Extra “Dessert Delights”: Willy Wonka’s idea becomes a reality

I’ll be honest. I’m on a diet. I’ve been on it for about 3 weeks. It’s at the point when I’d normally give up, so tired am I of “a handful of almonds” and string cheese and an apple to get me through the day. But I’ve managed to find a junk food-like novelty that can mitigate the impulse that would allow me to stab someone in the eye over a bag of M&Ms.

It’s gum! Not just any gum. It’s mint chocolate chip! I’ve been eyeing this gum ever since I saw a box of it on a dusty bodega shelf. When I saw a packet staring back at me in that gleaming Duane Reade at 59th street, I knew I had to take the plunge.

Perhaps it’s because it’s mint, as Features Editor Amber Ray suggested, that makes this gum not as gross as it sounds. Not being a fan of fruit, I haven’t tried the other flavors, like Apple Pie, Key Lime Pie, Orange Creme Pop and Strawberry Shortcake in order to know if they are all this realistic in flavor.

Coincidentally, on “Top Chef” tonight, I hear the quickfire challenge is to create a new flavor for the “Dessert Delights” line. I won’t say any more lest I ruin it for you…

But when is anyone going to get around to making the Willy Wonka gum?