Behind the scenes at 95-year-old Woodhaven chocolate maker Schmidt’s Candy
For nearly a century, Schmidt’s Candy has been a beloved fixture in the Woodhaven neighborhood of Queens, New York. The family-owned business, which was founded in 1925, specializes in handcrafted chocolates and confections, and has been delighting customers with its sweets for generations. But what goes on behind the scenes at this iconic chocolate maker?
Schmidt’s Candy is currently owned and operated by third-generation candy maker Margie Schmidt Tartaglione. Tartaglione grew up in the family business, learning the art of candy making from her father, who learned it from his father before him. Today, she oversees all aspects of the business, from production to marketing to customer service.
The candy making process at Schmidt’s Candy is a labor-intensive one, with much of it still done by hand. The chocolates are made in small batches, with each piece crafted with care and precision. The process starts with the selection of high-quality ingredients, including premium chocolate, fresh cream, and pure butter.
Once the ingredients have been selected, the candy makers get to work. They begin by preparing the chocolate, melting it down to a smooth, silky consistency. They then pour the chocolate into molds, filling them with a variety of flavors and textures, from rich dark chocolate to creamy milk chocolate to fruity fillings like raspberry and apricot.
The candies are then allowed to cool and set, a process that can take several hours. Once they have hardened, they are carefully removed from their molds and packaged by hand.
One of Schmidt’s Candy’s most popular products is their chocolate-covered butter crunch. This confection is made using a recipe that has been passed down through the family for generations. It starts with a layer of rich, buttery toffee, which is then covered in smooth, creamy chocolate and sprinkled with chopped almonds. The result is a sweet, crunchy treat that is hard to resist.
While much has changed since Schmidt’s Candy first opened its doors 95 years ago, one thing that has remained constant is the dedication to quality and tradition. From the selection of ingredients to the handcrafted production process, every aspect of the candy making process is done with care and attention to detail. And that’s why, after nearly a century in business, Schmidt’s Candy continues to be a beloved institution in the Woodhaven community and beyond.
