My candy house looks fragile, but hailstones bounce off the giant gumdrops like confetti, and rain slides down the oversized peppermints with little corrosion. Yes, my candy house can withstand the elements, but children with rocks prove a tougher affliction.

I spied one the other day through my kitchen window. He was staring at the giant lollipops and reaching into his pocket, eyes squinting. I startled him when I opened the front door and invited him inside. “For why else,” I called, “do children come to my candy house unless they want some sweets? Unless, of course, they mean to throw rocks at my candy house.”

I knew the third reason they came. To steal my most secret recipe.