The Sweet Tooth Guide To St. Louis
Crown Candy Kitchen
Crown Candy Kitchen opened in 1913, and they're still practicing the venerable art of confectionery today. While the specialty of the house is Crown Candy's famous malted milkshakes made the old-fashioned way (using malt powder, cold milk, and their own ice cream) this is the place to get your hands on the perfect nibbles for that sweet tooth ... malted milk balls, red shoe-laces, Swedish fish, and even old-school chewing-gum such as Clove, Blackjack (my mom's favorite), and Beeman's. All candy, desserts, and souvenirs can be packaged for takeout.
I first met Agi and Aaron Groff, the owners and bakers of 4 Seasons Baked Goods, a few years ago at the Maplewood Farmers' Market, and I've been in love with their cookies ever since. Agi and Aaron strive to provide superior artisan baked goods made with local, seasonal, and natural ingredients, and they definitely succeed. Their snickerdoodles and mocha macaroons are amazing.
Gooey Butter Cake From Gooey Louie
Using a recipe from a St. Louis family that spans four generations, Gooey Louie opened shop in the fall of 2006 and premiered their amazing gooey butter cakes at the Missouri Botanical Garden's annual Best of Missouri Market. Shortly after that, making gooey butter cakes became a full-time profession. Gooey Louie hand-forms each crust and uses only butter, flour, farm fresh eggs, cream cheese, and pure vanilla extract to make the perfect gooey butter cake. My favorites? Try the appropriately named "Chocolate Chippewa," the "Turtle Park," and the "Highway 40: Driving Me Nuts"... I promise, you'll love them all.