Fill your Easter baskets with Michigan treats

As most of us know, sometimes the Easter Bunny needs a little help to meet his basket quota. After all, he doesn’t have that great team of elves that Santa has. Whether you are one of the kind souls who pitches in for him at this time of year, or just a lover of all things sweet, we’ve got you chocolate-covered here, with some irresistable Michigan treats.

Kilwins

For those who want to one-stop-shop and fill an entire basket locally, look no further than Kilwins. The Petoskey-based chocolatier is the undisputed king. You’ll find eggs that are chocolate, malted, and even filled with peanut butter. There are pastel-colored Jordan almonds, jelly beans, and sour jelly chicks and bunnies. Speaking of those rascally rabbits, Kilwins makes tails, ears, heads, and whole ones of the white, milk and dark chocolate varieties. You can pop into one of over a dozen Kilwins shops across the state, or shop online. For those who lack time or creativity, they’ll even make and ship a basket for you.

Sanders

While there aren’t as many retail locations as there used to be, Sanders still has quite a solid, and chocolatey line of Easter candies available to order. You can get foiled small eggs, which were a staple in my house each season growing up. Since those days, they’ve become known for their srumptious sea salt caramels, which are available in egg form by the pouch or tub this time of year. Solid chocolate and peanut butter filled bunnies are also a fantastic option. The flagship Sanders shoppe is in Clinton Township, with additional locations on Mackinac Island and in Rochester. Online ordering is also a quick and easy option.

Cherry Republic

If you’ve ever visited a Cherry Republic, especially the hub of it all in Glen Arbor, then you know that it really lives up to its name. Every product you buy will feature the flavor of our luscious Michigan cherries in come capacity. You won’t find individually-wrapped candies here, nor Easter-themed, but you will still find a ton of deliciousness. For example, add a bag of chocolate-covered cherries, wild cherry gummy bears, or cherry licorice bites to your basket. There are malted milk balls, sour cherry candies, and even Michigan Minnows (no worries, these aren’t tiny fish covered in cherry!). Nobody says it can only be candy in a basket, how about some dried cherries or the famous Boomchunka cookie that started it all? Order any of the above and more online, or pop into a Cherry Republic shop in Ann Arbor, Charlevoix, Frankenmuth, Glen Arbor, Holland, or Traverse City.

Shurms Candy

If you haven’t heard of Shurms Candy, it may be because you know them by the name of their original product Michi-gummies. Each of these colorful, gummy candies is made in the shape of the Upper or Lower Peninsula. They come in pouches that are fantastic as a focal point in an Easter basket, or fill a bowl with them as a delicious novelty at your holiday gathering. There is a sour version, cinnamon, or chocolate-covered. They also make a strawberry-flavored hard candy. Every Shurms candy features our lovely state. In addition to ordering directly from the company, these are available in a bevy of stores all around Michigan.

Zolli Candy

If you’re concerned about sugar intake, but still want to give them some sweet treats, then turn to Zolli. Originally the brainchild of a creative and hard-working 7-year old, these candies are actually good for your teeth. The line started with a delicious vegan, sugar-free lollipop with natural flavors. Today, they also sell drops, taffy, gummies, and caramels. Check their website to buy online, or to find a retailer near you.

Beyond candy, there are a variety of other tasty treats you may want to add to a basket or serve up for your family this Easter. Consider the individually-wrapped dessert bars and cookies from Ethel’s. If you’ve got a brittle fan, then check out the variety of 6-oz bags from Granny’s Confections. If it’s less the brittle and more the nuts they crave, you can’t go wrong with a little sweet or salty, from Ferris.

Whichever treats you choose, we hope that there’s a taste of Michigan in your baskets and in your home this Easter.