Buzzard Billy’s Cajun Creole Restaurant: New Orleans Cuisine in Lincoln, Nebraska

A Review by a Licorice Lover:

You can experience a bit of New Orleans in the Heartland. Buzzard Billy’s Cajun-Creole Restaurant is located in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket, right across the street from Licorice International on 8th Street between P and Q. Decorated in a combination of nostalgia and Cajun items (yes, there are several alligators), the atmosphere is fun for the whole family, and is also a great place to meet friends for a drink.

I recently had lunch at Buzzard Billy’s, after a tour of Memorial Stadium, and before a visit to Licorice International. (Of course, I can’t go to the Haymarket without visiting Licorice International.) I split the Mean Green Buzzard Wings and Swamp Platter (fried crawfish tails, fried alligator, crab cakes, hush puppies and coleslaw) with two young friends, supplementing my meal with a cup of Grilled Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo. It was more than enough to fill us up. (Plus, we snitched a bit from the appetizers our other friends shared: Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms and Miller High Life Spinach Artichoke Dip.) Our friends,--who aren’t as into Cajun food as the rest of us--enjoyed Po’Boys (New Orleans style hoagies).

A few months ago, my husband and I met some friends for drinks at Buzzard Billy’s on a Thursday evening. (Since I don’t drink alcohol, I chose raspberry iced tea.) It was trivia night, so we competed with other tables to guess trivia from the 60’s and 70’s. We didn’t win anything, but we enjoyed reminiscing about the “good old days.”

For more information on Buzzard Billy’s see their website.

Get FREE Shipping on your Licorice Order Through May 31

Now through May 31, you will receive free shipping on any order over $50 at Licorice International, the largest specialty retailer of imported licorice in the United States.

Great for Father's Day gifts, graduation gifts or a unique wedding gift.

Click here to shop for licorice

New Lincoln Arena Will Be Good for Licorice International and Other Haymarket Businesses

The Lincoln voters have spoken. In a wider-than-expected margin, Lincolnites approved the construction of a 16,000-seat arena in the Haymarket commercial district.

What does this mean for the city, and specifically for the Haymarket area? Because arena events will bring in hundreds of visitors from out of town, that means an increase in business for area shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Elizabeth Erlandson and Ardith Stuertz, owners of Licorice International, a gourmet candy store in the Haymarket area, were quoted in an article about the arena in the May 12, 2010, issue of The Omaha World Herald.

“It will bring some wonderful things to the city for events and entertainment,” said Stuertz. “After it's been built, we'll see an increase in volume of people that come into the area that will only be good for our business.”

Click here to read the entire article.

Australian Style Licorice Made in the USA

Licorice Lovers always rave about Australian licorice. The soft texture and just-right taste are to die for. Kookaburra Twists from Australia are top sellers at Licorice International, both on-line and in the retail store.

Now you can get Australian licorice made in the USA. New Australian Style Liquorice (the way the Aussies spell it) is manufactured by Kenny's Candy Company and tastes surprisingly like Kookaburra. It comes in Gourmet Black (made with real licorice root for authentic licorice flavor) and Gourmet Red, which tastes great.

For a limited time, get 50 cents off each package of Australian Style Licorice. Click here to purchase.

Dutch Licorice - The Candy Holland Calls Drop

Holland has the largest per capita licorice consumption in the world. The Dutch call licorice "drop," and they enjoy many licorice varieties, including their specialty, salty licorice.

However, licorice was not invented in the Netherlands. Licorice is actually a naturally occurring root native to southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia, and has been valued for its medicinal qualities since ancient times. When theDutch traders brought back licorice from their travels, the treat quickly became popular. From Holland, the traders shared it with the rest of Europe.

Some unique varieties of Dutch licorice offered by Licorice International include:

Salmiak Rocks: If you're not sure about salty licorice, try these first. The creamy outside layer complements the salty center for a great taste combination.

Licorice Chalk: This old-fashioned treat will remind you of your school days, but the taste will amaze you. A light minty coating covers a soft, sweet center.

Mounties Licorice Caramels: A perfect blend of licorice and caramels, two favorite tastes for candy lovers. Also, in the shape of a tube, the licorice center is covered by sweet caramel.

Click here to see all of the Dutch Licorice available.

Third Winner from the Foodie Blogroll

During the month of April, the Foodie Blogroll gave away free licorice courtesy of Licorice International. The third week Meg, author of the "My Cooking Addiction" blog, won free Red and Black Scotties. Her verdict: "super tasty" and "insanely cute."
Read her blog post here.

Something unique for Mother's Day: Licorice

Does your mother love licorice? Then why give her a box of chocolates? Give her something unique: Licorice. Licorice not only tastes great; it's low fat, and it offers some amazing health benefits. And a gift of gourmet licorice from Licorice International makes a special gift. The variety of licorice available is astounding.

For starters, check out:

Licorice Samplers
Licorice Gift Baskets
Best Sellers in Licorice
Sugar Free Licorice
Gluten Free Licorice
Dutch Licorice (The Dutch really know how to make licorice)

For a mom with an entrepeneur spirit, how about the new book BoomerPreneurs by M.B. Izard

And for a gift that lasts all year long, sign her up for the Licorice of the Month Club!

Happy Mother's Day!

Second Licorice Winner from the Foodie Blogroll

Throughout April, the Foodie Blogroll is giving away free licorice from Licorice International.

The second blogger to win, "The Amateur Nutritionist" was excited to open the package of Haribo black and strawberry wheels and the sample bridge mix, which comes free with every on-line order in April.

Click here to see what she had to say.

Comment to Win Licorice Allsorts and Creamy Irish Licorice Toffee

This week you have an opportunity to win two of Licorice International's most popular candies.

This week's giveaway is a combination of English Allsorts made by the Bassetts company and Creamy Irish Licorice Toffee by Oatfields. The Allsorts are shaped like straws, sandwiches, and licorice gummies and have a licorice and coconut flavor. The Licorice Toffee is similar to Callard & Bowser licorice toffee. Each piece is individually wrapped in silver foil. Savor the flavor!

To enter the contest, click here to visit the Foodie BlogRoll and leave a comment regarding which Licorice International product you'd like to try the most. You must also be a current active member of the Foodie BlogRoll, having the latest version of The Foodie BlogRoll Widget on your blog.

Licorice Ladies on Judy ala Carte for National Licorice Day

How did National Licorice Day get started?
What can you do to celebrate?
Why is licorice so amazing?

Find out by listening to this recording of the Judy ala Carte radio program from KFOR radio. Judy broadcasted live from the Licorice International retail store on April 12, as part of the National Licorice Day celebration. She interviewed Licorice Ladies Elizabeth and Ardith, as well as bloggers Patty and Marcia.

To listen, click on the "play" arrow on the player below.





If you cannot access the player, you can listen at the following link (it may take a few minutes to download the file):

http://www.kfor1240.com/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=4560854

National Licorice Day Celebration

Licorice Lovers came together on April 12 to celebrate National Licorice Day at the Licorice International retail store, located in Lincoln, Nebraska. At the all-day celebration, guests sipped on licorice tea and coffee, sampled red and black licorice and other treats, and entered to win prizes. Judy Gilliard interviewed licorice ladies Elizabeth and



Ardith live for the Judy ala Carte program on KFOR radio.





Judy is a big fan of Licorice International. “There are so many choices,” she said. “I’m just amazed. I never liked the licorice sticks you buy in the grocery store. I discovered there is a whole new world of licorice.”






Jim Keck, account executive for KFOR radio personally appreciates Licorice International because he is diabetic, and there are plenty of sugar-free products available. He’s also impressed with the way Elizabeth and Ardith have grown Licorice International from a small mail-order business to an on-line distributer as well as a local destination.

Pat and her daughter Deena drove three hours from Callaway, Nebraska, just to be at the event. Deena is moving out of state and wanted to visit Licorice International before she moved. While there, they saw neighbors from Callaway, Heather and Taylor. They all enjoyed tasting samples galore. Deena is glad she can order licorice from Licorice International’s website, even after she moves.

Pictured below: Pat, Heather, Taylor, Deena.

Yummy Gift Ideas for Administrative Professionals Day on April 21

Administrative Professionals Day (formerly called Secretary's Day) is celebrated worldwide, bringing together millions of people for community events, educational seminars and individual corporate activities recognizing support staff. Today, there are more than 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants working in the United States, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, and 8.9 million people working in various administrative support roles. More than 475,000 administrative professionals are employed in Canada. Millions more administrative professionals work in offices all over the world.

APW is always the last full week in April.

In 2010, Administrative Professionals Week is April 18-24 with Administrative Professionals Day on Wednesday, April 21.

Make it a sweet holiday this year by giving the best gift of all -licorice or other treats.

Licorice International offers samplers of all kinds, for those who love black licorice, red licorice, or a combination. For a real treat, try one of the gift baskets or the Licorice of the Month Club.

Kenny's Licorice Twists always make a good gift. Choose from 15 different flavors in beautiful colors.

Or choose from nearly 160 kinds of licorice from 12 different countries at Licorice International. Click here to shop.

Comment to Win Red and Black Scotties

This week you have an opportunity to win a combination of two kinds of licorice from Licorice International by commenting on the Foodie BlogRoll website.

This week's prize is a combination of American Black and Red Scotties made by the Gimbals company. The soft, chewy red Scotties have a unique flavor that many people associate with "red licorice" while the black Scotties have a mild licorice flavor. These items are particularly attractive to licorice lovers who are gluten-intolerant and are available in sugar-free variety, which has equally good taste. All Gimbals products are kosher ("OU" pareve), nut-free, transfat-free, gelatin-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free.

To enter the contest, click here to visit the Foodie BlogRoll and leave a comment regarding which Licorice International product you'd like to try the most. You must also be a current active member of the Foodie BlogRoll, having the latest version of The Foodie BlogRoll Widget on your blog.

Get 12 percent off your licorice order for National Licorice Day

Wow - What a deal! In honor of National Licorice Day (April 12), Licorice International is offering 12 percent off your on-line order from now through April 12. Just use the code APR12 at checkout with your order.

Click here to shop for licorice.

Free Bridge Mix with your Licorice Order

An old-fashioned American favorite, licorice bridge mix is a colorful combination of nonpareils, pastilles, jelly beans, and dots. It looks good in a candy dish, and is perfect for a party.

Now you can sample this delicious assortment of Bridge Mix—FREE—with your order of any size from Licorice International. (No minimum required.)

Sample packages are shipped to the same location as the order. If you send a gift, the gift recipient receives the sample package.

Offer applies to INTERNET AND PHONE ORDERS ONLY. Does not apply to shop purchases.

Click here to order from Licorice International.

Comment to win Haribo Black Licorice Wheels and Strawberry Wheels

This week you have an opportunity to win a combnation of two kinds of licorice from Licorice International by commenting on the Foodie BlogRoll website.

This week's prize is a combination of the always popular German Haribo Black Licorice Wheels and Strawberry Wheels. These soft, sweet ribbons are a fun food . . . fun to unroll, twist and tie together, and when you're all done playing with them... you can eat them. They're also great for decorating cakes and cookies.

To enter the contest, click here to visit the Foodie BlogRoll and leave a comment regarding which Licorice International product you'd like to try the most. You must also be a current active member of the Foodie BlogRoll, having the latest version of The Foodie BlogRoll Widget on your blog.

Eat Licorice, Have Lunch, Make a New Friend at the Table

There’s a place in the heart of Lincoln’s Haymarket where you can enjoy a good meal at the right price and maybe even make a new friend.

The Table, a ministry of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Lincoln, is open every weekday from 11:30 .m. to 1:30 p.m. (or whenever the food runs out) at Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P Street. It was modeled after the S.A.M.E. Café in Denver, a restaurant with no prices, just a free-will donation. But the Table adds a unique twist. Guests are encouraged to sit together at a long table. The result? Lively discussions between people from all walks of life, a place to go ease your loneliness, and often new friendships.

Lincoln restaurants Thé Cup and Bread & Cup provide soup and bread at cost, and Licorice International donates candy for an after-dinner treat. Guests constantly rave about the Creamy Licorice Toffee, Licorice Starlite Mints and Anise Squares. After eating, diners leave an anonymous donation in a box.

Malcolm, a student at the University of Nebraska, is a frequent visitor to the Table. He enjoys the sense of community he finds there. “I can be having a bad day and I have a good conversation here any day of the week,” he said. “It’s easy to talk to people here.”

Caitlin, a licensed massage therapist, likes the fact that the soups are vegetarian. “I know a lot of people here, and I like the atmosphere,” she said.

If you come to Lincoln’s Haymarket area to shop at Licorice International (located just around the corner at 803 Q Street), be sure to stop at the Table for lunch and conversation.

Below: The "Licorice Ladies" at the Table's Anniversary Open House on March 26, 2010. From left: Matt Schur (youth pastor at Our Saviour's Lutheran and one of the founders of the Table); Matt's son Tyler; Lowell Hennigs (senior pastor at Our Saviour's Lutheran); Elizabeth Erlandson (co-owner of Licorice International), Elizabeth's husband, Doug; Ardith, Stuertz (co-owner of Licorice International).

Celebrate National Licorice Day on April 12

You won't find this holiday on the calendar, and the banks and schools won't be closed (sorry, kids), but for licorice lovers throughout the United States, Monday, April 12, marks an important holiday - National Licorice Day.

Licorice International, which boasts more than 160 types of licorice from 14 countries, offers fun ideas for celebrating National Licorice Day.

1. Host a licorice-tasting party.
2. Chew on a licorice root.
3. Savor a cup of licorice tea or coffee.
4. Send a gift of licorice to a licorice-loving friend.
5. Learn about the benefits of licorice (check the "Health Benefits" link to the right).
6. Make licorice jewelry (Black Licorice Laces are a good place to start.)
7. Make a licorice recipe (check the "Recipes" link to the right).
8. For those who live near Lincoln, Nebraska, visit the Licorice International retail store at 803 Q Street. Free samples, opportunity to win prizes and radio host Judy Ala Carte at 10:00 a.m.

For all your licorice needs, see: http://www.licoriceinternational.com/ or contact:
402.488.2230
licoricenews@licoriceinternational.com

Comment to Win Free Black and Red Licorice

In April, you have an opportunity to win a different package of licorice from Licorice International each week simply by commenting on the Foodie BlogRoll website.

This week, starting March 29, you have the opportunity to win a combination of our best-selling Australian licorice: Kookaburra Black Twists made with authentic licorice root extract and Kookaburra Strawberry Twists with a rich strawberry flavor.

To enter the contest, click here to visit the Foodie BlogRoll and leave a comment regarding which Licorice International product you'd like to try the most. You must also be a current active member of the Foodie BlogRoll, having the latest version of The Foodie BlogRoll Widget on your blog.

Licorice Ladies Featured in New Book for Boomer Entrepreneurs

The owners of Licorice International are among the fifteen entrepreneurs featured in a new book designed to help people over 50 begin their own business.

BoomerPreneurs: How Baby Boomers Can Start Their Own Business, Make Money and Enjoy Life by author Mary Beth Izard tells how Ardith Stuertz and Elizabeth Erlandson combined their talents to launch and grow Licorice International into a success online and retail business. (Click here to read an excerpt.)

The book is a roadmap for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning their own business and is geared towards Baby Boomers looking for a way to make money and enjoy their retirement years. The author asks key questions and provides worksheets to lead the reader through a four-step process to business start-up:

1. What Should Baby Boomers Consider Before Starting a Business?
2. Recognize the Opportunity That’s Right for You and the Marketplace
3. Refine Your Idea and Do Your Research
4. Determine Business Viability and Get Started

Click here to purchase the book. The cost is only $25. (Save 95 cents off list price.) No shipping required.

Licorice International, Inc. began as a mail order business in New York in 1996. At that time, the business offered 40 products and shipped a few hundred orders each year. Today, the company offers more than 160 types of licorice and ships approximately 10,000 orders per year through its website in addition to entertaining hundreds of customers at its Lincoln location each month.

Get 10 Percent Off Your Licorice Order

Get 10 percent off your next online order at Licorice International.

Just use this code: MA10 when you order by 4/30/2010 and you will receive 10 percent off your order.

Licorice Fan Wins Weekly Licorice International Contest

Congratulations to Julie Dressler, winner of the Licorice International weekly contest.

To enter the contest, click on the "Win a $15 Gift Card" tab on our Fan Page. (Use the button on the right to join.) or click here to go directly to the page. You can enter the contest every week. Winners are chosen each Sunday at midnight.

Free Irish Licorce Toffee With Your Order

Irish Licorice Toffee -- Chewy toffee with just a hint of licorice. It's one of our best sellers, and if you taste it, you'll know why.

Now through March 31, you can sample Irish Licorice Toffee for free. Place an order of any size at Licorice International, and you'll get a sample package of Irish Licorice Toffee free.

Similar to Callard & Bowser toffee, each piece of this creamy confection is individually wrapped in silver foil. Offer applies to INTERNET AND PHONE ORDERS ONLY. Does not apply to shop purchases.

Click here for more information on this offer.

Get $15 of Licorice for only $7 from Groupon

Just for today, you can get $15 worth of Licorice from Licorice International for only $7 by purchasing a coupon at Groupon. Click here to take advantage of this offer. Only a few hours left.

Great Photo of Soldier and Licorice

Chaplain CH Stephens, stationed in Afghanistan, managed to get a picture of a soldier with some licorice before the rest of the soldiers ate it all. Receiving a box of licorice from Licorice International brings joy to the men and women serving overseas with our military. You can brighten their day for as little as $35 by sending a box of assorted Kenny's Licorice Candy Twists. The licorice is sent to a chaplain who will distribute the candy to the soldiers. Click here for more information on the "Treats for the Troops" program.

Licorice and Other Candy for St. Patrick's Day

It's time to start thinking about St. Patrick's Day. This year, instead of serving some of the same old standbys, try some gourmet licorice and other treats from Licorice International. Here are some we recommend:

Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes
These creamy treats don't taste at all like potatoes, but they sure look like them. They're bound to be a conversation piece at your next party. But wait till your guests taste them: sweet buttercream and coconut tossed in cinnamon. For 100 years Irish Potatoes were exclusively sold in Philadelphia, but now you can buy them through Licorice International.

Creamy Licorice Toffee
These chewy treats from Ireland blend the best of licorice and toffee. Even non-licorice fans adore them. Individually wrapped in silver foil, they're an elegant addition to any party.

Kookaburra Green Apple Twists
These Australian treats pack that tangy green apple flavor into a delightfully soft chewy texture. These miniature twists will win you over.

Kenny's Green Apple Licorice Candy Twists
For an American treat, try Kenny's Green Apple Licorice Candy Twists. Traditional shape, amazing green apple flavor.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Licorice Lover Wins Foodie Blogroll Contest

I just love contests and I especially love winning. That's why I was so excited when The Foodie Blogroll notified us that the Licorice Lover had been awarded a prize. Ever since then I've been eagerly anticipating the arrival of this gorgeous, ceramic mug. I am so proud. I could hardly wait to show everyone so I bugged Ardith (the other Licorice Lady) to take my photo and here it is in beautiful living color--our Foodie Blogroll mug. And just in case you like to win prizes, be sure to check out the Foodie Blogroll contests. Licorice International is going to be sponsoring one each week all through April in celebration of National Licorice Day, which is April 12th.

Licorice Questions Answered on Judy a la Carte Program

• What's the most popular kind of licorice?
• Does sugar-free licorice taste any different than regular licorice?
• How did Licorice International get started?
• What else does Licorice International sell besides black licorice?
• What are the strongest and most mellow kinds of licorice?
  

These are just some of the questions that Elizabeth Erlandson, owner of Licorice International (a.k.a. licorice lady) answered on Chef Judy Gilliard's "Judy a la Carte" radio program. Their interview aired on KFOR-AM on February 12. Judy and Elizabeth had a delightful talk around Judy's "kitchen table," opening the discussion up to calls from Lincoln area residents. Judy calls Elizabeth a "walking encyclopedia about licorice." You'll be amazed at how much you learn from this program.

To listen to the program (in four segments), simply click on the "play" button for each of the segments. Enjoy:

Segment 1:


Segment 2:


Section 3:


Segment 4:


If the players don't work for you, try these direct links:

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4

What are Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes? How are they made?

This is a once a year treat from Licorice International.

They're not Irish and they're not made out of potatoes. They're delightful coconut cream candies coated in cinnamon, and they're made in Philadelphia, where they're a popular treat around St. Patrick's Day. They look just like miniature potaotes and taste like a bit of heaven. Here's a video that shows them being made in a Philadelphia factory:




Until recently, Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes were only available in Philadelphia. But now these delicious (and a bit decadent) treats are available on-line through Licorice International. Elizabeth, one of the "Licorice Ladies" who owns Licorice International, remembered how much she loved Irish Potatoes when she lived in Philadelphia, and she wanted to share the special treat with you. You can order Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes here. Order soon for St. Patrick's Day!

Free Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes with your Licorice Order

Now through February 28 you can sample Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes for FREE. What are Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes? They aren't Irish, and they aren't potatoes, but they ARE a fun treat for St. Patrick's Day. Looking like miniature potatoes, these coconut and cinnamon treats are perfect for a St. Patrick's Day party or just snacking during March, when we think of all things Irish.

And for a short time, you can sample Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes free with every order at Licorice International. Your free samples will be shipped automatically with every order.

Click here for more information on this offer.

Soldiers Say Thanks for the Licorice

We just received this great photo of soldiers enjoying licorice. Yep, that's right. Through Licorice International's special program, Treats for the Troops, you have the opportunity to send Kenny's Licorice Twists to soldiers stationed overseas. The treats are sent to chaplains, who distribute them to the soldiers. It's amazing how a little bit of candy can boost morale.

Here's a note that the chaplain sent with the photo:

On behalf of the soldiers of United Stated Division - South in Basra, Iraq, I would like to thank Mr. James Engelstad and The Licorice Ladies for the wonderful gift. It certainly was a morale booster and enjoyed by many.

I have attached a photo of two of our chaplain assistants getting ready to enjoy some licorice.

CH (LTC) Tom Behling

Click here to find out how you can participate in Treats for the Troops.

Win Free Licorice

How many piglets do you think are in this jar?

A recent contest at the Licorice International retail store in Lincoln, Nebraska, invited customers to guess the number of red and black piglets in a jar on display.

Answer: 1790

Jerry Doell of Lincoln, Nebraska, won the contest with his guess of 1785. His prize was a delicious Black and Red Mini Sampler (Value: $17.95).

Though it's too late to join in this contest, you can enter a contest every week, giving you a chance to win a $15 gift card to Licorice International.

To enter the contest, please click here.

If you prefer, you can visit Licorice International fan page on Facebook and click on the tab that says "Win $15 Gift Card." You find Licorice International by clicking on the link to the right.

Good luck!

Licorice Ideas for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is coming up. Instead of those same old candy hearts, why not give some gourmet candy from Licorice International? Pictured here are some of the best selling red candies:

Red Licorice Laces

Cherry Chews

Red Scotties

Cinnamon Lava Balls

Haribo Strawberry Wheels

Can't decide? How about a sampler:

Large Red Sampler

Red Sampler

Get Free Butter Caramels with every Licorice International Order

Valentine Giveaway
Get FREE Butter Caramels Thru Valentine's Day

Place an order of any size at Licorice International before February 14 and receive a FREE sample pack of Creamy Butter Caramels (3 in a pack).

You've really got to taste these creamy butter caramels to appreciate their high quality taste and texture. Plus, they're actually super-sized . . . a lot larger than ordinary caramels.

Click here for more info on this offer.

Free Shipping on Licorice International Orders over $50

From now through January 31, get free shipping on all on-line orders from Licorice International.

You can enjoy the taste of real licorice and other candy treats from the largest specialty retailer of imported licorice in the United States.

Details here

Win a $15 Gift Card From Licorice International

Licorice International announces our new contest on our Facebook Fan page. You can win a $15 gift card every week. It is easy and fun to enter. First, make sure you're logged into Facebook. Then click here and select your favorite candy. After you've voted, feel free to invite your friends to enter by clicking on "Share." And while you're there, become a fan of Licorice International on Facebook.

New from Licorice International: Sour Stars

Kids love sour candies. I think it's the "thrill factor." There's something exciting about biting into a sour candy. At a recent sleepover, our girls and their friends discovered Sour Stars, one of the newest candies offered by Licorice International.

Sugar coating, gummy texture, fun flavors and bright colors combine to make Sour Stars a hit for a kids party or just a fun evening at home with the family. Made by Gimbals Fine Candies, these gourmet candies come in cherry, orange, apple, lemon and grape flavors.


Click here to order Sour Stars.

Another chaplain says, "Thanks for the licorice!"

Licorice International's "Treats for the Troops" program is bringing smiles to US soldiers serving overseas. Anyone can purchase a package of Licorice Candy Twists (12 pound package or 8-pound package) on-line, and Licorice International will send it to a chaplain overseas, who will distribute it to the men and women serving our country.

Read what Chaplain Timothy Brown had to say recently:

Thank you so much for the licorice. It is delicious. It has been a real big hit here. I never realized that licorice could be so good. My assistant was just as happy as I was to get the gift. We share it with the Soldiers that are here with us. I am at FOB Fenty in Afghanistan.
Please give our thanks to all those involved in sending this to us.

Attached is a picture of my assistant and I on a mountain ridge in Torkham.
For more information on Treats for the Troops, click here.

Check out this video about Irish Potatoes

This is a once a year treat from Licorice International.

They're not Irish and they're not made out of potatoes. They're delightful coconut cream candies coated in cinnamon, and they're made in Philadelphia, where they're a popular treat around St. Patrick's Day. They look just like miniature potaotes and taste like a bit of heaven. Here's a video that shows them being made in a Philadelphia factory:






Until recently, Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes were only available in Philadelphia. But now these delicious (and a bit decadent) treats are available on-line through Licorice International. Elizabeth, one of the "Licorice Ladies" who owns Licorice International, remembered how much she loved Irish Potatoes when she lived in Philadelphia, and she wanted to share the special treat with you. You can order Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes here. Order soon for St. Patrick's Day!

(Now through February 28, you can get a free sample of Oh Ryan's Irish Potatoes with each Licorice International Order. Simply place an order of any amount at Licorice International, and your free sample will be shipped automatically.)

Free Kookaburra Licorice This Month

Now you can sample one of our best-selling types of licorice.

Kookaburra twists give you a soft texture and great taste in a popular twist shape. The ever-popular black licorice uses real licorice root for authentic flavor, the the fruit flavors taste like the real thing.

During the month of January, you can receive a free sample pack of (5) Kookaburra favorites: Black Licorice, Strawberry, Raspberry, Mango and Green Apple Twists.

Place an order of any size with Licorice International by January 31st, and the sample package will be sent to the same location as the order. If you send a gift, the gift recipient receives the sample package.

Click here for more information on this special offer.

Licorice Syrup: A natural way to ease cold and flu symptoms

Winter weather brings its share of colds and flu. Instead of reaching for medicine, try some licorice syrup to ease your symptoms. For centuries, licorice has been used to tame coughs and ease sore throats and lung congestion. Here's a simple recipe for licorice syrup (from Growing & Using Healing Herbs by Gaea and Shandor Weiss):

Fill a glass or enamel container with pieces of fresh or dried licorice root (you can buy licorice root here). Cover the roots with water and simmer for three to four hours. Strain and discard the roots. Add 2 tablespoons honey for each cup of syrup. (The honey acts as a preservative.) Pour the syrup into a sterilized bottle with a tight lid. Use a teaspoon of licorice syrup every few hours as needed for sore throat, cough and lung congestion.

Food Network Magazine Puts Lincoln's Licorice on the Map

What do these cities have in common: Perryville, MO; Lincoln, NE; Portland, OR; Knoxville, TN; Austin, TX?

Answer: They are cities where you can shop at an "extreme specialty store" for food lovers. And they are featured in the December 2009 issue of Food Network Magazine. So what kinds of obsessions to they specialize in?

Sausage (Stonie's Sausage Shop, Perryville, MO)
Licorice (Licorice International, Lincoln, NE)
Salt (The Meadow, Portland, OR)
Mushrooms (Everything Mushrooms, Knoxville, TN)
Hot Sauce (Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Shop, Austin, TX)

Customers are always amazed when they step into Licorice International, located in the Historic Haymarket District in Lincoln, Nebraska. "Your store really is what it says it is," they usually remark. "It really sells only licorice."

But when you have 160 different kinds of licorice from 14 countries, what more do you need?

Although visiting Licorice International is a little like heaven for licorice lovers (the licorice ladies are happy to feed you as many free samples as you want), you don't need to plan a trip to Lincoln to enjoy gourmet licorice. You can get that same great experience (well, maybe without the free samples) by visiting http://www.licoriceinternational.com/

Gourmet Licorice Makes a Great Christmas Gift

You can still order great gourmet licorice from Licorice International for Christmas. Choose 3-day shipping to guarantee Christmas delivery on orders placed by Monday, December 21.

Click here to order

Also, you can get free shipping on orders over $100.

Click here for more details on free shipping.

Licorice Liqueur Recipe: Licorice Root and Time

Licorice Liqueur takes a while to make, but the results are worth it. Although some recipes use anise, only real licorice root gives the liqueur that authentic licorice taste. You can purchase licorice root here.

Ingredients
2 1/2 tablespoons licorice root, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups vodka
1/2 cup sugar syrup

Wash the licorice root and chop into small pieces. Add to vodka and let stand for one week. Strain and filter. Add sugar syrup* and let stand for another week. Ready to serve. Yield: one pint.

*To make sugar syrup dissolve one pound of sugar in four cups of water and bring to a boi. Cool before using. Yield: 7 cups.

NOTE: Elizabeth Erlandson, one of the "Licorice Ladies" who own Licorice International, recently discussed licorice liqueur with Judy Gilliard on the "Judy a la Carte" program on KFOR radio in Lincoln, Nebraska.