Alyse Thompson-Richards

For the residents of Tuscola, Ill., stepping into Flesor’s Candy Kitchen feels like going back in time.

In a way, sliding fruits and nuts between two slabs of chocolate is just like spreading peanut butter and jelly between two slices of bread.

For Phyllis LeBlanc, hand dipping chocolates at Harbor Sweets meant more than a steady paycheck during her time at Salem State College — it was an exercise in what would become her future.

If creating candy is like juggling, then for many confectioners, starches are like a third hand.

 Hollywood Candy Girls creator Jackie Sorkin doesn’t get star struck — unless Oprah is involved, that is.