In 1999 Hawaii confectionery Island Princess unveiled the Mele Kaliki Mac (as in Mele Kalikimaka, which is Merry Christamas in Hawaiian). Take a sinfully rich macadamia nut. Dip it in buttery English toffee. Cover this little nugget with milk chocolate. Dust with powered sugar. Presto! You now have a Mele Mac, with easily double the calories of a naked mac nut but more than twice the flavor quotient, for sure. You have also turned it into a cult addiction. These little beauties, now called Mele Macs, are the ultimate affordable pleasure for holiday revelers and sweet tooths alike. Walk into offices across the islands at holiday time and odds on you'll see a jug of them lurking somewhere.

While we love Mele Macs at holiday time, the merciless folks at Island Princess now make them available all year round. I generally cut to the chase and gun right for the 2.25 pound plastic jug at Costco, which I then foist upon unsuspecting friends and guests (when I'm not copping a munch -- far too often, as the case may be). Caution -- these suckers are highly habit forming so be prepared for Mele Mac withdrawal once you hit the mainland and can no longer mainline these candies. Better crank up the browser and order a few boxes more, in that case. MMMMMMele Macs!

Island Princess Mele Macs

Related Posts: Big Island Candies, Kula Lavender Fudge, Padovanni Chocolates

—Alex, 11/25/06