Ask a Louisvillian about local food and you’ll probably hear about bourbon, hot browns, and horse racing. But ask them about Christmas candy and you’re sure to hear someone say the word modjeska. If you haven’t had the pleasure, it’s a soft marshmallow wrapped in a thick, buttery caramel, and it’s a Kentucky mainstay for good reason.

The story behind the name is a good one. Back in the late 1800s, a Louisville candy maker named Anton Busath created the treat and named it after Helena Modjeska, a famous Polish actress who performed in the city. She was so pleased that she sent him an autographed portrait. After a fire destroyed his shop in 1947, his family passed the recipe along to Rudy Muth, and Muth’s Candies has been making modjeskas in Louisville ever since. (How’s that for a sweet little piece of history?) Luckily, you can make your own right at home!

What Ingredients Do You Need for Modjeskas?

• Heavy cream.
• Sugar and light corn syrup.
• Butter.
• Vanilla and a little salt.
• Large marshmallows.

I like to finish mine with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, but that’s totally optional.

How Do You Make Modjeskas?

As far as candy goes, they’re pretty easy. Here’s how you do it:

Start by cutting your marshmallows in half horizontally so you have two smaller circles, then get a baking sheet prepared because once the caramel is done, you’ll want to pretty move fast. Cook the sugar, corn syrup, and the cream together, adding the butter a little at a time, until the mixture reaches 238°F on a candy thermometer. (Yes, you do need the thermometer. Sorry.)

Stir in the vanilla and salt, let it cool for a few minutes, then dip each marshmallow half into the caramel with a fork or spoon, uncut side down. Slide them onto the baking sheet (a butter knife helps here). They need about 2 hours to set, then you can wrap each one in wax paper and twist the ends, which makes them look like they came from a candy shop!

You can also spoon them into baking cups if you prefer to serve or present them that way. It helps the caramel set up in a neat round form.

Why Do the Marshmallows Need to Be Cut in Half?

Cutting them gives you the perfect ratio, plenty of caramel and just enough marshmallow. Plus it makes them bite-sized!

How Do You Store and Give Modjeskas?

Keep the wrapped candies in a cool, dry place. They make a wonderful gift in a small tin or box tied with twine, and any extra caramel in the pot is delicious over vanilla ice cream.