How Many Licks?

Some things never change.  I remember that owl on television.  He was cartoon-ish, and he dared children everywhere to fight the urge to chomp that lollipop to get to the candy center.  The owl wanted to know, "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?"

Ever since 1970, children everywhere have seen that commercial and have been licking their way to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop.  Myself included. Truth be told, I never licked my way to the candy center.  I always gave up and bit into the pop.

Tootsie Roll Pops have long been a favorite of mine, and they are now a favorite of my kids.  I have a small candy basket in our pantry, and it holds all the goods from Halloween and birthday parties.  After dinner the kids are allowed to peek inside this basket and pick a treat.

Before the dinner table is even cleared they look at me wide-eyed with hope and ask, "Mom?  Can I please have something from...the...ugh....candy basket?" How can I resist those little buggers?  They're so nervous every time they ask, you'd think they were asking to borrow the car. I always tell the kids yes, and they are always looking for that coveted Tootsie Pop.

They make a fantastic dessert.  In case anyone wanted to know, Tootsie Pops also make great microphones.

I like to pack small candies for them in my purse if we have to sit at their brother's football game, or their sister's gymnastics meet.  Tootsie Pops are my favorite "go to" item because they take a little longer to finish.  The pops are long-lasting and delightful; keeping my munchkins busy for ten times the amount of time it takes them to demolish a Kit Kat.

Unlike myself, my kids take their time and enjoy the candy coating.  They don't take two licks and bite to get to that delicious candy center like someone else in the family.

Tootsie Pops have been around long enough that they now have been incorporated into the classroom.  Literally.  My oldest son just finished up his first science experiment in 6th grade.  His teacher gave every child a Tootsie Pop, and asked them to lick their way to the center.  The teacher wanted to know, "How many licks?" It took my son 713. 

As for me, Tootsie Pops are the perfect treat when I just "need something."  Have you ever just "needed something?"  Such as after dinner or lunch?  It's almost as if I'm full, but not satisfied.  A small something sweet always does the trick, and with just 60 calories a pop, Tootsie Roll Pops are ideal.

While the red wrapper is my favorite, blue is just as dandy a candy.  Tootsie Roll has expanded the original five flavors of Cherry, Grape, Orange, Chocolate and Raspberry to include a sixth flavor that rotates between Pomegranate, Banana or Green Apple. If memory serves, no one ever wanted the Orange pop in 1985.

Tootsie Pop is hosting a contest via their Tootsie Roll or Tootsie Pop Facebook pages prompting fans to answer the "How many licks?" question by uploading a home video.  You 'll need to "Like" the Tootsie Roll page, click the “How Many Licks” Contest tab and then follow the instructions to submit your entry.  There will be weekly prizes, as well as a grand prize winner selected.  Contest begins October 1st and ends the 25th.

Now, my inquiring mind wants to know: What is YOUR favorite flavor?  What color wrapper do you reach for?  Comment and share!