I have just discovered that Little Debbie discontinued the Walnut Brownie—a delectable concoction of iced brownie with five hearty chips of walnuts on top for added joy. How can this be? Well friends—it be.

Before I completely changed my lifestyle habits for optimal health and hopeful longevity, I enjoyed many (and I stress the word “many”) of these delightful little brownie cakes along with a tall glass of cold 2% milk (I was trying, people). When my family and I attended birthday parties, church suppers or visited grandma, we would always check for the Little Debbie bowl. Whether you chose to admit it or not, there IS a Little Debbie bowl at most functions in the South. Now you folk from the North: I have never lived in the North, so I have no idea what was in your bowls.

When I spied the chewy creations, the tiny walnuts shining on a glossy chocolate background, I would close my eyes with happiness upon seeing the little square wrapped so snuggly in its cellophane packaging. I would always take one and stash one in my purse for later (surely you have done that and don’t judge me—maybe it wasn’t a Little Debbie brownie but perhaps a yeast roll, baked potato or homemade oatmeal raisin cookie). Being over 60 and happy to be here, along with continuing to eat healthier and keep fit, most desserts are simply sweet and chewy memories of the distant past. Sigh.

So out of curiosity, I looked up the Little Debbie Company. I found that it has been around since 1960 when O.D. and Ruth McKee began selling bakery products wholesale after having a bakery in Mississippi for years. The company is named for their granddaughter who is now serving as the Executive Vice President and is on the company Board of Directors.

Little Debbie is an American success story. Mr. McKee started selling baked goods door to door at the age of 16; later working at and then purchasing the Jack’s Cookie Company and then created the Little Debbie company owned by his family to this day.

I love American ingenuity stories. KFC, Wendy’s, Libby Glass Company, Crane Stationery, The Gooseberry Cookbook Company and Arm and Hammer are just a handful of the many companies born in our country and continuing operations for over 100 years. Small companies often begin in home kitchens, outdoor buildings, garages, spare bedrooms, and small bakeries as the Little Debbie company.

The United States of America is a land of opportunity, upward mobility, freedom and patriotism. I never want Americans to lose the drive to succeed, work hard and smart, persevere and uphold our freedoms.  Friends, if you live in or visit a small town, please make sure to shop the small family-owned businesses. You will be supporting industrious people who will give back to their town or community.

ADDENDUM:
I recently passed by the Little Debbie display at a local grocery store a couple of days ago. And what did my eyes perceive? A Little Debbie brownie . . . but with candy coated chocolate pieces on top. And more than five, mind you. But I have to admit, that is simply, and sadly, just not the same.