Twisp Confectioner Turns Family Recipe Into Growing Candy Business

Sometimes a name can tell you a lot. 

Take Northern Lights Candy, for example. Owner Amanda Chapman is a Midwestern girl from Bloomington, Indiana, who dreamed of someday moving to Alaska to see the state’s famous northern lights. Ending up in Twisp was the next best – or perhaps first best – thing. 

“I always wanted to see the northern lights so bad,” said Chapman,

Three years ago. after working a season at Yellowstone National Park, Chapman and her partner decided to head for Alaska when the tourist season ended in October. 

“On our way to Bellingham I got stuck in the Methow because I got a flat tire in Carlton,” said Chapman. “That’s how I got here.”

Alaska’s loss was the Methow’s gain. Chapman finally got to see the northern lights, and folks hereabouts get to enjoy the fruits of the specialty business she started, Northern Lights Candy Company.

What started from a great grandmother’s divinity recipe ignited Chapman’s interest and evolved into making confections for special family occasions. Chapman’s creative side prompted her to explore new and different ways to expand her candy-making skills. She turned to sources like the Food Network TV series for fresh ideas.

“Whenever I came across an (host) Alton Brown goodies episode about making caramels he did one with soy sauce, and that has been my favorite ever since.”

The salted caramels made from the recipe she developed are a specialty. She also produces a line of dog treats.

When Chapman decided to move to the next level, she did it right by seeking advice from experts. 

“I went to the Economic Alliance Business 101 class,” said Chapman. “This is my first year selling all year long, so I am figuring out all the issues that come with producing chocolates.”

Before that Chapman only made candy during the fall and winter months stopping around Valentines Day in mid-February to avoid the hot months.

While she develops her network to sell online, Chapman has been tapping local resources for both her organic ingredients and marketing outlets. The Methow Valley Food Shed – mvfoodshed.com - is a good example.

“Ever since I got into the Food Shed and selling through them a lot of people have eaten my candy who did not know it was my candy, and were telling me about my candy,” said Chapman.

The Food Shed is an online farmers market and food hub located in Winthrop.

Chapman said she avoids preservatives to create a product as pure as possible. She finds that local growers provide all the ingredients she needs.

“I already have cherries saved up for Valentines Day,” said Chapman. “I just did some strawberries. I’m making stuff with peaches right now. I get fresh mint grown here and make my own mint chocolate.”

Chapman said she hopes to produce lavender honey this summer.

“I believe in indulging a little bit,” said Chapman. “That does not mean it had to be bad for you.”

To learn more about Chapman’s products visit northernlightscandyco.com to sign up for her mailing list.

 Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media