December 06, 2022 1 Comment
Though the Shotwell’s base recipe may be simple, it is certainly hard-won. Jerrod Smith, the baker behind Shotwell Candy Co., experimented with various techniques, cooking temperatures, and even 12 different types of butter before arriving at the caramels the company is known for today.
Jerrod was a corporate attorney when he first began making his own caramels. After his three daughters and wife would go to bed for the night, he’d stay up experimenting in the kitchen, making 2 or 3 batches late into the evening. Usually a savory cook, he set out on a mission to make “caramel in its best possible form,” inspired by childhood memories of making candy with his mother and grandmother. As he began sharing his creations and taking informal orders for more, his late-night hobby quickly took on a life of its own. He started hosting “shipping parties” with his friends, wrapping up all the caramel orders late into the night; eventually, he took the leap of faith to leave his corporate post and open his own kitchen and retail space in Memphis.
With its roots firmly in Tennessee, Shotwell Candy Co. found its first taste of fame in Waco, Texas. The Magnolia Table, a restaurant owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV fame, stocked Shotwell Caramels in the “take-away” section of their shop. The sweets were so popular that the staff started including one single, perfect caramel with each table’s check. With thousands of customers moving through that restaurant day after day, Shotwell’s gained a massive following, seemingly overnight. Today, folks from all over the world discover Shotwell’s at the restaurant and, naturally, reach out to Jerrod’s Tennessee-based operation for seconds.
If you haven’t tried Shotwell Candy Co. caramels, what are you waiting for? Whether you’re curious about the perfect caramel or want to treat a sweet-toothed friend, Made in TN has you covered. Like Chip and Joanna, we love these candies so much that we include them wherever we can. Find them in our best-selling gift sets, including the “But First, Coffee” gift set (this one features the espresso caramels, naturally) and the Ultimate Snacks Galore Gift basket.
Made in TN is proud to offer Shotwell Candy Co. caramels and treats. Find your favorite here.
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Sue Shotwell Christensen
September 15, 2023
My son Ryan Shotwell gave us your salted caramels for xmas. They are delicious. My husband’s family moved to Ca. from Oklahoma We think during the dust bowl. Most Showells are decendants from Abraham Showell NY.