sourcing fine natural ingredients is a wonderful necessity... and finding them nearby, or at least in the Americas, is top priority
chocolate
changes in the chocolate world - new couvertures under constant investigation. Current selection single origin organic dark and dark milk couvertures are from Conexion of Ecuador, purchased in direct trade from their co-ops. Cru Sauvage 68% from Felchlin is the wild cacao gathered by indigenous peoples in the Beni of Bolivia is used to enrobe all bonbons and in several of my original recipes. Their dark milk Maracaibo Creole 49% is extraordinary, as is their BioOrganic white.
always concentrating on providing sustainable growing, processing and living standards for everyone involved.
did you know... only 5% of world production is fine flavor cacao - greatly endangered
still actively seeking organic bittersweet, dark milk and white chocolates from the Americas of highest quality
Also periodically featuring others with extraordinary fine flavor profiles - like Amano Ocumare.
(full disclosure always: you are welcome to ask for specifics)
changes in the chocolate world - new couvertures under constant investigation. Current selection single origin organic dark and dark milk couvertures are from Conexion of Ecuador, purchased in direct trade from their co-ops. Cru Sauvage 68% from Felchlin is the wild cacao gathered by indigenous peoples in the Beni of Bolivia is used to enrobe all bonbons and in several of my original recipes. Their dark milk Maracaibo Creole 49% is extraordinary, as is their BioOrganic white.
always concentrating on providing sustainable growing, processing and living standards for everyone involved.
did you know... only 5% of world production is fine flavor cacao - greatly endangered
still actively seeking organic bittersweet, dark milk and white chocolates from the Americas of highest quality
Also periodically featuring others with extraordinary fine flavor profiles - like Amano Ocumare.
(full disclosure always: you are welcome to ask for specifics)
cocoa butter
Conexion of Ecuador: natural, organic, fragrant w cacao
Conexion of Ecuador: natural, organic, fragrant w cacao
colors
only natural colorants from fruits and vegetables, and natural colors in mineral mica powders (for pearl colors) - all from PurColour - are mixed with melted cocoa butter, then individually painted onto moulds or blank transfer sheets; when warm chocolate is poured into/onto them the colors transfer to the chocolate as it cools and hardens again
only natural colorants from fruits and vegetables, and natural colors in mineral mica powders (for pearl colors) - all from PurColour - are mixed with melted cocoa butter, then individually painted onto moulds or blank transfer sheets; when warm chocolate is poured into/onto them the colors transfer to the chocolate as it cools and hardens again
cream & butter
local, organic from Straus Family Creamery or Organic Valley Coop, once in awhile from "CLO" (love those billboards!) Clover Dairy. also Plugra European style unsalted, flavor hints at creme fraiche.
local, organic from Straus Family Creamery or Organic Valley Coop, once in awhile from "CLO" (love those billboards!) Clover Dairy. also Plugra European style unsalted, flavor hints at creme fraiche.
sugar
only used in caramels and caramelization (except for modest amounts of granular organic cane sugar used to toss hazelnuts, form a crunchy shell, etc.): organic, fair trade cane sugar and pure sundried organic crystals from Ecuador
only used in caramels and caramelization (except for modest amounts of granular organic cane sugar used to toss hazelnuts, form a crunchy shell, etc.): organic, fair trade cane sugar and pure sundried organic crystals from Ecuador
honey
local and raw - Pearson Ranch Orange blossom honey: delicious, light & distinctive...you really can smell the orange blossoms, just as they said! sometimes from individual beekeepers here in the East Bay, Lovers Lane, Mendocino Gold and more
local and raw - Pearson Ranch Orange blossom honey: delicious, light & distinctive...you really can smell the orange blossoms, just as they said! sometimes from individual beekeepers here in the East Bay, Lovers Lane, Mendocino Gold and more
herbs & spices
organic, locally garden grown whenever possible; otherwise sustainably grown & harvested from wonderful fields & farms around the world I hope to visit! and of course from our wonderful local Oaktown Spice Co. in Oakland, by the lake.
organic, locally garden grown whenever possible; otherwise sustainably grown & harvested from wonderful fields & farms around the world I hope to visit! and of course from our wonderful local Oaktown Spice Co. in Oakland, by the lake.
salts
from natural sources around the world: fleur de sel from Oregon, Hawaii, Japan, France, Sicily, and more
from natural sources around the world: fleur de sel from Oregon, Hawaii, Japan, France, Sicily, and more
fruit
in season organic citrus, raisins, etc. from California farmers, (though i am beginning to preserve and dehydrate to put by for post season use), a few organic superfoods are being added, mostly from South America
in season organic citrus, raisins, etc. from California farmers, (though i am beginning to preserve and dehydrate to put by for post season use), a few organic superfoods are being added, mostly from South America
nuts
organic California almonds, walnuts and more, though the Nocciola Piemonte or TGI Piemonte (Italy) hazelnuts are so incredible they are in many boxes, when i can get them....but I am lately finding some amazing hazelnuts from Oregon
organic California almonds, walnuts and more, though the Nocciola Piemonte or TGI Piemonte (Italy) hazelnuts are so incredible they are in many boxes, when i can get them....but I am lately finding some amazing hazelnuts from Oregon