For as long as I can remember, in the weeks leading up to Christmas, purchasing hard tack candy has been a tradition in my family. What’s hard tack candy? Just think of pounds of sugar, bottles of corn syrup, scented oils and various flavorings.
Since the holidays are just around the corner, the timing of my visit to the farm couldn’t have been better to drop by the Jamison’s Orchard Farm Market in the neighborhood…in hopes of purchasing some of that candy.
As soon as we opened the door to this adorable tiny market, the aroma of pure sweetness just filled the air. “What is that amazing smell?” “Oh, they’re making candy in the back room…head on back and take a peek!” Well that took very little convincing, so my mom and I made a beeline to the back of the store.
After all of the years of enjoying this candy, I’d never seen it made. So what a treat to now have the opportunity to see first hand from beginning to end the entire process. Oh how I wish I had my camera, but at least I had my iPhone. <whew!>
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First, the boiling mixture is removed from the stove and poured on a marble table top…
Then flavoring and scented oils are added…
Timing is everything in this process…every second counts…
As the candy begins to cool,
it’s cut into long pieces and then distributed on the confectionary sugar covered table.
Then everyone begins to cut before the candy hardens…
A little about the Jamison’s Orchard Farm Market…Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains here in Virginia, the Jamison farm has been in operation since 1875. Amazing to think that as early as 1900, the family was shipping apples in barrels to England. Ever since, their livelihood has been based on the sales of apples, peaches, vegetables, apple butter, and many of items to numerous to mention…much like the farm that I grew up on. Love the fact that their honeybees work overtime by not only pollinating their orchards, but also supplying that luscious golden mountain honey. My daddy grew up with the Jamison family…you see my grandparents were old German Baptist Brethren too…a religious movement that began in the 1700’s in Germany…
Hmm…that reminds me…with my still life photography project documenting my family/travel treasures, I need to pull out my grandmother’s working bonnet! I’m sure you’ll see that at some point in the future!
I can’t say thank you enough for all of your visits and comments. I so enjoy sharing my experiences!
The story behind the object makes it way more special… loved it, so interesting!
I loved that walk round the sweet factory, and the gentle look into your family traditions.
Very interesting. I had no idea what all went into the process of making hard tack candy. Thank you so much for sharing the process and that hard tack candy is part of your family tradition. Love and hugs… XoXo
I was surprised that you didn’t have your camera. Somehow, I always picture you always having your camera on you, no matter where you go.
What wonderful shots from your phone, I wouldn’t know they were not from your camera.
I love the story you shared and enjoyed the photos and seeing the process.
Looking forward to grandma’s bonnet, too.
Hope you had safe travels home and stay warm.
PS – I sent you something at mom’s but just missed you as it was delivered today. Also mom should be getting a little something every 2 months from me, as well for a year.
Sorry your little gift missed you.
Love you.
xoxoxo
You got some terrific images with your phone! How nice to see the process, now I want a piece … bet it smelled amazing in the shop!
Isn’t it amazing where an open heart and a little curiosity can take us? You might have missed this experience if you hadn’t simply asked a thoughtful question about the sweet fragrance. I love behind-the-scenes views of all kinds of artisans -and candy making has got to be the best! The pictures document the process and the people and your story, of your family and the relationship to this farming family, brings the tale full circle -with respect and pride. A joy to read!
This is the real deal, this is old fashion trade. The moment I saw the first picture I knew, HA here is somebody who knows what he is doing…….
Jaap (ex) is a confectioner, he did NOT do the sugar work but the chocolate work.
They look like Mennonites, love the beard :D.
A delight to see the pictures, I can smell the sensation and the I can see the grin of the dentist :D….
Love and hugs.
This is so YOU, Robin, getting right in to see how things are made. Astrid and I watch a show on TV about such things almost every week. It’s all so fascinating. I especially like the feel of a family business in these images…and knowing your daddy grew up with them. Memories! Thanks for sharing them.
Love Jamison’s! The surrounding farm and homes are beautiful. And the goods in their little store can’t be beat! I’m taking this post as a reminder to go there to get some hard candies for Christmas. Thanks, Robin!
Scrumptious! I wonder are they any relation to the Irish Jameson Whiskey family? By the way we have Mennonites here in Waterford and they have a sweet tooth too. And look what you are doing with that phone….magic!!
Wow, what a great experience! I love the color and how the cut it with scissors. Looks like a very cool job!
Captivating as always the first shot I love.
Such an interesting family history. Looks delicious.