12 Shops of Christmas {2015}: Long Grove Confectionery Co.

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Welcome to Little Lake County’s 12 Shops of Christmas! Each day for 12 days, we will feature a wonderful local retailer as a way of encouraging our community to shop local this holiday season.

When you buy local, you are making an investment in yourself and your community. Learn more about these unique shops by doing business close to home.

Long Grove Confectionery Co.

If you’ve ever wondered what heaven would taste like, try one of Long Grove Confectionery’s famous Myrtles. The handcrafted candies are made with real whipping cream and butter and feature a decadent layer of fresh roasted and salted pecans or cashews that are topped with silky dark or milk chocolate, finished with a generous dollop of caramel. After one bite, you’ll be a believer.

Long Grove Confectionery opened in 1975 in a replica red schoolhouse. Visiting the original retail store, which still stands in Long Grove’s quaint and historic shopping district, is like stepping into Willy Wonka’s childhood home. Beautifully packaged treats line the shelves, while the sweet smells of buttery caramel and rich chocolate drift throughout the store. It’s impossible to resist trying one of the free samples and just as impossible to leave empty-handed.

Photo courtesy of Long Grove Confectionery Co.

The confectionery now operates a second 25,000-foot facility in Buffalo Grove, where all of the candy is now produced. The Buffalo Grove location offers factory tours, where visitors of all ages can watch artisans make magic out of melted chocolate. After the tour, visitors can browse the confectionery’s huge outlet store and receive discounts of up to 75 percent off retail prices. Beautifully packages gifts can also be purchased on its website.

“Our products are made by people who are deeply committed to their craft,” said Mary Prekop, director of brand, web and retail sales. “We take a tremendous amount of pride in the fact that parents, who remember our chocolates and treats from when they were kids, can buy their favorites with confidence for the next generation of Long Grove Confectionery fans.”

03364.Full — Photo courtesy of Long Grove Confectionery Co.

When you need a special holiday gift, Long Grove Confectionery has an assortment of seasonal treats — from dark chocolate peppermint creams to milk-chocolate-dipped marshmallows with Santa and reindeer felt toppers to reindeer and white snowman pops. For those with an aversion to chocolate (aghast!), Long Grove Confectionery offers plenty of unique selections, including its popular Apple Haus frozen apple pies, which are made with fresh apples, real butter and no preservatives, and then baked in a bag to seal in the gooey deliciousness.

Long Grove Confectionery also offers an array of barks, brittles, caramels, coated pretzels, peanut butter cups, meltaways, creams and assorted panned items.

10142.EngTof2 — Photo courtesy of Long Grove Confectionery Co.

“We make small batch gift options so our customers can have a more individualized giving experience,” Prekop said. “Easy to gift; delicious to get!”

Perhaps the best part of visiting this quaint and cozy shop (other than the free samples!) is the personal attention the staff gives. Employees go out of their way to help you select the perfect gift or treat.

“We as a company have deep roots in the Historic Village of Long Grove,” Prekop said. “We are very proud of all that is going on this holiday season in town to help families enjoy time together … Santa, carriage rides, lights and chocolate. If you haven’t been in a while, come and enjoy the magic of the season.”