INSIDE SCOOP

Over 50 Years of Sweetness

Donna Jean's Caramels

In a kitchen on the mountain, butter, sugar and cream turn into sweet bliss.

 “It’s so fun cooking for people who love it,” says Donna Jean Wulf, maker of luscious Donna Jean’s Carmels.  This generous spirit, and a sure skill with candy, supplies the Northwest with the meltingest old-fashioned caramels you’ll ever enjoy.

Donna Jean and her husband Larry make and wrap each batch in their candy kitchen in Brightwood.  She keeps it simple:  mainly vanilla, with smaller batches of dark coffee-flavored caramels.  These are shipped to retail locations in seven western states, as well as Liberty Orchards (makers of Aplets & Cotlets), Made in Oregon’s store chain, and several shops in local Mt. Hood communities, including the Huckleberry Inn, Mt. Hood Foods, Mt. Hood Village RV Park, and Wy’East Book Shop and Art Gallery.  “We’ll ship anywhere,” she assures potential customers.

Donna Jean’s been making caramel for over 50 years, ever since she adapted a number of other recipes into her own creation when she was a girl.  However, candy and business didn’t mix until 1996.  At that time the Wulfs were living in Vancouver WA, and Donna Jean was waitressing.  When she decided she’d like to find something else to do, she heeded the advice of friends and family.

“Everybody said ‘Do the caramel instead,’” she remembers.

Full of good humor, Donna Jean and Larry chose April 1st as their official launch day for Donna Jean’s Carmels.  No fooling or tricks there – they’ve been in business non-stop ever since, starting in Vancouver and later in Woodland WA.  Then in 2002 the Wulfs wanted to come and live up on the mountain.  They made their home in Rhododendron and moved the candy kitchen to Brightwood, where you can call and order caramels to this day.

When you’re shopping in the Villages of Mt. Hood, be sure to pick up some delicious, freshly made local caramels.  They make special holiday gifts or stocking stuffers.  Asked if she’d like to pass on a message to all her fans old and new, Donna Jean reflects that most important to her is God and her family – Larry, her son Nathan, daughter-in-law Rachel, and granddaughters Hayley and Taylor.  She adds, “Thank you for buying our caramels.  They’re the best around.  God bless you, and remember what Christmas is all about!”

Donna Jean’s Caramels
PO Box 595
Brightwood OR 97011
503.622.0567
When ordering directly from Donna Jean, $20/lb. plus shipping.
Orders of 5 lbs or more, $20/lb. and shipping included.

September/October 2007 « Back to this issue...