Candy Cove and Courthouse Shops

Where: Old Courthouse Square at Routes 231 and 55, Crown Point Information: 219-663-8174 or www.candycovecp.com

Alyssa Belko of Valparaiso has been spending much of this holiday shopping month telling customers she’s out of “Rudolph’s Noses.” Her reference to the famous red snout of the tiniest of reindeer is candy code at South Bend Chocolate Company at their downtown Valparaiso location.

“What we call ‘Rudolph Noses’ are really red shiny candy-coated malt balls that would normally sell for $7.99 for an

eight-ounce bag, but we don’t have any more right now,” Belko laments.

“They probably still have them at the many outlet locations in South Bend, though.”

But what Belko does have plenty of, and also sells plenty of during December, is South Bend Chocolate Co.’s hot chocolate.

“Our hot chocolate is so good and it’s only made here in our attached café for sale,” Belko said.

“We don’t sell any powder mixes, so people buy gift cards to give to family and friends to come in and get their own warm mug of happiness.”

What is sold over the counter by Belko, who has worked at the shop for four years, includes the artistic and appetizing molded chocolate creations sold only at Christmas time in the likeness of Santa.

“We have a 14-ounce hollow chocolate Santa that is sold for $11.99, or if you want to really go big, we have the ‘better-be-good-all-year-long’ solid chocolate 60-pound Santa to nibble until next Christmas, which is available for $499.”