celebrating Chocolate Mint Day with Mordens’ Chocolate
I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and like pretty much everyone in Manitoba, ate my share of Mordens’ Russian Mints whenever it was time for special chocolate. Mordens’ of Winnipeg are the creators of the Russian Mints–a special treat that combines the flavours of chocolate and mint in a creamy meltaway milk chocolate. What a great way to celebrate Chocolate Mint Day every February 19th!
These milk chocolate rectangles are enhanced with mint oil for that perfect chocolate/mint experience. I would love to see them made just a bit smaller, as at their current size, they are a tad too big to put in my mouth at once, and as you want to let it melt slowly in your mouth, what do you do with the other half? (My husband happily took the other half of my Russian Mint off my hands so that I didn’t have to worry about that.)
Fred Morden stands by one of the copper kettles used to make Mordens’ confections.
Mordens’ of Winnipeg was opened in 1959 by Fred’s father Blake Morden, the same year that present-day CEO Fred Morden (Junior) was born. Fred is named after his grandfather, Fred Morden (Senior), and spent many years working alongside his father and grandfather in the family business. “When my Dad started this business, peanut brittle was our major product,” says Fred Jr.
Peanut Brittle is still a favourite product of many customers at Mordens’ of Winnipeg, a chocolatier and custom nut roasting shop run by Fred Morden and his sister Cara Parry.
“I was the kid who bent the hard candy to make candy canes,” said Fred, reflecting back on his early years of helping out in the family business after school and on weekends.
mordens chocolate celebrates 60+ years of serving winnipeg
Today, the company has 25 staff, and is making a wide range of chocolates, confections, and roasted nuts that are available at Sobey’s stores throughout Manitoba and other select locations including the Winnipeg International Airport.
But despite the fact that Mordens’ products are available at a large number of retailers around the province, the bulk of the company’s sales are made from their factory location at 674 Sargent Avenue in the West End of Winnipeg. “Seventy-five percent of our total sales are made right here at our Sargent Avenue location,” says Fred. “And of that, the Russian Mints are our biggest seller, representing about 60 percent of the company’s total sales.” Peanut brittle and toasted coconut marshmallows are other long-time favourites of Mordens’ customers.
Aren’t these cute? And they taste as good as they look. Mordens’ Bear Claws are among my favourite made-in-Manitoba confections.
But that doesn’t stop Mordens’ from coming up with new creations to entice their customers. I fell in love with the “Bear Claws,” a disc of soft caramel topped with a thin layer of hardened vanilla ganache, and adorned with salted roasted cashews to signify the bear’s claws. They are delicious and a salute to Manitoba’s polar bear population up in Churchill. Mordens’ also offers an ever-changing lineup of seasonal products throughout the year.
Mordens’ of Winnipeg loves to decorate their shop for every seasonal event. The chocolate bunnies seem to multiply themselves each spring in anticipation of Easter!
I think many Manitobans are like me, and have driven by the Sargent Avenue location of Mordens’ Chocolate in Winnipeg many times, but have never taken the time to stop in. But now that I’ve been, and have taken the time to taste my way through the offerings, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane and the experience of once again feeling like a kid in a candy store! I encourage you to do the same, the next time you find yourself in the West End of Winnipeg, or if you’re looking for a truly Winnipeg-flavoured gift to bring home on your chocolate travels. Mordens’ also has a shiny new website for you to explore and order from. Call (204) 783-4551 for other options. 😊 #ShopLocalMB
I always bring Morden’s peanut brittle, mints and assorted chocolates to share with our Florida friends. We love their Manitoba-made chocolate and other treats!
The images are really mouth watery. Mint chocolates are a good idea, I have never tried them before. Now I will definitely look to have some.
Hi Tushita. Mint chocolates are really big here in Canada. The commercial ones we’ve seen across the country have been the After 8 dinner mints. But many chocolatiers and chocolate makers are now infusing fresh mint or mint oil into chocolate and it’s quite delightful.
I like chocolate and mint together. Some restaurant around here used to (well, they still might, but I haven’t been there for years!) give the tiniest mint chocolate with your tab. They, like you said of these, melt in your mouth. Oh yum! Sounds like another place I must visit with you some day!
RoseMary, I think we could have some absolutely delicious adventures together. I hope it will be soon.
Mint chocolates are tasty particularly if with honeycomb so there is an element of crunch. I usually indulge in such chocolates during the Christmas period.
The peanut brittle looks like a mixture of sweet and savoury – right up my street. I like anything with peanuts though they seem not to agree with me as I am guaranteed to inherit a spot on my jawline soon after eating them.
Just reading your post wants to make me bite into the chocolate bars. Love the chocolate mint experiment! Very appetizing!
I’ve never heard of Mordens or the Russian mints, but I know I’d love them because that’s my favorite flavor combination. The bear claws are a unique combination too, and they seem very appropriate coming from Manitoba! I love that your entire blog is devoted to chocolate. I just learned there’s a relatively new chocolatier near our home with weekly tours, so I’m planning to check it out!
Thanks so much for your comment, Tami. Yes, Chocolatour is all about chocolate travel. I hope you will subscribe, and continue the journey with me. Where are you located, and what is the name of the chocolatier you speak of?
It’s called Chuao, in Carlsbad, CA! Their tours are on Fridays. They’re supposedly the first Venezuelan chocolatiers in the US.
I have eaten their chocolate. It is good, but not great in my humble opinion. But then, I only tried one of their bars that I purchased somewhere in a store. I’ve never been too their factory location. If you go, let me know how it goes! Thanks, and thanks, also for your reply.
I’ve never heard of Morden’s chocolate mints before. But they sound yummy. I remember getting chocolate mint candies in restaurants as a kid. There would often be a bowl of them on the way out. I forgot how good those are. I imagine Morden’s candies are even better.
Indeed, Erica! There’s quite a difference between mass-produced chocolate candy, and handcrafted chocolate and chocolate confections. with regard to the taste, and also the health benefits/implications. Thx for stopping by.
I find myself coming to your site more and more
often to the point where my visits are almost daily now!
Thanks for your comment, and for alerting me to Frango Mints. I had never heard of them before, but they do sound a lot like the Mordens’ Russian Mints.
Between Morden’s Russian mints and the bear claws, I may have to rethink curbing my sweet tooth Doreen.
You know, as I was reading about Morden’s and enjoying your beautiful photos it occurred to me that aside from the obvious art and craftsmanship of this business, they bring such joy to the world. What a lovely way to make a living, always knowing that you bring smiles to the people you serve. 🙂
That is so true, Marty. I remember interviewing a Belgian chocolatier back in 2009, and he said to me, “Doreen, I feel like a drug dealer. I make people happy everyday.” I never forgot that, as it is such a great analogy.
Oh my goodness! Chocolate and mint is one of my all-time favorite flavor combinations. I think trying Mordens’ Russian Mints need to be on my list of things to do in Winnipeg. I would love to try the marshmallows and peanut brittle too. Thanks for the exposure to such wonderful delights.
You are most welcome, Jen. Thx for dropping by. I’m all for artisanal chocolate makers who use only pure chocolate in their creations. But I also have a great respect for chocolatiers and confectioners like Fred Morden who really love what they’re doing, and use only the best quality organic ingredients to make us happy. 🙂
I love the idea of popping right into the factory to buy these chocolates–ah, to the freshness of them…melting in our mouths. Yum! The bear claws are way too cute.
Hi Rose. Indeed. Getting fresh chocolates right from the source is a heavenly experience. I hope you have something similarly delish in your area.
Sound delicious like always 😀
Would love to try all of them one day.
You had me at chocolate 😀 Add this to my list of reasons to visit Winnipeg!! And toasted coconut marshmallows?? Wow! Sweet-tooth heaven!
Hi Arienne and thanks for your comment. When is the last time you visited Wpg? I can’t believe all the changes (for the better) and new attractions. It’s my hometown, but I haven’t lived there since 1982.
OMG those bear claws look amazing!! Def shouldn’t have read this at 37 weeks pregnant lol — craving ALL the chocolate
Good luck with your pregnancy! A little dark chocolate will never hurt you.. It has many health benefits. the other confections … not so much.
Oooh, I lived in Belgium for 11 years so I’m pretty obsessed with chocolate. These look amazing and I’m adding them to my to-do list 🙂
Welcome to Chocolatour, Alison! If you love chocolate, you’ve certainly come to the right place. This site is all about travelling the world for chocolate. Please subscribe and join our wonderful community of chocolate lovers.
Wow! I had never heard of Morden’s of Winnipeg! I have cousins from Winnipeg so will have to share this with them. I’m sure they must have eaten plenty of Morden’s treats over the years. Those Russian Mints look delicious…and those bear paws – adorable! Looks like some Morden’s treats are a must-try next time I’m in Winnipeg!
Thanks so much for your comment, Sandy, and welcome to my blog! I would be most grateful if you do share my link with your cousins as there are many other posts about chocolate and attractions in and around Manitoba. Cheers, and please drop by again soon. 🙂
Nice to read about Morden’s in Winnipeg. I used to visit the store regularly to buy the Russian Mints as gifts, especially for my mother. I do like their new box and really like the size of these mints because I can take 3 delicious bites and the enjoyment is that much longer. Good for Mordens that the family business is still operating and continues to offer past and new favorites – thank you!!
Thanks so much for your comment, Marlene, and for sharing Mordens’ memories.
Always enjoyed them when I lived in Winnipeg. Was lucky on my last trip to have purchased a few boxes at the airport. Made me a big hit at the office. Bearclaws will be on the list when I come back to visit
Thx for confirming that Mordens’ products are available at the airport, Pat. I thought they were. So kind of you to have brought some back for your Vancouver co-workers. Cheers, and thx for stopping by.
Received some for Christmas! Like old friends..
Right on, Laurel! It’s so amazing how many people have a sentimental attachment to Mordens’ Chocolate. I’m glad I finally made the effort to visit the shop. Thx for sharing your thoughts. 🙂
My Aunt & Uncle introduced me to the Russian Mints a few years back. They are the perfect blend of chocolate and mint flavour! Now, maybe selfish, a box at Christmas from them is expected! Like most people on this post, I have never stopped in nor tried their vast array of goodies. Sounds like a great place to stop in when I have out of town guests that always want a “Winnipeg” experience
That is SO true, Cathy. Taking friends to Morden’s will really give them a taste of MB. They have chocolate bison, white chocolate bars featuring well-known MB landmarks, and MB-themed boxes of chocolates. I was quite surprised at the offerings!
Russian Mints….wonder how they got their name…always a seasonal ‘go to’. Also luv the coconut toasted mushmallows….mmmmm
It’s amazing how many people love those toasted coconut marshmallows! Yes, thanks for asking about the origin of the name of the Russian Mints. I’d neglected to ask that Q and am waiting for Fred to get back to me on that. Thx for stopping by the blog, Mary-Anne. I’m wondering if there is a Russian mint plant? Will have to look that up! 🙂
Never tried them but chocolate with mint is my favourite! Yum. 🙂
I like chocolates with mint so would love Morden’s mints. It’s lovely to read about the family and how they started. There aren’t so many family confectioners left any more.
Hi Mina. Nice to see you here again! Yes, I really respect businesses that have made it through multiple generations. It’s now four generations of the Morden family that have worked in the business.
Mmmemories of Mordens.
Both my Grandmother’s and my Mom-in-Law’s favourite were the toasted coconut marshmallows.
My personal favourite is dark chocolate-covered ginger.Each are supreme tests of my will-power. Can I stop at 2??
Thx for sharing your memories of Mordens’ Linda. It seems a lot of us have fond memories of those toasted coconut marshmallows. I know that my mother loved them, too. We have some of that dark choco covered ginger here right now. Come on over!
The peanut brittle looks tasty. I have such a sweet tooth.
Gees – confectionery business owners go to town to mark the various events throughout the year. Marketing certainly comes into play.
Hi Phoenicia and thanks for your comment. Yes, marketing does indeed come into play when you have any business, but I suppose it is critical for consumable products, where people tend to be more finicky. I definitely commend a business like Mordens’ that has withstood the test of time.
Moved to Milton, Ontario from Winnipeg almost five years ago and when I think of things I miss most about Manitoba, Morden’s Russian Mints quickly comes to mind. So elegant and smooth with an unforgettable flavor. YUM! I’m still surprised that they are not to be found beyond the border and still remain one of Manitoba’s best kept secrets! Doreen, in your research, did you uncover why they are called Russian mints? Must be a story behind that!
Hi Margaret and thx for your comment. Fred Morden has made it clear that he is content focusing on chocolate and candy/nut lovers of Manitoba, but believes that it is likely that the next generation of Morden leaders will take it to the next level and increase distribution. Good Q about the source of the Russian Mints name. I will seek out the A and advise.
How lovely that you have this special place! I grew up with “Peppermint Patties” and they are still around. Quite often, they are at the check-out counter in a store, and you pay for each little patty, by donation, with the minimum (suggested) price being 50c each. The money then goes to a local charity–so it’s a win for everyone. A little taste of mint chocolate for me, and some money for charity.
In the early 90s Girl Guides of Canada started selling a mint chocolate cookie, but they are usually only available around Christmas. I wish they’d sell them all year. I like them much better than the regular GG cookies. I’ll have to look around and see if I can find something similar to Morden’s here. All of those treats look wonderful!
Hi Christine, and thx so much for your comment sharing memories of chocolate mint. I remember those mint chocolate GG cookies!
I loved those Girl Guide cookies Christine. They were awesome! My daughter a Tim Horton’s cookie that has a similar taste, but still not as good as the GG ones.
I’m loving this nostalgic chocolate mint and Mordens’ discussion. Thx to everyone who has joined in.
Every month on my blog I try to put out a ‘Chocolate Calendar” for folks.
I love celebrating “Fun Food Holidays”! Thanks for this one.
You’re welcome, TammyJo! I find a lot of these chocolate days listed on the “Days of the Week” website. It’s always a great day to celebrate chocolate, isn’t it!? 🙂
I didn’t grow up in Manitoba, so my first taste of the Russian Mints was just last week. It would be criminal to do anything but let them melt on your tongue. Won’t be my last.
Glad you have enjoyed a Russian Mint, Wendy. They are nice to bring as a gift to bring when you visit your family out of province.
Excellent idea, Doreen. Fast and easy to get, too.
Fantastic pictures that makes me crave chocolate. Morden’s mints sound divine.
Thanks, Catarina. there’s something very photogenic about the divine world of chocolate, isn’t there? 🙂
I, too, have loved Morden’s Russian mints for many years. These mints truly melt in your mouth and are a great gift to take to people who do not live in Winnipeg. They are one of my favourite chocolates. My mother loved the coconut covered marshmallow, so your blog post has taken me on a trip down memory lane as well. Thanks for including the photo of their shop. It certainly looks inviting and I plan to stop in there when I am in Winnipeg.
Thanks for your comment, Bev, and for sharing your memories about Mordens’ of Winnipeg. Happy Chocolate Mint Day!
Love the Russian mints from Morden’s! Always so creamy and delicious!
So true, Laverne. Despite all the different chocolates that I get to sample, I still enjoy taking that trip down memory lane with Mordens’ Chocolate.
What a cool looking place. I agree those chocolate bear claws are really cute.
Mint with chocolate is always a winner in my mind.
Hi Susan. Thx for stopping by. With your creativity, I bet you could whip up something similar to the bear claws for your friends. Wish I lived closer, so that I could share in on some of your goodies. 🙂
I love Morden’s Russian mints. I haven’t tried the bear claws. I will have to. They look like they could become a new favourite.
Yay, Donna! Thx for being the first one to share some Mordens’ memories. Yes, the bear claws are really terrific. But I hope you have some Russian Mints on hand to celebrate Chocolate Mint Day. Cheers! 🙂