When I pulled up to Kellerhaus – a candy and ice cream shop in Weirs Beach, NH - a light snow was falling. Twinkling Christmas lights covered the building. The place could have passed for Santa's workshop. Inside, it looked like Santa's shop too. The gift shop shelves were loaded with jewelry and other gifts items – and then there was the candy shop, where the candy is homemade.

Row after row of every candy imaginable, including the colorful ribbon candy that Kellerhaus is famous for, lined the shelves. A chocoholic's dream!

Kellerhaus is owned by Mary Ellen and Dave Dutton, and they are very "hands on" owners. The Dutton’s even make their own ribbon candy, one of the few places in the US that still makes the confection. They’ve shipped their ribbon candy all over the US and even Alaska and England.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see the ribbon candy being made. Mary Ellen explained that ribbon candy can only be made when the humidity is at a certain level.

Luckily, Mary Ellen not only let me sample the chocolate candy, she invited me into the kitchen to help make it. I followed her to candy-making headquarters and met Leia, a friendly candy maker who obviously loves her job.

"What could be more fun than making candy all day?" she said to me.

Well, I thought to myself, eating it, but I gave it a try.

Turns out it's a lot harder than Leia made it look, even with her offering helpful tips.

My peanut clusters stuck out like sore thumbs next to Leia's perfectly round ones. Mine were a little (OK, very) irregular and misshapen. They may not have looked very pretty, but they sure tasted good!

Kellarhaus offers candy-making parties, which is my idea of a good time. And -you can eat your mistakes! These parties are a favorite among children and adults. They also host make-your-own sundae parties, too.

Besides the candy and gift shop, Kellerhaus has a soda shop that is hopping in the summer.

I hope my mother-in-law isn't reading this, because I ordered her some ribbon candy (her favorite) for Christmas. If you can't visit Kellerhaus in person, you can order your own ribbon candy, or some of their other delicious candy, at their website or call 1-888-KLR-HAUS (1-888-557-4287) Toll Free or 1-603-366-4466.