Nina has joked that she should start introducing herself as Nina from BonBonBar, “Home of the Single Malt Scotch Bar.” There is something about chocolate and scotch that’s simply irresistible and customers have gone nuts of over this bar, including everyone here at Foodzie. Yes, I will admit we have a stash in our pantry at Foodzie HQ. Let’s just call them late night sustenance.

Slashfood did their own write up with a huge photo of the candy bar that’s truly gastropornographic. But while the Single Malt Scotch Bar gets a lot of the attention, every product Nina makes is incredible from the Caramel Nut Bar to her Passion Fruit Marshmallows. So without further ado, here’s 7 Questions with Nina from BonBonbar.

1) Why did you choose to start making candy bars?

Aside from loving chocolate, I think it had a lot to do with texture. I always liked the chewy and crunchy combinations in candy bars, and while I was in culinary school in Napa, I wanted to eat candy bars that were as fresh and interesting as the ganache truffles that we were making, but I couldn’t find any. The more I thought about it, the more I realized that those combinations of textures in candy bars could also support endless combinations of flavors. So, I began playing around with them myself, and I was cheered on by my blog readers.

2) What’s your secret weapon for crafting the best candy bar flavors?

Los Angeles farmers markets. I’m grateful that I can use so many fresh ingredients from vendors that I trust and admire. I try my best to do justice to the quality of my ingredients.

3) Which candy bar is your personal favorite and why?

They’re all favorites depending on my mood and perspective. The Malt Bar because it was my first and took dozens of recipe versions and combinations to get just right…. The Scotch Bar because it has such explosive flavors and it amuses me to put alcohol in a candy bar… The Caramel Nut Bar because I still close my eyes and melt a little every time I taste it… The Orange Bar because it has so many local ingredients…

4) What is a unique way to enjoy your treats?

Either dip the Single Malt Scotch Caramels in yet more Scotch, or try eating frozen Caramel Nut or Orange Bars.

5) Any new products or flavors in the works?

I have an idea for a Strawberry Lemonade Marshmallow that would be made of a layer of each flavor, made with fresh strawberries and lemons. It’s a drink that I often get from other vendors when I sell at farmers markets, and I hope that the marshmallow version tastes as good.

6) What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started in the food business?
Never compromise on quality — you’ll be happy to sell and eat your products, and it will only help you stand out.

7) Which product on Foodzie makes you most hungry? We’ll chat with that producer next!

Happy Girl Kitchen. I love their products, attitude, style, and name!

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If you missed them, feel free to check out our previous interviews with Doc Popcorn, Seth Ellis Chocolatier, Bravo Farms, and Black Forest Bison.