Fortuna Chocolate

Sourced directly from individual growers in Mexico and hand-roasted in Boulder, Colorado, this single estate cacao is fermented and dried by each grower ensuring sophisticated flavor profiles and building upon thousands of years of traditional techniques. Fortuna Chocolate collaborates with Mayan growers at two single estates in a region of southwestern Mexico known as Xoconusco - an area that is highly prized among chefs the world over. Each estate uses different shade trees resulting in a unique combination of wild yeasts in the air during the fermentation process, adding complexity to every harvest.

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesDecember 20, 2016artisan, artisanal, chocolate, mexico, boulder, colora, december 2016, alex seidelComment

Sienna Trapp-Bowie

Sourced directly from individual growers in Mexico and hand-roasted in Boulder, Colorado, Sienna's Fortuna Chocolate uses single estate cacao which is fermented and dried by each grower ensuring sophisticated flavor profiles and building upon thousands of years of traditional techniques.

Meet A LocalJake AhlesDecember 19, 2016artisan, colorado, chocolate, december 2016, alex seidelComment

Grilled Asparagus | Sprouted Grain Granola | Ricotta | Pistachio Vinaigrette

Chef Seidel takes a fresh and nutrient packed granola made with Bee Squared Rose-Infused Honey and crafts an asparagus and ricotta salad.

Recipe, Honey & Sweets RecipeJake AhlesDecember 15, 2016recipe, salad, pistachio, ricotta, alex seidel, december 2016Comment

Rose Honey

A perfectly understated honey, we're loving adding it into the base for vanilla ice cream; whipped into a sponge cake topped with buttercream and seasonal fruits; or for a delightful dinner party aperitif with gin, champagne and elderflower syrup.

Ingredient Highlight, Honey & SweetsJake AhlesDecember 13, 2016honey, rose, colorado, alex seidel, december 2016Comment

Beth Conrey

At Bee Squared, Beth produces honey from bees that have not been chemically treated. Locally produced honey is better for you and for your environment. Sourced from three Northern Colorado counties - Boulder, Larimer and Weld - a variety of sizes and types ensures that there is a honey for every occasion. Dedicated to sustainable beekeeping, the company helps give back to their community by inviting food lovers to join them and learn safe practices on harvest tours and honey-making workshops.

Meet A LocalJake AhlesDecember 12, 2016bees, december 2016, Artisan, alex seidel, colorado, honeyComment

Dried Chanterelles

Chanterelles are well regarded as the "Queen of the Forest" - brilliantly golden, meaty texture, and delicately perfumed. Hand harvested in Northern California this crop has a hint of dried apricot and will rehydrate with a deep intensity ideal for hearty soups, stews and dishes. With these, you'll want to chop them finely as they can be tougher than other dried varieties.

Ingredient HighlightJake AhlesDecember 7, 2016mushrooms, chanterelles, napa valley, december 2016, alex seidel, artisanComment

Connie Green

As a pioneer in the wild mushroom business, Connie Green founded Wine Forest Wild Foods in 1981 and continues to provide the very best wild and tamed foods available throughout the United States. They forage for some of the most applauded restaurants including the prestigious The French Laundry and proudly provide for many of the country's finest chefs and artisanal markets.

Meet A LocalJake AhlesDecember 6, 2016artisan, napa, mushrooms, foraged, december 2016Comment