While soaking in the good times and general merriment just west of downtown Fort Worth at Untapped this weekend, I discovered something that all you legion of Buc-ee's Beaver Nuggets followers should note. There's some local competition, and it's pretty good.
See also: Beaver Nuggets, the Debate
Sisters Andrea and Jennifer Kerwin were peddling bags (and small samples, thanks) of golden-amberish, slightly salted, sweet, puffs of caramel. "Are these Beaver Nuggets?" I asked and immediately wished I could've pulled those words back into mouth. Just didn't feel right.
The Kerwins weren't sure because they hadn't ever driven the four or so hours to a store for a bag, and they pointed out they can't order them online. So, actually, their salted caramel puffcorn isn't a direct affront to Beaver Nuggets. But, IT SHOULD BE!
The Fort Worth-based snack, called More Puffcorn Please, is made primarily with corn meal, vegetable oil, brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, baking soda and sea salt; all of which is baked, not fried. The Buc-Ee's version starts with sugar then corn meal, then has four lines of other ingredients.
"We have been eating Salted Caramel Puffcorn for over 30 years," Jennifer says. "Our grandma and aunt used to make it for all of our family gatherings and no matter what size amount they made it was never enough. Which is why we named it More Puffcorn Please."
The Kerwin sisters produce the product at a rented kitchen space on Beach Street in Fort Worth, package them and sell the snack at local farmers markets, different special events, but the quickest way to get some is to order online. A bag containing 3 cups cost $7 and a gallon bag is $24.
Per their website, the sisters are planning world puffcorn domination, which we're all excited about. Go team! Just hope that Beaver doesn't move into town any time soon.
