Swiss Maid Fudge of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Swiss Maid Fudge is a second generation candy store that has been located in the city of Wisconsin Dells since 1962. It is also the oldest (and in my opinion, the best) fudge store in the Wisconsin Dells area.

Swiss Maid Fudge started out small, offering just homemade fudge from an old family recipe. This fudge was made "live" in front of customers from the shop's large picture windows. Women dressed up in matching "Swiss-Maid" costumes did the work, showing off the fudge-making process to pedestrians. Swiss Maid used only the freshest ingredients, did not add any preservatives, and mixed all its fudge in huge copper pots over a lit gas fires. The fudge was then poured out onto a steel slab, "kneaded" for about a half-hour, and then placed into wooden "troughs" and allowed to set.

Over time, the product line of Swiss Maid Fudge increased. Fudge was offered in many flavors and types, from Rocky Road (containing marshmallows and nuts) to Turtle (containing pecans and caramel). Other items were introduced, such as caramel apples, chocolate covered pretzels, taffy, peanut (and other nut) brittles, and caramel popcorn. Eventually, a candy counter was installed which offered many dipped and individual chocolates. Eventually, a second candy counter was installed which offered sugar-free (diabetic) chocolate candies and caramels.

Over time, too, the "Swiss-Maid" dressed women were no longer displayed in costume, mixing their fudge. Sadly, the store hardly ever shows the fudge-mixing process as it once used to. Still, the old show areas are kept open, and in busy seasons are used by workers for either the mixing of fudge, the dipping of apples, or the making of caramel corn.

More important than showing off "Swiss-Maids" at work, though, the store still makes its fudge in the same way. Small batches of fresh ingredients are still mixed together, poured out, kneaded, and then allowed to set. There are still no preservatives added, making the shelf-life of Swiss Maid fudge short and sweet.