Oprah's Favorite Things Include This Detroit Made Potato Chip

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) One of the most coveted stamps of approval in the world was bestowed on the makers of a Detroit potato chip.

That's right, they're one of Oprah's favorite things for 2016.

Overnight, Detroit Friends Potato Chips became a No. 1 seller on amazon.

But getting to that point was no easy task, according to Michael Wimberly, owner of the company. It took 18 months after they were contacted to find out they had actually made the list.

"It was like being on an episode of The Apprentice, it was a lot of work and a lot of changes," Wimberly said.

Proceeds from chip sales go to their soup kitchen, where they provide jobs and grow their own potatoes in vacant lots turned into gardens.

Beyond expanded sales, Wimberly hopes the honor spotlights an even bigger problem.

"Oprah blessing us like this means that we won't get overlooked because we come from a vulnerable community," he said.

The potato chip gift set Oprah recommends costs $35. "(It's) a terrific chip that actually tastes like a sliced potato. I'll snack to that!" she wrote in her recommendation.

The chips have recommendations from other sources, as well. Each bag of Friends' chips are fried by hand, in small batches, right here in the city, according to coredetroit.com, which writes, "We're huge fans of the lemon pepper, but both are pretty awesome."

The manufacturing goes beyond the small batch concept: Three people craft each small batch, then another three people package each brown paper bag.

"They taste like something you made in your own kitchen. If you had time to make small-batch potato chips, that is," according to Metro Times.

The full list of the former daytime talk show queen's 104 favorite things for 2016 include a key chain attached to an app that never lets you lose your keys, scented fire starters, fitbit, a "snug but sleek" Lands End coat, custom dog blankets and much, much more.