Award Winning Caramels - 2016 Scovies

Brian and I (a husband and wife team) own and operate JAVA & Co. in Henry, Illinois.  We create, produce, package and ship our hand crafted products direct from our local commercial kitchen - wholesale, online and at local farm markets.  We wanted to share our good news.

We submitted an entry and taste samples of our Spicy Habanero Caramels to the Scovie Awards earlier in the summer for consideration.  JAVA & Co. was recently informed that their Spicy Habanero Caramels won First Place in the Sweet Heat - ; Candy/Cakes/Pastries/Cookies division of the 2016 Scovie Awards. The Scovie Awards Competition accepts entries for two months during the summer.  The judging, which is not open to the public, consists of 80 to 100 judges, mostly food professionals, who sample products in coded cups in what is called a “blind tasting.” They fill out judging forms and rate the products according to eye appeal, aroma, flavor, and heat scale, and the forms are later totaled and compiled by staff.  The annual Scovie Awards recognize top fiery foods products from around the globe. It is one of the world’s most competitive gourmet food competitions. www.scovieawards.com.

When we received the call saying we won First Place, Brian and I were shocked. Then we celebrated and began sharing our good news.  We were told to expect the complete Scovie Award winner's packet at the end of December. We can't wait!

PLUS

Celebrate National Pepper Month AND JAVA & Co.'s 1st Place 2016 Scovie Award. Save on our Spicy Habanero Caramels now through the end of November! JAVA & Co.'s Spicy Habanero Caramels are made with local Illinois farm grown Habanero peppers – using chemical and pesticide free peppers. Creamy. Buttery. Spicy.  Addictive. Hand crafted in small batches. Each piece is hand cut so individual size of each caramel will vary.  Available in 1/2 pound, 3/4 pound and 1 pound quantities.  No Promo Code Required.  Discount Reflected in Cart.  Savings available online only at www.javaandco.com.

Caramels...Caramels...Oh How I Love Thee

FUN FACTS about JAVA & Co.'s Artisan Caramels.

1) The production time for each batch is 4 to 5 hours, not including packaging and labeling.

2) Caramels take longer to produce in the warmer months - longer to cook and longer to cool.

3) Each batch is stirred entirely by hand for the duration of the cooking time.

4) Only one batch recipe can be made at any one time. 

5) Each caramel is cut by hand - no machines.

6) No two caramel pieces are the same size.

7) Each individual piece of caramel is hand wrapped in a biodegradable clear 4 x 4 inch sheet.

8) JAVA & Co. makes caramels in four recipes.

• Original:  Traditional caramel. 
• Vanilla Chai:  Made with real vanilla beans, fresh ground nutmeg and cinnamon.
• TiRUMisu:  Made with dark Jamaican rum and dusted with unsweetened cocoa.
• Spicy Habanero:  Made with habanero peppers locally sourced from an Illinois farm that raises all crops chemical and pesticide free and sells at the local farm markets. 

9) Caramels are packaged and sold by weight vs. by the number of pieces.  Because all caramels are cut by hand (see #5 & #6), this evens the playing field and everyone gets the same weight by quarter pound, three quarter pound or by the pound.  Piece count will vary, but the weight is constant.

10) Due to their popularity, they are available and made year round.  Caramels are not just for fall anymore...gifts, Super Bowl parties, birthdays, office parties, caramel popcorn...

Stop by our website and check them out!

Jamie Knoll
JAVA & Co.
Small Batch Recipes
www.javaandco.com