisce about the homemade anise candies my grandmother would put out at Christmas time.
ReplyDeleteI never liked the jelly blobs either- never met anyone who did, so couldn't trade them! Looking forward to seeing where your flighty mind alights next :-)
ReplyDeleteOh yum! I haven't had those candies in FOREVER. Now I want some. I must find!!! And I'm glad I'm not the only one without a theme. Personally I think it's fun to get a surprise once in a while too! Although there have been some great theme choices out there. It's going to be a fun hop!
ReplyDeleteMy hubby still buys these at xmas, its not xmas without them. those jelly ones were a "hotter" an dmore aniseed flavour than licorice if I remember.
ReplyDeleteLollies were special, not in the pantry like today. we only got them xmas, birthday and the few times our grandad gave us 50cents
I have never even heard of this candy. How is this possible? They sound fantastic. And so colorful and cute!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of those. We used to dig for change in the couch cushions before school so we could stop at the corner store on the way home and get candy necklaces and rings - like every day. I was a little overweight.
ReplyDeleteI loved the same ones, I wasn't a fan of the layered ones, or the solid black logs. I loved the jelly ones too.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I love these things. I can remember getting into the candy dish at my Grandma's house and eating so many that I would end up with a big tummy ache!
ReplyDeleteDamn it - I can't see any of these Allsorts!! Not your fault.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of allsorts, but you have me craving sugar and fondant now (in the middle of the night). They look so pretty and colorful, not to mention delicious.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower from the challenge.
I've never heard of that candy before - it sure looks sweet!
ReplyDeleteThey look good, but I can't stand them, never could! Even though they look pretty, I hate the smell and taste of liquorice!
ReplyDeleteI too would prefer the less restricted "no theme" A-Z, so look forward to all your posts.
All Sorts for A is a great post. Do check out my GAC a-z
ReplyDeleteWell, imagine this. A hooker with a blog.
ReplyDeleteOh. Not that kind of hooker. AH, I see; a family-rated blog. Right! (Bear changes context in his head.)
Well, it takes all sorts, does't it? And I still enjoy all sorts of Allsorts— the liquorice kind. The British ones are the best, I think.
Glad to have discovered your sweet blog.
I love it! Seems my rest was well needed. I'm starting at A and only have one day to catch up. I was thinking of an A to Z of beachcombing but then thought how would I get through it. Like your idea I should start another. Hope to see you soon,
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