Beginning with hand-rolled candy gifts for friends, Jerry Swain's pairing of chocolate and peanut butter - two near universal favorites - drew a following and ultimately awards, among them Best First Time Confection (2001) and Best of Show (2002) at gatherings of the Retail Confectioners International.
Now his dark, milk and white chocolate-swathed peanut butter cores come in crispy, pretzel-bit, toffee and caramel blends.
Jer's Handmade Chocolates, 1 pound gift box, $30 (2 for $49). At www.jers.com.
- Marilynn Marter
Cute and compact
This multi-purpose mini tool does a maxi job. Roll garlic cloves in the domed silicone cap to peel. Slip a bulb into the porcelain and silicone capsule to oven-roast with a baked meal. Or microwave in minutes.


