Cream Filberts - Handmade

If the term “cream filbert” doesn’t sound familiar, the alternate name might. That would be “mothball candy.” Handmade cream filberts were a beloved part of civil war era candy traditions, later recognized among treats often found in a civil war candy box, and remained popular into the evolving world of 1800s candy. What happened is this: handmade cream filberts became a popular candy in the 19th century and early 20th century. Then, as with so many things, the venerable candy’s popularity waned. Just when it seemed that the cream filbert was all but forgotten, it rose up in the mid-1900s as the ubiquitous mothball candy. Why mothball? Because they looked like those mothballs that spared expensive clothing from the ravages of moths, although they left a scent on the clothing, homes, and individuals who used them. Eventually, the mothball candy/cream filbert fell into anonymity, skirting the edges of those forgotten candies we now call retro. One thing is sure – popularity, riches, and fame may wane…but handmade cream filberts will always belong to the True Treats family. Look at what Susan reveals about the alluring past of handmade cream filberts and their connection to 1800s candy traditions.