There is nothing quite like a good candy bar, is there?
I remember when they cost a dime. I’d ride my bike up to the neighborhood Seven-Eleven Store, put a dime on the counter, and ask for a Baby Ruth. Those really were the days.
It’s no exaggeration to say that candy bars have been a fixture through my life. So what are the five with real staying power?
5. Rocky Road. They didn’t even sell these in Texas when I was growing up; I remember being introduced to them on an occasional tennis trip to California. But the way that the chocolate works with the marshmallow makes the few I’ve had memorable indeed.
4. Mr. Goodbar. These were a staple of my younger adult years. All chocolate, all peanuts, all the time. And I never went looking for him, either.
3. PayDay. On rare occasions, a candy bar without chocolate is in order. Enter this combination of peanuts, caramel, and enamel-eating sugar. Do NOT try an imitation.
2. Nutrageous. OMG. Chocolate, peanuts, caramel, peanut butter, all rolled into one delicious confection. For a season in my life, I’d buy five at a time and the people behind the counter give me a sly look as if to say, “What’s your problem, dude?”
1. Baby Ruth. My favorite from childhood. I was unfaithful to them for awhile (see #2, above), but now I have come back to my senses. And to my taste buds. As good as ever, maybe better.