Sweets to Eat: Localicious

The Best Places for Packaged Holiday Sweets

“Just hear those sleigh bells jingle-ing, ring-ting tingle-ing, too, Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.” The cold crisp air has hit Northern California, and while we don’t all have snow and sleigh rides, we do have the holiday spirit in full swing. From fresh-cut trees to hot cocoa and a night spent with family looking at the twinkling, the holidays are here. Are you searching for the perfect sugar cookie or box of chocolates? Look no further! In this month’s Localicious you’ll find the best local places for packaged sweets to eat!

Tied Up With A Bow

Every child enjoys walking into a candy store, with the warm smell of freshly made chocolate mixed with sweet caramel, and everything displayed just so. Perhaps it’s an adult’s dream as well. Stop by Pumpkinland Chocolate Company (pictured on the cover this month) on Hwy 99 outside the city of Red Bluff for treats like chocolate turtles and homemade truffles in a true chocolate factory. With long, glass cases filled with decadent candies, you’re sure to find the perfect assortment for a box of chocolates. Not only can you find mouth-watering sweets, but Pumpkinland also has seasonal vegetables and fruit.

Now with two Chico locations, it’s even easier to find Shubert’s. Whether you love their iconic Shubert’s mints or have a craving for walnut chews and honeycomb, they’ve got you covered. Shubert’s offers a full range of chocolates; boxes can be ordered in ½ pound, 1-pound or 2-pound increments. Family-owned since 1938, this ice cream and candy store is known for its “everything from scratch” methods.

Sweet Chico Confections in the downtown area of Chico has fun written all over the walls and offers stocking stuffers galore and treats for everybody on your gift list! They also offer great party favors and novelty gifts.

Willy Wonka would be proud if he strolled into Shasta’s Chocolate Emporium in Yreka. Huge lollipops the size of your face and every flavor of taffy imaginable greets you as you walk into this candy wonderland. Located in northern Siskiyou County, this sugar rush is worth the trip. Stop in for a treat and some great stocking stuffers.

Finally, in Mt. Shasta, Mountain Song Natural Foods store offers a delicious award-winning Honey Essence Chocolates that are naturally gluten-free, and are made with natural ingredients in a variety of tempting flavors. They are individually wrapped for easy gift-giving.

For a homemade boxed-up confection, try these chocolate buttermint chews. You’ll need a candy mold for this one. Happy Holidays!

Chocolate Buttermint Chews

Makes 30 chocolates
Cook time 5 minutes

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup dark chocolate
• 1 cup coconut sugar

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the butter, coconut milk, and coconut sugar. Heat to medium and constantly stir as the solids melt. Once melted, add in the cocoa powder and tapioca flour, stirring all the while. Once combined, add the dark chocolate chips and stir until completely melted.

Turn off the heat and add the peppermint extract.

Place the candy mold on a cookie sheet. Carefully pour the sauce into the mold. Move cookie sheet and mold into the freezer for 1-2 hours. Once set, the chocolates pop out of the molds easily.

Localicious is a monthly column celebrating food in the North State. If you would like to suggest a food-related business or organization, email us at  localicious@northstateparent.com.