This week, my mom returned from a short trip to her native Colombia. It’s always great when she comes back home. Even when I was kid, I’d love to sit with her and watch her unpack her suitcase, telling stories and uncovering gifts from our far-away family. Even the dingiest hand-me-down seemed like a small treasure. Another highlight of my mom coming back home? Definitely the candy!

These are basically your typical, chewy mints with a hard coating. I was actually pretty disappointed though because I have a soft spot for the extra-chewy Snow Mints. Bummer, but these mints are still yummy.

These are kind of like those toffee candies- but with coconut. And I’m definitely one of those weird people that love coconut.

Frunas are a classic Colombian candy. They’re very similar to Starburst but probably not as juicy. Still a family favorite. (And what happened to the pink ones?? This package only came with yellow, green, and orange. What’s up with that?)

Marshmallows. But so much better. They taste great, and are colorful and fun to play with. (Or is that last part just me?) Fluffy goodness.

Another ubiquitous candy. Pretty similar to Hershey’s. I’m not really a chocolate person, but these were cool because in the wrapper came small pictures of all these really cool, obscure animals. What more could a kid want?

Fruity, gum-flavored candy. And each piece comes in rainbows!! One of my favorites.

I practically grew up munching on gelatina de pata during my summers in Colombia. It’s delicious. I won’t explain to you what it is exactly… but it is delicious. For real.

Arequipe. Dulce de leche. Caramel. Whatever you call it, this stuff is good. Especially with obleas, which are kind of wafer thing. So good, and so messy. And now I’m really craving a spoonful of some arequipe.

Bocadillo usually means sandwich for Latinos, but Colombians are weird, and for us it means guava paste or cubes or whatever. Bocadillos are actually sold in a lot grocery stores in South Florida (gracias a La Cubanita) but nothing beats the real thing. Especially covered in sugar. And served with cheese.

So much food! My mom outdid herself this time. (Although I should’ve asked for bons bons– what was I thinking?) What are your favorite candies, American or foreign? Let me know in the comments!

Happy eating!

~ Sarah