About Us

2008                                                                                                          

The birth of Butterfly Brittles was a culmination of heart-warming experiences, special family and friend gatherings, and my love for travels, delicious food, and wines.  I’ve always enjoyed pleasing palates and breaking bread with my family and friends and over the years gifted members of our village with treats from our kitchen.  In 2008, I took a big step to share one of those treats and introduced our version of the classic peanut brittle to the world, hence, our buttery, light, and crunchy Original Peanut Brittle. My vision was to bring crunchy decadent morsels of candy brittles to the market that compliments indulging opportunities and the finer things in life -- fine wines, gourmet cheeses, and of course, desserts. I began my journey by joining the National Association for The Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) as Member Candidate.  Almost immediately, I learned that I would need to bring a minimum of 4 varietals to the Summer of 2009 Fancy Food Summer Show in New York City.   I went to work concocting some of my favorite ingredients that would please sophisticated palates, and serve as gifts of gratitude, friendship, love, or expressions of just because.

2009 - Early 2013                                                                                                     

With the expertise and guidance of NASFT, Butterfly Brittle introduced four original varietals (Original Peanut, No Nut Coconut, Spicy Pecan, and Zesty Pistachio) in the “newbie” section at New York City’s Javits Center Fancy Food Show in June.  Our “feel good” gifts, were well received by the media with two front-page images on the front page of USA Today; and a live interview with Joel Riddell to share Butterfly Brittles’ story with KGO's audience during California’s largest wine tasting event, the San Francisco Chronicle. Our simply indulgent gourmet brittles, their uniquely decorative packaging, and the nutty, buttery, light, and crunchy deliciousness adds to any social gathering, or as a gift to acknowledge someone's goodness.  Our hope is to enhance special gatherings and level-up wine and gourmet cheese experiences. 

2010–2013                                                                                                     

Butterfly Brittle took to the road, participating in wine tastings throughout California’s major wine regions (Napa Valley, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County).  We also participated in numerous non-profit organizations' fundraising events, including the Junior League of Orange County, Junior League of Los Angeles, Junior League of New York City, and CA Wine Festivals.  Butterfly Brittle introduced their chocolate varietal “Wow” Cacao to expand our presence at the Ghirardelli and TasteTV’s International Chocolate Salons throughout California.  The Butterfly Brittle website was launched, attracting online purchases and partnerships to expand our reach in U.S. markets. with Our varietals were carried at several gourmet shops, including the Wine House in West Los Angeles, and we were commissioned to produce a miniature version pillow treat of our No Nut Coconut for La Bellasera Hotel and Suites in Paso Robles.

2013                                                                                                              

Ardie’s personal commitment and obligations as a single mother of two teenage daughters required that she reassess time and financial requirements to satisfy her daughter’s aspirations as they completed high school and college education goals.  Although heartbreaking, a tough decision was made to assume a corporate sales specialist role to support the financial needs of my family.

2022                                                                                                            

COVID-19 had a major impact on all of us.  Many lost loved ones during the horrific pandemic, many lives were completely upended, and as we know, our lives will never be the same. Thankfully, we did not experience lives lost among “our village”, however, it brought opportunities to contemplate and ponder potential pivots; what’s really important moving forward; and how we can contribute to a better world, bring a bit of happiness to the lives of others, and offer a difference in the creation of good days and thoughtful exchanges.  

For me, the answer was the relaunch of Butterfly Brittles.  It served as one of the most fulfilling times in my lifetime, allowing me to bring together all the things that mean so much to me…good culinary experiences, creative and beautiful decorating of gift-giving opportunities, expansion of my wine knowledge and enjoyment, and finally, what I enjoy most in life… traveling and enjoying the company of others while I bring our simply indulgent gourmet brittles back into the market.

We source the finest and freshest ingredients from local suppliers to produce our gluten and preservative-free artisan brittle varietals in small batches to create the greatest quality delicate treats with a little southern charm and flair bundled in each package.