It takes an unusual set of circumstances for a free sample to change a mind. More often than not, the brain says “free food,” the free food is obtained, eaten, and then — within seconds — totally obliterated from memory. If you can remember any of the last dozen things you’ve eaten for free at Trader Joe’s or Lunds, you’ve got a sharper mind than most.
For that reason, the compulsion exerted by a free sample of Bergin Fruit and Nut Company Orange Creme Almonds at Midtown Global Market was noteworthy. The almonds ($6 for 8 oz.) come enrobed in a mixture of white chocolate, confectioner’s coating, and natural flavor. The almonds are like a nutty Orange Julius, the creamy, almost frothy lightness of the soft orange candy coating playing nicely off of the crunchy, nutty interior of each confection.
The samples were compelling enough that, halfway to the Salty Tart for a post-indurrito dessert, I turned around and ponied up for a sack of creamy, St. Paul-made happiness.
Bergin Fruit and Nut Company Orange Creme Almonds are available at the Produce Exchange at Midtown Global Market for $6 per 8-oz. bag.