Sweet Pete's Caramel Pecan Clusters

Caramel Pecan Clusters are a type of chocolate candy that dates back to the 20th century. They are made from pecans, caramel and chocolate, and are also called caramel pecan patties, katydids, chocolate turtles, pecan patties, chocolate caramel pecan turtles and chocolate caramel turtles.

Most people refer to them as turtles.The name "turtle" was given to the candy based on its resemblance to the reptile's body, shell and legs. Nuts peek out from under the domed top of the candy and look like four turtle legs sticking out from under a shell. As the chocolate runs down the top of the candy on either end, it forms shapes similar to a turtle's head and tail.

These chocolate candies are extremely popular at most chocolate shops and are one of the best sellers at Sweet Pete's. I believe that most candies are best made with simple, time proven methods. The Caramel Pecan Clusters are all natural. I pour Sweet Pete's famous small batch caramel over Georgia pecans that are salted and roasted at Sweet Pete's. The clusters are then dipped in premium Belgium Callebaut chocolate.

While most of the clusters are purchased individually out of a chocolate case, Sweet Pete's Clusters are also available on Sweet Pete's website and Amazon in pretty silver gift boxes. Make sure to check out Episode Four of Sweet Pete's, The Show to see Sweet Pete's Caramel Pecan Clusters being made.

Grand Marnier Cherry Cordials

Episode Two of Sweet Pete's, The Show, featured Grand Marnier Cherry Cordials in the Sweet Pete's Treats segment. Cherry Cordials or Chocolate Covered Cherries are one of my all time favorite confections. The recipe I use for Sweet Pete's Cherry Cordials is a classic candy recipe. As with many candy recipes, the classic is often the best. The key is the use of the best ingredients and time.

Sweet Pete's Grand Marnier Cherry Cordials are All Natural and Gluten Free. My favorite, Dark Chocolate Cherry Cordials are also Vegan. The full recipe for Sweet Pete's Cherry Cordials is available compliments of a Health Source, Fresh Local Flavor video. Check out Episode Two of The Show to experience #candyinsanity and for more tips! Subscribe to Sweet Pete's YouTube Channel for the latest recipes and episodes.

Sweet Pete's All Natural, Gluten Free and Vegan Grand Marnier Chocolate Covered Cherry Cordials are available on Sweet Pete's Website and Amazon.



Sweet Pete's Grand Marnier Cherry Cordials

Natural Maraschino Cherries
Pour out half of the jar of cherry juice
Fill jar up with Grand Marnier
Cover and Refrigerate at least overnight

Fondant
4 Cups Sugar
½ Cup Corn Syrup
¾ Cup of Water

Stir thoroughly together in a 3 qt pan
Bring to a boil over high heat
Once boiling cover for 2 minutes
Remove lid and insert candy thermometer
Once reaches 240 degrees F, remove from heat
Pour into an oiled ¼ sheet pan
Insert candy thermometer.
Set timer for 10 minutes
Once reaches 120 degrees F, scrape mixture into mixing bowl
Using paddle attachment beat on low speed for 8 to 12 minutes- Mixture will cream or seize up- DO NOT WALK AWAY, this could cause damage to motor if not turned off once mixture thickens.
Cover tightly with saran wrap and refrigerate for storage.
Can be made in advance.

Spread cherries on a paper towel to drain.
Heat fondant in microwave until liquid. Repeat as necessary
Mix in 2 tsp Invertase. Available at specialty confection sites. We recommend Sugarcraft.
Dip cherries in fondant.
Dip cherries in tempered chocolate
Make sure to dip part of the stem to prevent leaking. Some leaking is normal.
Package in Candy Cups.
Allow to sit several days.

Enjoy and Stay Sweet,
Pete

Is Gluten Free Dieting a Trend?

Sweet Pete's offers only All Natural sweets. We are proud to have a gluten free kitchen. We focus on creating sweets that taste as good if not better than the artificial sweets. Because of the taste of our treats we have a lot of cross over customers that are shopping on taste and are not concerned about all natural, vegan or gluten free products.

Many of these customers ask us why gluten free is such a big deal now. Is it a trend? We recently came across a great article that helps explain why gluten intolerance is more prevalent than it once was.

Enjoy the article and video. We hope it sheds some light on gluten free diets.

http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/modern-wheat-breeding-increases-celiac-disease-occurrence/

Thanks,
Sweet Pete's

The Sweetest Valentine’s Day Strawberries are Locally Grown!

Sweet Pete’s, All Natural Sweet Shoppe is proud to offer All Natural, Locally Grown strawberries. Peter Behringer, founder of Sweet Pete’s believes in supporting locally owned businesses.

Sweet Pete’s is partnering with local farm, Kings Country Produce to create our All Natural Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. Kings Country, owner Tommy King says the farm has been in his family for over 40 years. Since the berries are grown in Lawtey, they are picked as close to Valentine’s Day as possible to ensure the freshest possible berry.

Sweet Pete’s chocolate dipped berries are all natural and gluten free. The dark chocolate dipped berries are also vegan. Strawberries are packed in a red box with a heart shaped window and sell for $14.00 for 8 to 10 berries. Order on line at www.sweetpete.net to schedule a pick up or delivery, call Sweet Pete’s at 904-376-7161 or stop by the shoppe to pick up your berries and other all natural sweets!

Where You Purchase Matters:

For every $100.00 spent this much returns to your community:

Locally owned, independent, brick and mortar store: $68.00
National chain or big box store: $43.00
Online Store (unless you live in a very small place): $0

2011

At Sweet Pete’s, Pure, Simple Sweets, we strive to strike a balance between great taste and keeping all of our products all natural. In 2011 we were continually reminded that all of our products needed to taste great. If the taste is not there, the customer won’t be either. We are happy to announce that all of our all natural, vegan and gluten free treats and gifts sold briskly during the holiday season. We believe that this is because our products taste great and, secondarily, achieve our customers’ varied dietary needs. We are excited about launching a series of new all natural sweet treats in the new year, paying special attention to gluten free and vegan candies. We wish everyone the best in the new year!

Sweet Pete's Gluten Free Standards

Sweet Pete's is pleased to offer a wide variety of gluten free sweets. We value our gluten free customers and strive to provide them with delicious, safe products.

Currently, there is no government review process for restaurants that offer gluten free fare. We understand that this lack of policy makes it difficult for consumers to feel comfortable enjoying their favorite gluten free foods.

Sweet Pete's carries a large variety of products. Many of the items available on our candy carousel contain gluten. Since the candy carousel items share scoops, all of the unwrapped products on the carousel are at risk for cross contamination. We keep clean, uncontaminated gummies, gumballs and jelly beans in the kitchen. If gluten is a concern for you please ask our staff to package you product from the kitchen.

All of the chocolate, taffy, ,marshmallow, nougat, lollipops, candy canes, peanut butter products and caramel produced in Sweet Pete's kitchen are gluten free. We only dip gluten free cookies, crackers and pretzels. This helps us prevent any gluten contamination in our chocolate.

Sweet Pete's Raw Dipped Items:
Cookies and Crackers- Kinnikinnick Brand
Pretzels- Snyders Gluten Free or Glutino
Chips- Cape Cod Original

We are committed to serving the gluten free population and will continue to focus on maintaining a safe, gluten free kitchen. Please contact us directly if you have additional questions about our kitchen protocol.

The Art Show @ Sweet Pete's!

We are very excited to have the opportunity to support local artists by hosting a Sweet Jacksonville Art Show. We were so lucky to meet one of our wonderful customers who also curates art shows and volunteered to help us put our show together. We are thrilled with all of the work she has done. Below is a guest blog by Deborah Reid about the upcoming show. Thanks Deborah!

I was introduced to Sweet Pete’s when some local artists and I were invited to display our painted pumpkins there last Halloween. For me, it was love at first sight – a super cool and colorful restored Victorian filled with salty caramels, chocolate and other delectables.

I have since attended some other terrific events there. Each one was creative, delicious and lots of fun. Needless to say, I was delighted when I was asked to curate the Art Show at this terrific venue. As you will see, Sweet Pete’s was inspirational to other artists as well.

From Bronwen Chandler’s lovely rendition of the candy jars, Jami Childers’s lollipops and bubble gum, the show moves on to some other Jacksonville highlights. Ashley Sowers will exhibit her surreal photos of the monorail and Florida Theater. I included my interpretations our city’s bridges. There are some beautiful sky lines as well. Jacksonville’s natural beauty is showcased in Barbara Fryefield’s beaches and Marie Thompson’s live oaks.

Melanie Palmrose’s all natural hypertufa pots embedded with caramel swirl tiles and Leah Fox’s ceramic barnacles will also featured at the show. There will be cool jewelry, cupcake cards by Nancy Asbell and some other great work by a dozen or more other more local artists.

Fainted Paces will be playing on the porch. They will be pouring cotton candy and chocolate martinis inside. It promises to be a sweet evening. Hope you can be there.


Deborah R. Reid is a lifelong painter and a practicing attorney. Her work is largely based on her own photographs which she interprets in a combination of oil, acrylic, egg shell and ink. Deborah curates monthly art shows at the Zodiac Grill on Adams Street as a fundraiser for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid. Her work can be seen there and at Fireflies on San Jose. Deborah is a seasoned litigator with the Jacksonville office of Rumrell & Brock. Prior to joining the Florida Bar, she practiced in California, New Jersey and New York.

Thursday 8/11
6:30-8:30
Sweet Pete's
1922 N. Pearl St.
Jacksonville, Florida 32207
904-376-7161

List of Artists
Barbara Fryefield – Painter
Bob Aguilar – Painter
Carol Todd - Watercolorist
Deborah Reid – Paintings and Painted Clocks
Marie Thompson - Painter
Nada Frazier – Photographer
Bronwyn Chandler – Photographer
Leah Fox – Ceramics and Sculptor
Joanelle Mulrain – Painter
Jamie Childers – Painter
Melissa Mejia – Painter
Artefax Redux – Jewelry Paula Foster – Painter
Rick Wilkerson – Photographer, Cards
Melanie Palmrose – Handmade Pots
Julie Fetzer - Watercolor prints and Photos
Miles Batt – Brightly Colored Prints
Marcie Beeching – Painter