When my parents decided to park the gypsy wagon and settle down in one spot, we made our home in Northern California, not far from the Oregon border. My parents fell in love with the small town of Ashland, Oregon, and we'd spend lots of time there. It took an hour to get there and on the way, we'd always drive by Harry & David. They had the most amazing fruit and treats. One year I saved my money and surprised my mom with a cheesecake for her birthday from their amazing bakery mail order.
Years later, when I moved to the northenmost village in Alaska, fresh fruit was hard to come by, so I'd treat myself to the best that Harry & David had to offer by mail. It was like enjoying a treat from an old friend.
Recently, the folks at Harry & David invited me for a visit to their headquarters for a behind-the-scenes tour of their the orchards and facilities. And how could I say no to an old friend?
I arrived into Medford, Oregon yesterday for my big visit and I thought you'd enjoy getting to see behind the scenes, along with me. So over the next few days, I'll be taking you along.
Today, let's start in the Candy Kitchen Product Development and Testing Lab with Charlie, who has been creating chocolates and treats at the factory for many years.
Charlie is responsible for taking a new recipe that has been developed and trying to bring it to life on a large scale - one that needs to be produced again and again in large quantities for mail order and sale in their stores. A recipe concept may be amazing as one, but can be a challenge to create for the market.
Miniature versions of the ovens and equipment used in the factory are used to test the recipes in the kitchen.
Right now, they're testing for spring.
One of Charlie's favorite creations is Moose Munch. Tomorrow I'll show you around the factory where it and many many more treats are made.
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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.
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I LOVE MOOSE MUNCH!!! =) So excited to see more of your visit!
Posted by: Janet | October 05, 2011 at 09:51 AM
Ah! Lucky girl!! I LOVE Moose Munch! :)
Posted by: JOri | October 05, 2011 at 09:53 AM
what a treat indeed! I too have been a long time fan of Harry & David!
Posted by: heather from arizona | October 05, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I love them...when ever we go to my daughter home in St. Helens we stop off there for a rest and treats.....it's tradition! Love their onion and pepper sauce!
How fun for you.
Posted by: teresa | October 05, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Just minutes from my Mom & Dad!
Posted by: Krista Denton | October 05, 2011 at 10:27 AM
What the heck is Chef Rubber??
Posted by: Myra | October 05, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Yes, a favorite Moose Munch! I'm one lucky girls to have a Harry & David outlet 6 miles from my home. Wait, humm? lucky? Maybe with stepping on the scales; I've purchased to much Moose Munch!
Posted by: Junebug | October 05, 2011 at 11:54 AM
AHHH Harry and David, I am a FAN and also have a frequent visitors punch card hehehe!
Posted by: linda higgins | October 05, 2011 at 12:17 PM
If Moose Munch is anything like Moose Tracks, I'm all over it! YUM!
Wait, I'm off sugar. Dang it! LOL!
Can't wait to see more!
Kim
Posted by: Kim @ Homesteader's Heart | October 05, 2011 at 12:50 PM
We lived in Ashland for several years, and it is one of my favorite places on earth! I was such an Ashland girl; working at Rare Earth, going to SOU, and choreographing local plays. Sometimes they don't know what to think of me in North Carolina!
Posted by: Kelli | October 05, 2011 at 02:03 PM
Wow what a blessing to get to check out such an awesome place!! Look forward to seeing more pictures of your trip!!
Posted by: Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking | October 05, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Oh, so fun to be with you for 2 whole days, Serena! Big hugs and I hope we meet up again soon!
Posted by: Sandy @ RE | October 05, 2011 at 06:25 PM
Serena, where in Alaska did you live? I've lived in Alaska now for 22 years but was born and raised in Vancouver, WA, so I love all things Pacific Northwest! Love reading your blog :)
Posted by: Rebecca Ramilo | October 05, 2011 at 07:33 PM
Fun post to read - I once worked at Harry & David while attending college in Ashland at Southern (SOSC then, SOU now); I worked the holiday season taking orders over the phone. I remember being fascinated by how late people on the east coast would be up placing their orders.
I LOVE Moose Munch too!
Posted by: Jill M. | October 05, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Sweet!
: )
Julie M.
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | October 06, 2011 at 12:04 AM
What is Chef rubber?
I love Ashland!
Posted by: jennifer D | October 06, 2011 at 06:58 AM
Hi Serena! You are in my backyard. Such a fun tour! I'd love to meet you for lunch or have you out to the farm! The day seems sunnier knowing you are in town. Enjoy!!!
Posted by: Stacy, Applegate, Oregon | October 06, 2011 at 11:41 AM
ahh, ashland. what a happy place : )
Posted by: steph nelsen - south hill | October 06, 2011 at 03:15 PM
Our Harry and David stores closed and we were so sad to see them leave shortly after just arriving to our town :(
Posted by: Angela | November 05, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Oh my!!! I am so jealous! I LOVE Harry and David! When my hubs worked out of town for weeks at a time I would send him the Harry and David fruit baskets ~ and he LOVED them! Have you ever tried eating a pear with cheese? ~ that's the way Harry and David does it! Is is so delish. We rec'd a "Tower of Treats" for Christmas last year and enjoyed every single morsel. Can't wait to see/read more over the next few days.
Posted by: NebraskaNancy | April 23, 2012 at 08:36 AM
I live in Medford! I'm keeping my eyes peeled for you all over town today...! ;)
Posted by: melyssa | April 23, 2012 at 08:40 AM
That is wonderful news! Farm Chicks should have a moose-type mix called Junk Munch.
Posted by: Kathleen Wynia | May 06, 2012 at 12:54 PM