Alaska: KetchiCandies

OK, I'm on a ship cruising the Inside Passage in Alaska and I'm dying for fresh home made chocolate. Then we arrive for a short stop in Ketchikan. I get off the boat to stretch my legs and look for bald eagles when I smell that wonderful "choco" whiff. I passed the salmon swimming up stream and headed straight for KetchiCandies.

HOME MADE CHOCOLATES!! Every thing I could have ever asked for. These guys make it all and I bought it all. I armed my way past the other chocoholics to the counter and walked away with $100 worth of chocolate covered oreos, samplers, grahams, smores, caramels, etc. Enough to keep me fat and happy for the rest of the cruise.

Thank you KetchiCandies for being an Oasis of Chocolate in the middle of nowhere.

All Candy Expo and my new friend Jacques Torres

Always love visiting this great convention. So much chocolate- so little time.

Highlight- meeting Jacques Torres!

Bay Area: Aida Opera Candies

A throw back to Grandpa Tony's 1947 business. This store is run out of Burlingame, Ca. I bought and ate the 8 oz sample box as well as several "foiled candies". It was all terrific. "Rocky Road" and "Crunchy Honeycomb" are worth the trip! (www.aidacandies.com)

Colts Bolts

Don't know is any of you have ever had one of these "peanut butter" cups, but the addition of almonds makes this a special treat. 2 oz is the perfect size for a mid-afternoon snack. Made in Nashville, TN., I found these in California. Sold in specialty stores. The website shoes other products I can't wait to try (www.coltschocolates.com).