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Have you bought your Halloween candy yet? Are you trying to make sure you have the most popular house on the block? Decorations play a part in that, but so does your choice of candy. Obviously, if you have the budget to spring for the full-size candy bars you automatically win. But most of us can’t do that or at least don’t choose to. So you probably want to focus on choosing just the right candy for your treat or treaters. That’s where our friends at BetCarolina come in. They conducted research on the most popular chocolate candy in each state. And the verdict is in for what North Carolina feels is the best chocolate candy.

Full disclosure, and you may blacklist me at this point, I don’t like chocolate. I know, I know, but I just do not like it all. Never have. So my opinion on which of these candies is the best is something I can’t offer up. So you’ll have to take BetCarolina’s word for it:

North Carolina Loves These Three Types of Chocolate Candy

Not only is Halloween coming up but National Chocolate Day is on Oct. 28th. Who knew? To determine this BetCarolina utilized research from Statista on the most consumed chocolate candy. They then utilized Google Trends to search the level of interest in each from Oct. 1, 2022, to October 18, 2023. That data was used to determine the Top 3 chocolate candies of each state. If you’re in North Carolina do you agree? Or do you prefer a different type of candy? Personally, Skittles and anything sour are my go-to candy options. Thanks to BetCarolina for sharing their research with us. You can read the full study here.

9 Worst Trick or Treat Handouts for Halloween

Halloween is the time of year when spookiness takes center stage, and creative costumes rule the streets. It’s also the day of the beloved tradition, trick-or-treating. Whether you’re a kid dreaming of a candy jackpot or an adult admiring the neighborhood’s costume creativity while handing out treats, it’s a highlight of the year.

However, you’ll always find that one neighbor who likes to shake things up by handing out something other than candy. It’s not always a bad thing, though. Some people do it for a good reason, like considering kids with dietary restrictions. But if you’re considering going outside the box, you should avoid certain trick-or-treat handouts.

Let’s talk about the Halloween horrors, the stuff no one wants in their trick-or-treat bag. First on the list are those infamous toothbrushes or dental floss packs. Halloween is the one night a year when kids can indulge in a sugar frenzy, and suddenly, you’re handed a dental hygiene product. It’s like being told to eat your veggies at a birthday party. Then there are the homemade treats. While some homemade goodies can be delicious, receiving unlabeled, homemade treats can make even the bravest trick-or-treater think twice; also, most parent’s won’t feel comfortable with that and may dispose of them. All of your hard work will go to waste! Safety is paramount on Halloween, and unwrapped or unlabeled edibles can raise concerns.

Another item to avoid is pennies. They’re not even worth the trip to the store, and they make you question if you’ve accidentally stumbled into a time machine back to the 1950s. If you’re going to give out money on Halloween, make it worthwhile if you can swing it. While Halloween is all about surprises, pennies are definitely not the kind of surprises anyone hopes for.

Take a look at some of the worst trick-or-treat handouts for Halloween.

The Chocolate Garden is one of three specialty gardens at Swan Lake Iris Gardens. It is filled with plants that look, smell or are named after chocolate.

SUMTER, S.C. — At Swan Lake Iris Gardens, the Sumter County Master Gardeners brought their shovels and they’re digging in to get the Chocolate Garden ready for winter.

Sheryn Lavanish became a master gardener in 2008.

"I love flowers! I love the color, I love the scent, I love everything about them," she shared. "I live outside. If I’m not in this garden, I’m in my garden."

And that’s not all she loves…

"Oh! I’m a chocoholic!" Lavanish exclaimed.

That is why she came up with the idea to start a Chocolate Garden in Sumter after hearing about the idea from a garden in Washington.

RELATED: Fall leaves could benefit your spring gardens

"And it absolutely intrigued me," she remembered. "It is supposed to be things in here that either smell like chocolate, have the chocolate color, or maybe the stems or the branches or the leaves have the chocolate color to them. And then there’s always some other color just to add some whimsy to the whole thing and just make it fun."

Now, Lavanish is working with other gardeners to get this garden ready for winter. On Wednesday, they had their final workday of the season. From planting winter vegetables to trimming back branches to laying down pine straw, there’s a lot of work to be done.

Janice Hilton is the president of the Sumter County Master Gardener Association.

"A master gardener is a person who’s been trained in a class by the [Clemson] Extension agents and has the knowledge to go out and find the answers to help people in their home gardens or even the farmers," she said.

RELATED: Program aims to protect South Carolina streams

Hilton tells me this preparation not only keeps the garden beautiful, but adding more plants to the soil is good for the environment.

"Sometimes our falls and winters can be either wet or they can be on the dry side, so it keeps the weeds out and the moisture in," Hilton explained. "Then over the winter, all of that is sort of composted down. The microbes and the little animals, the worms and things, break that down and then in the spring, it gives us a richer soil."

RELATED: Irmo’s community garden called 'Green Iceberg' is blooming

Hilton says their work at the Chocolate Garden can also be done in home gardens. If you’re wondering what to do, trimming back plants, removing dead blooms and planting winter plants can be a good start.

For more tips, Hilton says you can use the Clemson Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center at hgic.clemson.edu.

The Chocolate Moose announced on their Instagram account on Aug. 10 that they will cease operations on Aug. 29. The owners said the decision to close is due to difficulties in finding a viable business model following the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“While the bakery has been around for over nine years, the three of us [Emily Copp, Anne Marie O’Hara and Elizabeth Gibbs] have had the pleasure of ownership since March 2016,” said the Chocolate Moose in a statement on Instagram. “In that time, we enjoyed real success, and our business experienced amazing growth alongside the city and downtown that we love. But nothing could have prepared us for the impact of this global pandemic. For over five months, we’ve stretched ourselves creatively, physically, and financially, working to find a sustainable business model in a post COVID-19 world.”

The Chocolate Moose will continue to honor any outstanding gift card balances until it closes.

The bakery is located inside of M. Judson Booksellers at 130 S. Main St. in Greenville. For more information, visit thechocolatemoosesc.com or email hello@thechocolatemoosesc.com.

View this post on Instagram

We are heartbroken to announce that August 29th will be our last day operating The Chocolate Moose. While the bakery has been around for over 9 years, the three of us (Emily, Elizabeth & Anne Marie) have had the pleasure of ownership since March 2016. In that time, we enjoyed real success and our business experienced amazing growth alongside the city and downtown that we love. But nothing could have prepared us for the impact of this global pandemic. For over five months, we’ve stretched ourselves creatively, physically, and financially, working to find a sustainable business model in a post COVID-19 world. But sometimes good business ownership means knowing when to call it. And it’s time we call it. We’re not going anywhere just yet, so please come see us in the next few weeks and keep following us here for menu specials and updates on what’s to come. Outstanding gift card balances can be used through August 29. If you have specific questions or want to purchase our Browned Butter Chocolate Chip cookie recipe (bidding starts at $10,000 ;), send an email to hello@thechocolatemoosesc.com. Thank you for everything – your big orders and small kindnesses. Thank you for your likes and comments and in-person words of encouragement. But mostly, thank you for the memories.

A post shared by The Chocolate Moose Bakery (@thechocolatemoosesc) on Aug 10, 2020 at 8:38am PDT

As Americans prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, President Joe Biden ensured two ingredients won’t make it onto dinner plates Thursday: Chocolate and Chip.

On Monday morning, Biden pardoned the nation’s Thanksgiving turkeys he named Chocolate — after his favorite ice cream — and Chip, to match.

“I could have named them Chips and Science but anyways …” Biden joked, referencing the Chips and Science Act he signed into law in August.

Those names would have been appropriate for the birds since they’ll retire from serving in the nation’s capital this week to Raleigh where they’ll live out their lives at N.C. State University.

But first, they needed to stand before a crowd and proved they deserved a presidential pardoning. Temperatures during the ceremony remained in the 30s, so Biden promised the audience he’d keep his remarks short.

“Nobody likes their turkey to get cold,” Biden said.

Chocolate and Chip hail from North Carolina, both raised at Circle S Ranch in Monroe by National Turkey Federation chairman Ronnie Parker.

Biden told the crowd gathered on the South Lawn of the White House that Chocolate weighs 46 pounds and loves sunning on the Outer Banks.

Chip, he said, weighs 47 pounds and loves barbecue and basketball. Andrew Bates, Biden’s deputy press secretary raised in North Carolina, tweeted to McClatchy that a source close to Chip says he prefers Lexington-style barbecue.

Gov. Roy Cooper, his wife Kristin, and Rep. Dan Bishop, whose district includes Monroe, were in the crowd of onlookers watching the pardoning. The Coopers planned to travel back to North Carolina with the Bidens on Monday night for a Friendsgiving dinner with the troops at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

The birds would travel from the White House to N.C. State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

N.C. State is home to one of only six poultry departments in the country. Both birds will be housed in 100-square-foot, climate-controlled pens and brought to events like the State Fair and the N.C. State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Farm Animal Days for public viewing and educational opportunities.

NCSU said in a news release that agriculture is the state’s top industry and generates $90 billion each year. The news release stated that the poultry industry accounts for nearly 150,000 jobs at more than 5,000 farms in North Carolina and makes North Carolina second for turkey production and first in total poultry production across the country.

“When we told them they were joining the Wolfpack they got a little scared,” Biden said.

Above the turkeys, Biden’s German shepherd, Commander, stood on the Truman balcony next to Biden’s grandson, Beau, and barked down at the turkeys for added effect.

“We explained it was just the mascot at the school of one of the nation’s best poultry science departments in the country,” Biden said. “And now based on their temperament and commitment to be productive members of society, I hereby pardon Chocolate and Chip.”

Chocolate let out a warble at the announcement.

“That’s a big bird, man,” Biden said with a laugh, as he watched Chocolate be lifted onto the stage.

Monday marked the 75th turkey pardoning in the country’s history. Though the ceremony is known for being silly and full of dad jokes (Biden said the only “red wave” this year would be from Commander knocking over cranberry sauce) it is meant to remind Americans of the traditions the holiday holds and why we come together.

“We can’t forget the reasoning for Thanksgiving in the first place,” Biden said. “The Pilgrims thought it was pretty important in tough times to come together and thank God and be grateful for what we have. That’s what the Thanksgiving tradition is all about: being grateful for what we have and grateful for fellow Americans we’ve never met.”

This story was originally published November 21, 2022, 2:18 PM.

Quarantine, which was imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, quickly turned into an incubator for kitchen creations.

We learned how to make sourdough (and stressed over the yeast shortage that followed).

We stockpiled absurd amounts of bananas to bake banana bread.

We whipped up some dalgona coffee and paired it with pancake cereal.

Now? It’s getting chilly. So we’re making hot chocolate bombs.

Packed with goodies like hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, candies and more, these hollow chocolate balls are dropped into a steaming mug of hot milk.

Because after the year we’ve had, we needed to upgrade our hot chocolate game for the holiday season.

The trend, which started on TikTok, has since gone viral, and it’s near impossible to find these premade chocolate balls in stores. Luckily, local Charlotte bakeries and retailers are working hard to keep up with the demand. You’ll find everything from classic to chocolate peppermint to unicorn.

Here’s where to find them:

What’s available: Classic flavors include white chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel, candy cane, cookies and cream. Designer flavors include elf, angel, grinch, reindeer, snowman, unicorn, baby shark

Details: Known for its macarons, this pop-up bakery is now offering hot chocolate bombs. French macarons and stocking stuffers are available as well.

Price: $6 for classic, $8 for designer

Order: Online, or swing by the Main Street pop-up at Flourish Fort Mill from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesdays

106 Kings Mountain St., Clover, SC

What’s available: Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate peppermint, milk chocolate peppermint, white chocolate peppermint, milk chocolate cinnamon, pumpkin spice

Details: These can be picked up in-store on the weekends or by appointment during the week.

Price: $7 each

Order: Visit 106 Kings Mountain Street in Clover, SC, on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or by appointment during the week. Call 803-500-1424 or email alicia@carolinachocolatecompany.com.

What’s available: Chocolate bomb, chocolate peppermint bomb, white chocolate bomb

Details: Each of the bombs comes individually packaged in a gift box tied with a bow, along with instructions for how to use it. Once your order is placed, you will receive an email to confirm the time and location of pickup.

Price: $5/bomb

Order: Online

What’s available: Gift boxes of hot chocolate bombs

Details: These gift boxes include items such as hot chocolate bombs, assorted mini chocolates, soft caramel, Andes mint chocolate, soft peppermints, chocolate spoons, candy canes, assorted cookies and marshmallows (items depend on box size purchased). Free delivery will occur on Dec. 23 between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Times will be sent via text the day after placing an order. Limited delivery spots are available.

Price: $23 for a large box. $18 for a small box. $15 for 3 hot chocolate bombs. $6 for additional hot chocolate bombs

Order: Online

201 W. South Main St. Suite A

What’s available: Cookies and cream, classic chocolate, peppermint, mocha, white chocolate, white chocolate caramel, Biscoff

Details: The following information is required when placing an order: pickup date/time, phone number, quantity. Flavors can be mixed and matched. Orders can be picked up in store. Please note The Cupcake Queen is closed Sunday and Monday.

Price: $6/ each, $20 for 4, $30 for 6, $60 for 12

Order: Email info@yourcupcakequeen.com or call the store at 704-256-1292.

936 Market Street, Fort Mill, SC

What’s available: Classic hot chocolate, white chocolate, unicorn, s’mores, salted caramel, snickerdoodle, cookies and cream, chocolate peppermint

Details: These are available for in-store pickup or shipping. Special flavors available upon request.

Order: Call 803-396-7372 or visit the website.

610 Jetton St. #150, Davidson

What’s available: Hot chocolate bombs, hot chocolate mix

Details: The store is taking orders online, and you can specify the date you want for in-store pickup. Some may be available at the store, but are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Price: $4.50/bomb. $9 for a two-piece box. $17 for 4-piece box. $10.95 for the hot chocolate mix (makes four cups).

Order: Online

What’s available: Regular, peppermint, strawberry chocolate, strawberries and cream, abuelita (Mexican hot chocolate), white chocolate peppermint, strawberries and cream, Nutella, what chocolate with cocoa powder

Details: Orders must be placed via DM for pickup Dec. 12.

Price: $5 individual. $20 4-pack. $30 6-pack.

Order: Send a DM to @iheartdessertsclt on Instagram.

9009 J M Keynes Drive #4

What’s available: Milk chocolate, salted caramel

Details: These hot chocolate bombs are made from scratch and will be available throughout the holiday season.

Price: $5.95

Order: Purchase in-store

9941 Rea Road, Suite C

What’s available: Cookies and cream, dark chocolate peppermint, gingerbread, milk chocolate, salted caramel, s’mores

Details: These rotating flavors are available individually, or as part of a Hot Cocoa Bomb Mug Set. There’s also a Cupcake and Craft Activity Kit for kids, which includes an unfrosted cupcake, piping bag, sprinkles, hot chocolate bomb, themed crafts and holiday candy. Craft kit themes include Grinch or Polar Express, and are only available via pre-order. Pickup is Dec. 17-23. Due to high demand, the bakery will not be accepting pre-orders for hot chocolate bombs. They are first-come first-served, limit 6 per customer.

Price: $7.95/bomb. $16.95 for the Hot Cocoa Bomb Mug Set. $17.95 for craft kits

Order: Online for craft kits, visit in store for hot chocolate bombs

Online

What’s available: Classic cocoa, white chocolate peppermint, raspberry

Price: $5/each or 4 for $15

Order: Message on Instagram or Facebook, or email sixarrowsbakerybox@gmail.com.

4418 Monroe Road, Suite C

What’s available: Class to make your own hot chocolate bombs

Details: Learn to make chocolate bombs with homemade hot chocolate mix and marshmallows. A gift box for presentation and snowman mug are included in registration.

Price: $40

Sign up: Online*

*Hurry: At the time of publication, most of the classes were full.

This story was originally published December 3, 2020, 9:47 AM.