Chocolates and Candy Confections.

• Author: Anderson, Tasha
• Position: EAT

Some may think of February as the best time of the year to partake of Alaska's chocolate treats, but that's ridiculous--every month is the right month to check out Alaska's fine chocolatiers and candy confectioners. Throughout the state, these sugar specialists source local products when possible and ship in the highest quality products for what remains, creating unique, delicious, Alaska products. Each shop offers online ordering options, so great chocolate is never out of reach in the 49th State.

The Fudge Pot 515 First Avenue, Fairbanks: Available year-round both in the store and online, The Fudge Pot, Alaska's farthest north fudge store, specializes in making fudge. The company states, "All of our fudge is made from the finest ingredients and made with real cream and butter. Our fudge selections are the most pleasing sweets available in Alaska and they're made right here in our Fairbanks kitchen." Flavors range from caramel vanilla to cookie dough to fudge with M&Ms. theludgepot.com

Mrs. Claus Chocolate Bar 59 College Road, Fairbanks: The chocolate selections at Mrs. Claus Chocolate Bar are "made with the spirit of the North Pole," spreading cheer throughout the year. Their Bacon Mousse Crunch bar was a winner at the 2017 Fairbanks Beer and Bacon festival and features peanut butter, toffee, and chewy caramel Other offerings include the black bear crunch, dark chocolate caramel macadamia, white wolf chocolate, white chocolate cherry crunch, grizzly toffee peanut, and sugar-free, paleo, and low carb options, mrsddwschocolatebar.com

Hot Hot Chocolate Shoppe 550 S. Alaska Street, Palmer: Located in downtown Palmer, the Hot Hot Chocolate Shoppe "specializes in unique, gourmet truffles and chocolate, made in shop." Guests can enjoy not just chocolates and truffles but hot drinking chocolate, gourmet baked products, and hand-made soaps and scrubs. Other treats include chocolate covered cookies and pretzels, giant peanut butter cups, and other creative treats, as well as custom requests The shop offers gluten-free treats as well. @hothotchocolateshoppe

KetchiCandies 315 Mission Street, Ketchikan: Chocolates are handcrafted at this chocolate and treat shop, including fudge, chocolates, and novelty candies. KetchiCandies' fudge (made using real cream and pure butter) flavors include chocolate walnut, chocolate pecan, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla, and penuche (maple) with or without nuts. Their chocolate treats include truffles, nut clusters...