Terrific toffee traditions
Launa Gae Lindsey of Orem, will be 72 on Christmas Day. Each birthday party is well-earned as she works hard to reach that annual celebration.
You see, the month previous to her birthday every year Launa Gae is busy producing English toffee, fudge, peanut brittle and popcorn crunch. Not to enjoy herself, but for the public to enjoy during the holidays as part of her little in-home business. The name of her candy is appropriately “LG’s English Toffee,” using Launa Gae’s initials.
“Since the beginning of making toffee I have made it every year for Christmas,” says Launa Gae. “We would include it on our goodie plates or packages for friends and family. It has been a family favorite. … We began selling the candy on a small scale. The children would take some to school or go door-to-door with it.”
Her toffee was so popular that friends told her she should go into business. Through the years many of Launa Gae and husband, Dan’s, eight daughters have pitched in to help. Now only one daughter, Deanna Rowen, also of Orem, helps with the business; she does the finances for LG’s English Toffee.
“I have always loved making candy with my mom,” Deanna says. “I remember experimenting in the kitchen together during the holidays when I was a teenager, stirring and stirring panoche and fondant to get it to turn out just right.”
Launa Gae remembers learning how to make toffee from her aunt in the 1970s. “Each year it was a tradition to get together with two aunts and some of their friends to make the toffee for Christmas,” she says. “The peanut brittle came from the same aunt. The recipes are time tested but we have made a few minor changes.”
Toffee is the most popular product Launa Gae produces. A comment on the website says, “Your toffee doesn’t stick to my teeth.” Deanna says that’s because “we use the highest quality ingredients and there are no fillers or chemicals in our toffee.”
Launa Gae’s favorite is the toffee “but the others are as delectable.” She says she loves learning new recipes and putting together the packages. “It’s why I keep doing it.”
Deanna’s favorite is the toffee as well with the fudge being a close runner up. “I especially love the dark fudge with its rich yummy taste,” she adds.
Holiday orders are overwhelming at times; last year 12 people were hired to help out with production. Some of the older of Launa Gae’s 20 grandchildren pitched in to work as well.
Launa Gae loves being together with family and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. “Of course we have some traditions that I love,” she adds. “Once a single daughter invited all the grandchildren to her place after work on December 23 to spend the night and Christmas Eve day with her — having fun and planning a Christmas Eve devotional for the whole family.”
Deanna enjoys caroling with the family. “My dad has a beautiful voice, which is good, because his was the only man’s voice in our little chorus for many years.”
“We love food,” says Launa Gae. “So there are many things we love to eat. Here is a favorite that is mainly brought out at Christmas and New Year’s time.”
Cheese Ball
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 pound cream cheese
- Milk enough to spread
- 1 pound bleu cheese
- 1 pound cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/4 pound sharp smoked cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon creamy horseradish
Cream spices with cream cheese; add enough milk to blend. Add other ingredients and mix well. Add more milk if needed. Chill. Make balls and roll in chopped pecans and other nuts.
Cook’s note: This recipe makes enough for several small balls or two large ones. Sometimes we freeze for later.
For more information on Launa Gae’s toffee and other treats, log on to LGsEnglishToffee.com.