Candy Making Is Lynn's Favorite

There's only one place in Minnesota where you can rent cake pans: at Holly Center in Fridley.

You can also take classes there. Two classes coming up in February cover truffles and cake pop/cup cakes.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press asked owner Lynn Kraatz about which she prefers making—candy or cakes—and other questions in a Q&A feature that appeared Wednesday. Here is an excerpt:

What was your first job in food? I was a cashier in the lunchroom at Edison High School in Northeast Minneapolis.

How did you wind up opening a cake and candy supply shop? My cousin told me about a lady who was selling her business, which she ran out of her home. I bought it and started it in my home 32 years ago. This location is my fourth and, hopefully, my final one.

What are you more into—candy making or cake decorating? Definitely candy. I taught candy making for 13 years in the community eds.

Any good tips? When a recipe tells you to melt chocolate chips to coat candy, don't do it. Use confectionery coating instead. Chocolate chips are not a dipping chocolate; they're made with cocoa butter and must be tempered.