MARY FURR -- DINING OUT

While sugar plums danced in their heads, Mom and Dad are out looking

for healthy sweets to put in their stockings. The search may end at the

door of the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory on Main Street in Huntington

Beach. Owners Maxine and Stephen Daniel, who make 60% of their candy

right there, have a shelf and a half of sugar-free temptations -- boxes

of sugar-free chocolates and foil-wrapped novelties -- plenty to supply

sweets lovers young and old.

You’ll recognize the shop by the stuffed life-size bear lounging on a

bench outside as if he’d just finished a forbidden sweet. For diabetics

such as owner Stephen, these candies are not forbidden -- beans and a

selection of nut clusters ($14.90 a pound): a white chocolate peanut,

milk chocolate almond, dark chocolate pecan -- all sugar-free, none with

that detectable NutraSweet taste. There are a range of gift ideas, from a

16-ounce box of mixed sugar-free chocolates ($16.95) to a dog biscuits

dipped in chocolate for Rover.

For a true candy lover, the dark chocolate clusters get five stars.

The big chunky nuts are firm and crisp, the chocolate deeply rich and

smooth.

If your diet is unrestricted, the Chocolate Factory has a selection of

fresh fruit pieces, pretzels and graham crackers dipped in chocolate.

Don’t overlook the array of candy apples ($2.50 to $4.95), 25 varieties

from the traditional ones with peanuts, sprinkles and chocolate chip nut

($2.75) to gourmet apples covered with cheesecake, mud pie and apple pie

flavors ($3.50).

Grandma would be proud of the granny apple ($3.95) with caramel,

vanilla, dark and white chocolate. And there is one owner Maxine calls

the “holiday big apple” ($15.95), large as a grapefruit with the works --

something that will make this Christmas one to remember.

If you’re still stumped for a unique gift, consider the “I Love Lucy”

candies available in bars and boxes based on the classic TV episode in

the chocolate factory. The selection, chosen by her family, are some of

Lucille Ball’s favorite candies. The line became available at the

Chocolate Factory two months ago.

So I wish you and your sugar plums a sweet and memorable Christmas.

* MARY FURR is the Independent restaurant critic. If you have comments

or suggestions for her, call (562) 493-5062.

FYI

o7 Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factoryf7 WHERE: 200 Main St., Suite

106, Huntington Beach

PHONE: (714) 969-0795HOURS: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

FAX: (714) 969-8382

MISC.: Credit Cards