Eight Salty, Sweet, Mouth-Puckering Licorices

by Ami Kealoha

by Karen McGrane

Licorice seemed wrong and bad to me as a child, one of those things like coffee ice cream or kissing in movies that made me deeply suspicious of adult desires. As my tastes have matured so has my preference for licorice and I seek out only the darkest, chewiest, and most complex flavors.

Used as a sweetener and a medicinal since ancient times, Licorice is known as "the grandfather of herbs" in Chinese herbalism, which has employed it as a harmonizing ingredient for more than 5,000 years. Egyptian hieroglyphics document the use of licorice in a sweetened beverage and King Tutankhamen carried supplies of it in his tomb into the afterlife. Alexander the Great and Roman Emperor Caesar both endorsed the benefits of licorice and even our modern one-named deity, Madonna, is rumored to have named her latest album "Licorice."

With thousands of years of history and a global footprint behind it, licorice candies are today available in a dizzying array of shapes and styles from all over the world. From hard tablets to gummy logs to salty lozenges, Cool Hunting taste testers did the hard work of chewing through the choices and have the following recommendations to suit every preference.

Haribo Wheels
Rated as "perfect" by numerous testers, these seem to hit all the marks. They're a little sweet, a little salty, a little soft and a little chewy. The spiraled rope can be enjoyed two ways: by unspooling it into a long lace or by popping the whole wheel into your mouth. Get a five lb box of Haribo Wheels from the Candy Warehouse for $20.

Black Tire Tread
A great choice for those wanting a "classic" licorice flavor and texture, these offer substantial chunks that provide just the right amount of softness and chewiness. The licorice taste is not too sweet—flavorful but not overwhelming. Purchase a two oz. bar at Licorice International for $1.50.

Zout
Recommended for salty licorice neophytes or those who like a more moderate saltiness, we found these mouthwatering and complex with just the right amount of chewy density. Dubble Zout (above left) is a saltier variation in a coin shape. Get at one kg package for $15 at Licorice International.

Amarelli Sassolini
An initial doubt gave way to sheer delight on sampling these unusual candies—there's a lot here to like. "Sassolini" is fun to say, even if you don't know it means ("little stones"). And they do resemble small pebbles, with chunks of licorice coated in a vanilla candy shell. The crunchy outside gives way to a center with just the right texture and complex licorice flavor. Purchase ½ lb for $12 at Licorice International.

Licorice Piglets
Pigs give us many delicious foods, including ham, pork chops and, yes, bacon. Modern science has not yet given us "popcorn-style" pigs you can eat by the handful, though. This licorice steps in to fill the void, offering a mild flavor that appealed to even the licorice-haters in our midst. Get a tin for $15 from Licorice International.

Licorice Pipes
While candy cigarettes have been banned in several countries, researchers have not been able to prove a connection between licorice pipes and the dreaded "pretend cancer" and thus these remain on the market. No word as to whether eating these delicious chewy treats desensitizes children to the evils of pipe smoking—but since most children don't like licorice anyway, these are safely enjoyed by adults only. Get a pack of 10 for $8 from Licorice International.

Other Notable
Imagine licorice crossed with circus peanuts and you'd have Rockies, an unusual and sweet candy from the Netherlands. If you like these, you might also try another Dutch treat called Apekoppens (or "Ape Heads") which combines licorice and banana gummy.

Ralph Lauren Driving Sunglasses

by Ami Kealoha

Whether it's the retro '70s styling, the sinuous lines or our penchant for red accessories, these Ralph Lauren driving sunglasses recently made us take note in spite of their mega-brand pedigree. They're $220 and are available at select Ralph Lauren retail locations. Check their site to find an outpost near you.

Penhaligon's Luxury Crackers

by Ami Kealoha

For a truly fabulous way to ring in the New Year, Penhaligon's crackers feature a surprise that far outdoes the usual plastic tchotchke fare. The esteemed British purveyor of grooming products hides a small leather notebook, keychain or other gift (as well as a New Year's resolution) inside a package tied with sumptuous red velvet bows.

A set of six is £90 from Penhaligon's or $180 from London's Bathecary.

Also on Cool Hunting: Angry Christmas Crackers

Jason Linde: Wenge Clocks

by Watchismo

Architect Jason Linde created a series of clocks with unique display using a single stationary hand and a rotating dial for hours. Some feature double dials for both hours and minutes. Featuring wood veneered blocks and laser engraved dials, they range from $110-130.

Daily Dump Home Composting

by Lost At E Minor

Based in Bangalore, India, Daily Dump (an unfortunate but memorable name) offers designer clay composting containers that are a lot more rustic and stylish than the green plastic bins generally available in the West. Composting is a great way for both rural and urban households to minimize garbage while also producing nutrient-rich soil that can be used for household plants and homegrown produce.

They also offer several different models for different needs, and provide clear and easy instructions for how to start your own composting pot. If they're doing this in Bangalore, there's no reason why people can't do it in Baltimore.

Tariq Duff

by Fiona Killackey

For most of us our holiday snaps involve a few tourist-ridden temples, the beach, cocktails, the inside of a hotel room and some candid "look-at-my-tan" poses. Yet for London-based Tariq Duff, the images captured during his travels of the world have led to the Bahrain-native exhibiting around the world and selflessly donating any money earned to charities. CH caught up with Duff on a frozen day in London to discuss chemicals, charities and why he's eager to give back.

Why photography?
I've always had a good eye for detail and composition, so when I went traveling I picked up a camera for the first time in years and started snapping. Self-taught with no traditional upbringing on how to use a camera, I felt that this area was far more exciting. The interaction with people and different situations is what I really enjoy.

What's your earliest memory of being inspired by photographs?
I was around eight. I used to fly over to the U.K. for summer holidays in the countryside with my grandparents. My gramps was a keen amateur photographer and used to take photos of us and then show us how he used to convert the negatives into prints. The dark room, the funny red light, the smell of chemicals…

The biggest compliment you have received in relation to your art?
That it's moving. It tends to make people think of other things in life. Almost like an emotional grab.

How do you think technology helps/hinders the art of photography?
This part is always controversial. I have to say that if it weren't for technology I wouldn't have the photos that I have today. I'm not the techno type to waste time trying to correct an image. I act on impulse and the moment. I'm a trial and error type, which is why technology in art helps me in this area.

What music are you listening to as you write this?
Jackie Mittoo and The Soul Brothers: "Chicken And Booze"

Greatest memory that you didn't have the time/opportunity to capture?
When I briefly came back to London before heading off to Belize, I came across Bank tube station on a Tuesday morning at rush hour. All the builders were out having their "break" checking out the women exiting the tube. There was an old man slumped against the scaffolding with his elbow keeping him up with a cigarette in the other hand. The shot was perfect. Tube station in the foreground with this old man who forgot to put his tape measure away. The tape measure was extended out near his penis. Classic. He was just there watching the women with this tape measure extended out! Viagra? Who needs it!!!

You're involved with charities. What draws you to that side when you could so easily turn this into a profitable hobby?
I feel that I've had a lot of praise from my work at the expense of others. The people in the photos were friends that I meet on the road traveling. Most had nothing so I try and give a percentage of my proceeds to charity whenever I can. It's all about giving something back. I won't be here if I didn't have them...A lot of the times they made the shot.

Who's work do you really admire?
To be honest, I haven't really been in on the who's who in photography. I admire any strong image with depth. Some work that I enjoyed recently was that of Taryn Simon and Lee Miller. Andreas Gursky has always been a fave as well.

What makes a moment/face/place beautiful in your eyes?
The experience that comes with it.

Where can we see your work? Online at present. Hopefully I'll be able to exhibit some new pieces in the near future.

Anything else you'd like to say?
Don't waste the moment with being too technical. Just run with it and see what happens....