Malena loves candy. And travel. And both together. And thus, this site was born.
Mmm, some of the sweets in Guatemala were excellent. I’ve already mentioned briefly my favorite, a cinnamon and almond flavored paste, encasing a single roasted almond, all glazed in sugar. The paste was so rich it tasted like cookie dough, and the coating of sugar helped add a little delicious sweetness. I actually returned to the store two more times to buy more of these delicate little treats (called Yemas de San Leandro) and am even now regretting not buying more. But what else was there?
Rosary
Guatemalan sweets also use coconut much to their advantage. One of my favorite coconut bars is made of panela (sugarcane juice) or molasses. With a rich brown color and a dark, almost bitter flavor, this bar contrasted with a second, much sweeter coconut bar held together by honey and white sugar. While coconut is not my favorite flavor, these bars are all made of fresh coconut fruit - an amazing difference and much better than an Almond Joy!
Curls of Honey
Perhaps the most popular traditional candy in Guatemala is a paste in the form of a brightly colored fruit made of egg mixed with pumpkin seeds. These are visible in candy stores and supermarkets all over Guatemala - I first saw them on my way to Semuc Champey and was able to many different varieties from across the country. They are of the consistency of marzipan but with a much sweeter taste. These were not my favorite candy, as they could taste a bit chalky or oversweetened at times. Nonetheless, they’re obviously an important part of the Guatemalan sweet scene.
Fruits
posting from United StatesMay 29th, 2008 8:55 pm
Yes! We want to hear all about the waves and surfing!
Mom
posting from United StatesMay 29th, 2008 8:58 pm
Your blog about the fire doesn’t show under the reflections of confections??
Mom
posting from United StatesMay 30th, 2008 6:52 am
Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L54xCopIO_E I found it during search for candy!
posting from United StatesMay 31st, 2008 7:17 am
By the way Malena:
If you are still in El Salvador (note sp.), and happen to go to its capital, San Salvador, seek out Berta Marina Salazar (used to be married to Tony Closa) or Marco Antonio Salazar. Their mother, Tita Salazar Gardner, was a very good friend of mine many years ago in Greensburg. the only bad thing is that they either live in Miami or San Salvador.
Saw your parents and Dietrich while we were at Tey’s graduation. They all looked well. Love. Ab.
posting from GuatemalaJune 1st, 2008 3:09 pm
Abuelita, Hmm, looks like I missed visiting your friends, as I’m in Honduras already. No surfing pictures, as I didn’t really do anything resembling surfing… mostly just crashed in the waves.
I have another few entries in the works, but I’m still trying to figure out how to upload photos. Give me a few days and hopefully I’ll get something straightened out. Thanks for all the comments!
posting from United StatesJune 2nd, 2008 8:36 pm
Honduras already?! How exciting. Incase you saw what happened in Tegucigalpa, don’t think all of our airports are like that. Anyways, looking forward to what you post about Honduras.
posting from United StatesJune 4th, 2008 10:11 am
Malena! I told some peeps from work about your “little trip” and they were alternately fascinated and inspired by your travels / travails. As for me, I just want you to send me some candy. I hope that I get to see you when you come, however briefly, back to the states.
posting from ThailandJune 8th, 2008 8:40 pm
Mmm, cinnamon paste around an almond. Sounds like more than enough reason to visit Guatemala. -X
posting from United StatesJuly 29th, 2008 3:33 pm
These little confections sound deelish! I am always looking for new sweets. Happy trails on your adventure in Central America!
posting from United StatesJuly 30th, 2008 9:30 am
Xander - the almond ones were definitely my favorite! I wonder if they’ll ship some to me in the States…
Carly - Thanks for the comments! I’m heading to Europe and the Middle East soon so they’ll be a lot more sweets coming 
May 29th, 2008 2:41 pm
We wanna see pictures of Melena surfing. Hang 10!