This weekend landed me in Fairplay, refueling after a long hike. We hit the Brown Burro Cafe for Mexican eats, and then stopped off at the Chocolate Moose, a funky fudge/coffee/antiques/gift shop on the main drag.

Stacked on a shelf, alongside Tootsie Rolls and Sweet Tarts, were cellophane-wrapped wedges of homemade fudge. Owner Linda Cole has been making the treat (in flavors ranging from maple cream to traditional chocolate) for more than 20 years. Cole says her favorite batch is peanut butter, so I took her advice and bought a hefty chunk for $3.40.

The candy is impressively smooth, more balanced than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and not at all grainy or overly sweet. Not knowing when I’ll return to Fairplay, I’ve been rationing bites in an attempt to make the fudge last as long as possible.

532 Front St., Fairplay, 719-836-0969

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.