Sep 26, 2005 9:31 am US/Central
A Sweet Spot Worth A Stop In Owatonna
by David Schechter
Owatonna, Minn. (WCCO) ―
There is a place in Minnesota where candy lovers' dreams have been coming true for more than 85 years.
An hour south of the Twin Cities on I-35 is a sweet spot that's worth a stop.
Costa's Candies and Restaurant is nestled in Owatonna, Minn., boasting lunch is made fast, but candy made as slow as a snail.
"Oh, it's so awesome," said one candy customer.
The sweet ending keeps the customers returning.
"The best," said another customer. "The best in the world."
Costa's is a landmark in Owatonna. It was started by Greek immigrants in 1919 and is still in the family, featuring the same recipes, the same equipment and the same location.
Ted Boosalis is the third generation in his family to run Costa's.
"Just the fact that they lasted so long in this business makes me very proud of what they've done," Boosalis said.
Boosalis's great uncle started the company and then his father ran it. Boosalis remembers being the kid in a candy store when he was younger.
"I would run to the back room if my Dad was making candy, and he's ask me, 'Do you want to lick the bowl?'" Boosalis remembered.
That is when Boosalis learned the first of two great secrets of making candy: patience. Candy making is partially a science of mixings, but it is an art that cannot be rushed.
There are modern ways to make candy, but as Boosalis explains, "The fact that it's easier doesn't make it better. That's something my Dad has always taught me."
The second secret is working with good people. The Olsen twins help roll and wrap the colorful treats and Karen Splett has been dipping her hands in chocolate for the past 20 years.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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