ELEGANT EATS

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE, CHOCOLATE LOVERS

By CAROLINE WOON

HALGREN’S CANDIES in Ontario has done more than just satisfy the sweet tooth of local residents, it has created lasting memories for those lucky enough to sample their homespun treats time and time again.

Established in 1957 by David and Margaret Halgren, the family business took root in a small garage featuring a modest selection of homemade jams, jellies and citrus candies.

Halgren’s gradually expanded its product line to include a decadent variety of handmade chocolates, ranging from creamy fudge squares to gooey caramel-laced turtles, not to mention freshly dipped fruits such as the trademark chocolate-covered strawberries.

“We were the very first store in Southern California to offer chocolate strawberries and it has become our specialty,” manager Henry Delgado said. “They are 100-percent fresh, made-to-order and dipped in nothing but pure Belgian chocolate.”

Other mouthwatering sweets served up daily at this area landmark, which now boasts an impressive 4,000-square-foot factory, are sinfully delicious frozen dipped bananas, English toffee, brandied cherries and crisp Granny Smith apples drenched in layers of caramel, chocolate and mixed nuts.

Kid-friendly favorites like chocolate-covered pretzels, gummy bears and Rice Krispies treats are display case staples, as are the store’s signature liqueur flavored truffles and nutty peanut butter cups.

Halgren’s also has an extensive health-conscious assortment of sugar-free confections, and its guilty and not-so-guilty pleasures are available online and by phone. Backed by a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee, orders placed for these delectable delights may be shipped next day anywhere in the U.S. or delivered right to your front door within a 30-mile radius.

With the arrival of Valentine’s Day, the company’s busiest time of the year, chocolate lovers can rejoice as the staff at Halgren’s is working double-time to produce heavenly creations for sweethearts everywhere.

A whopping 5,000 pounds of plump, juicy strawberries will get the royal treatment as they are lovingly prepared and carefully packaged.

Naturally, this commitment to keeping folks happy translates to a remarkably successful family-run operation that has become a local institution.

Even young high school students wishing to take a crash course in the delicate art of candy-making can get a sense of the tradition that Halgren’s embodies while scoring some yummy free samples in the process.

Through the years, Delgado has led countless guided tours through the facility for curious students from nearby schools who can witness firsthand Halgren’s special brand of confectionery magic before tasting the finished product at peak freshness.

But what is the true secret to the store’s lasting popularity? “Halgren’s is just such a family-friendly place,” Delgado said. “I can’t tell you how often customers share with me the fond memories they have of coming to Halgren’s as children with their parents or grandparents. It really is a wonderful thing.”

Halgren's Candies
1206 N. Grove Ave., Ontario
(909) 986-4836,
www.halgrens.com