Elmer's Candy

This week, we take a look at three Louisiana companies that each have satisfied local appetites for the last 100 years. We begin with Vince Hayward, CEO of Camellia Brand. We also hear from Pepper Baumer, third-generation producer of Crystal Hot Sauce, before heading to Ponchatoula to visit Elmer Chocolate, the candy company behind Heavenly Hash – a popular Easter treat that commemorated the century mark in 2023.

Spring is in bloom in the Bayou State, which means festivals, outdoor gatherings and, of course, Easter! If you grew up in the Gulf South, there's a good chance your Easter basket was filled with treats from Elmer Chocolate – our state's very own heritage candy company. On this week’s show, we hop over to Ponchatoula to tour the factory where Elmer’s prized Gold Bricks, Heavenly Hash, and Pecan Eggs are made.Then, we participate in "The Slowest Second Line on Earth" at Brennan's in the French Quarter, where we meet ten terrific turtles and a rapping judge.Finally, we brave the rain for a rollicking cocktail tour, conducted by Richard Read, Elizabeth Pearce, and Allison Alsup – authors of The French Quarter Drinking Companion.For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.