Friday, February 15, 2008

Chocolate-covered Cinnamon Bears at the BYU Candy Counter


Those visiting BYU from other universities are often surprised to see a candy counter at the heart of our campus bookstore. Other university bookstores typically sell books, sweatshirts, mugs, and other college paraphernalia. Not only does BYU have a candy counter, but it's in the center of the bookstore.

And since yesterday was Valentine's Day, the place was hopping with men of various ages desperate to find something that would meet the high expectations of Valentine's Day. (A student in one of my classes yesterday asked all the men in the class what men want for Valentine's Day. There was pretty universal agreement that men don't care what they get. Anything she got for a guy would be great--because it would be coming from her. Well, anything but flowers.)

For the students in my afternoon class, I picked up a couple of bags of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears--a Bookstore tradition. The chocolate coating is what you might call "grocery store chocolate," but I still find these strangely addicting. And it's a tradition. (They had a whole table full of them, which I take as a sign that they're a big hit. But while writing this, it occurs to me that you could see the table full on Valentine's Day afternoon as a sign that they're not.)

I guess I shouldn't assume that everyone likes these because I like these. (I assume that everyone loves Neapolitan ice cream--three flavors in one!--but I have learned that that isn't the case.) I sent the bag around the room, and it came back mostly full. I guess students are more discerning than I thought. Eventually, most of the first bag disappeared with a few students (all guys, now that I think about it) declaring, "These are great!" New converts.

So I brought the second bag home. I showed it to family, and AnneMarie said something like "ewwww" and then "how much did you pay for those?" Apparently, just as I am the only one who likes Neapolitan ice cream, I am also the only one who likes chocolate-covered cinnamon bears. At least Kristan and her friends get it.

We've got a get-together this week with the extended Hatch family. Maybe some of my siblings and their kids will help me polish them off.

4 comments:

Logan said...

Longtime reader, first time commenter...
I don't like those chocolate covered bears, but my wife loves them. So does my sister-in-law. You're not alone, man.

Heather Hammond said...

Now that I know this weakness, I'll be sure to keep it in mind the next time I need to do an office candy run to get through the day. These little treasures have gotten my graduate group through more than one class or study session.

Andrea said...

I'm a BYU grad (BS and MS) and I LOVE THOSE THINGS!!! I'm salivating just thinking about them.

P.S. My mom introduced me to your blog--Beverly Zimmerman.

Surf Paparazzi said...

I am a BYU grad and while sitting at work today, I had a HUGE craving for chocolate covered cinnamon bears. I avoided them for almost my entire 4 years at BYU because I thought they would be gross ... but then my sister MADE me try one when she came to town for my graduation and it was amazing. I get them every time I go back to visit (along with the BYU Bridge mix ... so good :)