Chocolate fans, Do You Understand ‘Bean to Bar’ ? Honeymoon Chocolates Cam Loyet explains it
Honeymoon Chocolates was founded in a dorm room back in 2016 making bean-to-bar craft chocolate sweetened solely with raw honey.
Years later, bean to bar is only getting more popular. But what does it actually mean? Do you know where to go? What to look for or ask for?
So we asked Cam Loyet from Honeymoon Chocolates
What does “Bean to Bar” Craft chocolate mean? Is it as simple as a one sentence answer? Or Is it more complicated?
It’s far more complicated. In itself, it’s a little bit selfish in my opinion. There’s a lot of benefit employing those who work in origin to also manufacture the chocolate. That’s something that we’d be interested in down the road. We just can’t afford it so right now we take all the effort, all the energy and time to do it here in St. Louis.
It’s a really fun process. But you do end up taking a lot of the credit where the credit isn’t necessarily due. A lot of the credits due for the fine cocoa farmers at origin.
Can you walk me through the basic concept?
So in our industry it’s wherever you receive the dry, unfermented cocoa beans. and you roast them. What you’re doing is crafting this flavor and you’re manufacturing a product that otherwise wouldn’t wouldn’t necessarily exist.
If you have the ability to roast [in-house] and you start [you’re own manufacturing process] ]there, you’re ‘bean to bar’.
It just gives a little bit more local sense to chocolate. Whenever you open up a bar, and you don’t know where it’s manufactured and how it’s manufactured, you lose a bit of that local sense. It becomes more of a global or nationwide feel.
l got it. So the beans come from somewhere else, they arrive under your roof and the manufacturing process happens under your roof. So beans come in and a bar comes out, but it all happens under the same roof.
Yes. And it’s traceable. That’s also very important.
So when I’m at a Whole Foods, or any high-end retail groceries, there are many craft chocolate bars. What am I looking for to know the difference?
I love the idea of when a consumer looks at a list of 9 bars, they instantly go ‘is it a dark, milk or or white. If it’s dark, what percentage do I like?’
It starts with, what percentage do they like? And then from there you go into this dialogue with the consumer when they try your product.
But it really does start with what the consumer likes. You can’t necessarily force an 85% bar onto a consumer that enjoys white chocolate.
But you look at the ingredients on them. There are some good makers that use Lecithin just because it makes the product easier to work with, but it does make it less of a clean label product. So you look at the clean label from nutrition.
You are gonna look and see if it’s single origin to check to see where the cocoa comes from. Just because it does highlight the farmers’ work a little bit more. There’s some big makers that combine origins because they have more of a fruity flavor versus a more chocolate-forward cocoa bean. So then they combine them. But I do find that it kind of does take away from the efforts that do happen earlier on in the supply chain.
Thank you, Cam.
Visits Honeymoon Chocolates at: https://hmchocolates.com
On Instagram, at: www.instagram.com/honeymoonchocolates
On Facebook, at: https://www.facebook.com/honeymoonchocolates
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
Hellertown-Lower Saucon: Light Up Night 2024 Nov 29 Family Fun at Morris J. Dimmick Park
The Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber, a proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to present the annual Light Up Night, happening on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Morris J. Dimmick Park (570 Durham Street, Hellertown). This hallmark event promises an evening full of holiday joy, delicious food, live entertainment, and a dazzling tree-lighting ceremony to kick off the festive season.
“Come join the jolly community spirit! We have great performances from the Saucon Valley Band and Choir to the local Cub Scouts Group #349, plus lots of tasty treats and gifts for everyone,” says Rod Long, Chairman of the Light Up Night committee. This year’s presenting sponsors are Mobile Technology Graphics and Bethlehem Landfill.
Event Highlights:
Light Up Night will feature something for everyone, from families looking to create cherished memories to adults enjoying seasonal beverages. Santa Claus will make a special appearance all the way from the North Pole with a few of his reindeer friends, and live entertainment from local organizations such as the Saucon Valley School District Band and Choir will keep spirits bright throughout the evening. There will be a live ice carving demonstration, free children’s activities and crafts, cash family wagon rides, special appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse, and so much more! Guests can shop for unique holiday gifts at vendor stalls and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.
Make sure to stop by Chamber tent to pick up your Candy Cane Lane passport! This is the inaugural running of the trail, spanning from November 30th to December 7th encompassing your favorite businesses and restaurants in the area. Stop at each location and find the hiding Candy Cane, submit a completed passport to the Chamber to be entered into a raffle!
Food and Beverage Vendors:
This year’s event will include a mouthwatering lineup of food and drink vendors: Big Poppa’s Backyard BBQ, Cosmic Kettle Corn, Couchpota.doh, DonutNV, Fired Up Artisan Pizza, Hausman’s Fruit Farms, Nick and Noah’s, Race to Taste Curbside Grill, RK Mobile, and Tommy’s Italian Kitchen.
For those seeking seasonal drinks, Easton Wine Project, Five Maidens Cider Company, and Lost Tavern Brewing will serve a selection of wines, ciders, and craft brews. Please note: Patrons must be at least 21 years old to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
Sponsors:
The success of Light Up Night is made possible by the generous support of local businesses and organizations, including:
- Host Sponsor: Borough of Hellertown
- Presenting Sponsors: Bethlehem Landfill, Mobile Technology Graphics
- Reindeer Sponsor: Heintzelman’s Funeral Home
- Santa’s Sleigh Sponsor: Ron Smith
- Candy Cane Sponsor: Sure Fix Remodeling
- Hot Chocolate and Cookies Sponsors: ASR Media/Fig Magazine, Creekview Veterinary Hospital, Hellertown Dental Group, Lindsay O. Albert, EA, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications
- Sleigh Supporting Sponsor: Jim Gardner, State Farm Agency
- Tractor Ride Sponsor: Steel Club
- Wagon Sponsor: Hausman Fruit Farms
- Comfort Station Sponsors: Carl Volkman & Sons HVAC, Dewey Fire Co.
- Warm Hands Sponsors: Truist, Saucon Valley Bikes
- Jolly Supporting Sponsors: Designing Wealth Management of Raymond James, Hellertown Veterinary Center
- Decoration Sponsors: Andy’s & Pennewell’s Flower Shop, JP Mascaro, Limon Authentic Turkish Kebap House, Lost River Caverns, Saucon Valley Karate Academy
- Apple Sponsor: Bechdolt Orchards
- Cookies Sponsor: GIANT Food Stores
- Cozy Corner Sponsor: Dewey Fire Co.
- Print Sponsor: FastSIGNS of Easton
This year’s Light Up Night is expected to draw thousands of attendees, making it the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbors, support local businesses, and celebrate the season. Admission is free and open to the public.
For more details, visit the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber website or contact the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Chamber via email at AaronG@lehighvalleychamber.org.
Don’t miss this cherished tradition—let’s light up the night and welcome the holiday season together!
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Thanksgiving in Lehigh Valley: the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s… [recipe inside]
This Thanksgiving in the Lehigh Valley, the perfect stuffing bread DOES exist – and it’s brioche. As in St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
No Thanksgiving spread is complete without a hearty stuffing. While add-ins are a matter of preference, choosing the right bread is crucial. One underrated choice is eggy, rich brioche – and with St Pierre Bakery, you don’t need to go to France to get it.
Thanks to its butter and egg content, St Pierre’s Brioche Loaf provides the perfect balance of crisp toastiness while remaining soft and creamy inside, while its lightly sweet flavor adds a decadent quality that can still lean savory. Attached below is an approachable recipe for stuffing allowing for all the craveable crunch for the whole family with minimal effort required.
St Pierre Brioche Thanksgiving Stuffing
By @BrandiMilloy
Ingredients
1 loaf St. Pierre Brioche Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 medium onion, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
3/4 cup carrots, diced
1 cup mushrooms, diced
2 large eggs
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
3 sprigs fresh thyme, just the leaves
1 tbsp. fresh sage, chopped
1 small apple (granny smith works well), peeled and diced
Salt and pepper
Directions
-
Preheat oven to 350 F. Cut brioche bread into 1” cubes and bake for about 10-15 minutes until toasted.
-
Meanwhile, into a pot over medium high heat add butter until melted. Add onion, celery and carrots and cook until everything starts to soften, about 7 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes longer. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Into a bowl whisk together the eggs, herbs, apples, mushrooms, and salt and pepper. Add your cooked vegetables and mix to combine.
-
Pour mixture on top of toasted bread and stir to combine. Bake stuffing for about 45 minutes. If your stuffing starts to get too brown, cover until finished baking. Enjoy!
As America’s favorite brioche brand, St Pierre’s products are widely available via grocery stores nationwide as well as Walmart.
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
Election Day 2024: Elixir Health and Wellness Offers Free Red Light and Compression Therapy to Encourage Voter Turnout on Election Day
ELIXIR Health and Wellness, Bethlehem’s premier destination for non-invasive, anti-aging therapies, is excited to announce a special Election Day initiative to promote community engagement and support voter turnout. On Tuesday, November 5th, all voters across the Lehigh Valley are invited to stop by Elixir Health and Wellness, located at 1021 Main Street, Bethlehem, PA, for a complimentary session of red light or compression therapy between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
“At Elixir Health and Wellness, we believe in the power of caring, both for the body and the community,” said Yuliya, owner of Elixir Health and Wellness.
“We’re thrilled to offer this special opportunity as a way to give back to our neighbors who make their voices heard on Election Day. Voting is one of the most impactful ways to shape our community, and we want to support everyone who takes the time to participate.”
To take advantage of this Election Day offer, individuals simply need to show proof of voting, such as an “I Voted” sticker. Those who voted early are welcome to participate as well. Elixir Health and Wellness will be open all day to provide red light and compression therapy sessions that can help rejuvenate individuals after casting a ballot.
For those registered near Elixir Health and Wellness, the nearest polling location is:
College Hill Moravian Church
72 W. Laurel St.
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Whether you’re looking for a wellness boost or a relaxing break, Elixir Health and Wellness invites the Bethlehem community to experience its renowned anti-aging therapies and celebrate the importance of civic engagement.
For more information about Elixir Health and Wellness and this Election Day event, please visit our website at www.elixirlv.com.
-
When Does Dorney Park Open in 2023?
When is Dorney Park’s opening day? What to know for 2023 | Hours, tickets and events
Warmer weather means it’s almost amusement park season.
Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom just outside Allentown is gearing up for its Summer 2023.
Slate of special events, from Fourth of July fireworks to the popular Halloween Haunt.
No new rides are open this year, but a new roller coaster is in the works for 2024.
Here’s what to know about Dorney Park’s hours, tickets and events for 2023.
Dorney Park’s Opening Day 2023
Dorney Park’s opening day for 2023 is Friday, May 12. Wildwater Kingdom will open Saturday, May 27.
Season pass holders get access to preview days — one for Dorney Park on May 7, and for Wildwater Kingdom on May 21.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Hours
Dorney Park will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through May 28, when it switches to daily operation. Wildwater Kingdom also is open weekends initially and moves to daily operation June 5 through Labor Day. Dorney Park stays open weekends through October.
Exact dates and hours vary, but Dorney is generally open during the summer from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends with an earlier closing on weekdays. Wildwater Kingdom is generally open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Tickets
Daily admission starts at $39.99. Season passes are available at the Silver, Gold and Platinum level. Costs for those run $94, $109 or $280, respectively.
Dorney Park’s 2023 Events
Fourth of July Celebration
- When: July 4
- What is it? Independence Day fireworks with patriotic music beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Grand Carnivale
- When: Select dates from July 22 to Aug. 6
- What is it? A “global celebration” with live music, international food, games and crafts, with a Spectacle of Color parade after sundown.
Food Truck Rally
- When: Aug. 26 and 27
- What is it? A smorgasbord of food trucks from across the region.
Halloween Haunt
- When: Select nights from Sept. 15 to Oct. 28
- What is it? Zombies, vampires and other ghouls take over the park, which features scare mazes and entertainment plus the usual rides into the night.
The Great Pumpkin Fest
- When: Weekends from Sept. 16 to Oct. 29
- What is it? A fall harvest festival full of family-friendly games and activities.
-
Dokken & Lynch Mob Play Penn’s Peak with Special Guest Ted Poley February 18, 2023
Dokken & Lynch Mob Play Penn’s Peak with Special Guest Ted Poley, Saturday, February 18, 2023
Dokken exploded out of the boiling hard rock/heavy metal scene in Los Angeles in the early 1980s. 1983’s “Breaking the Chains” with its catchy title track, set the stage for Dokken becoming the most dominant creative and commercial force in the world of Melodic Hard Rock for the following years.
Such classic albums as “Tooth and Nail”, “Under Lock and Key” and “Back for the Attack” all became Multi-Platinum selling smashes and the live “Beast from the East” went gold in Europe and Japan.
Songs like “Alone Again”, “Just Got Lucky”, “Into the Fire”, “In My Dreams”, “Unchain the Night”, “Dream Warriors”, “Burning like a Flame” and “Heaven Sent” are still nowadays regarded among the genre’s finest.
Dokken has shared the stage with AC/DC, Metallica, Aerosmith, Judas Priest, Van Halen, Kiss, Scorpions, as well as Bon Jovi, just to name a few.
The band hit stadium status in 1988, playing in front of over a million fans in just five weeks. It seemed Dokken was on the verge of superstardom. But like so many other bands that have come before and after them, Dokken broke up his group in 1989.
In 1994, the legendary A&R man John Kalodner offered Dokken a recording contract on the condition the group had to be original members. The band released the appropriately titled “Dysfunctional” in 1995 selling 450,000 copies, which by the mid ’90s was considered by industry standards very respectable. But just as they were on the verge of releasing a second single, filming a video, starting a world tour and “taking it all the way”, as Don Dokken puts it, the baggage from their past reared its ugly head, and again the group began to unravel. Soon after guitarist George Lynch left the group, he was replaced by Reb Beach (Winger, Whitesnake).
They released “Erase the Slate” in 1999 Followed by their DVD “Live from the Sun” in 2000. In 2001, Beach was replaced by John Norum (Europe) and released the album “Long Way Home”. By 2003 guitarist Jon Levin came on board with the subsequent release of the albums “Hell to pay”. Lightening strikes Again’ and ‘Broken Bones’ and has remained with the group for over 20 years now. All 3 CD’s have been aclamained as a true and definite return to there classic sound.
In October 2016, the original members of Dokken reunited for a brief Sold-Out tour of Japan, playing in several Arenas as well as co-Headlining the Loud Park Festival with the Scorpions. But as Don says, “It was fun to play with the original members again, but my current line-up of Dokken will remain so.”
DOKKEN is now Don Dokken (vocals), Mick Brown (drums), Jon Levin (guitar) and Chris McCarvill (bass).
Dokken has survived and kept their loyal fans in a time when people’s tastes change as fast as Britney Spears’ wardrobe, they have been embraced by a whole new generation of rock fans. They recently played at ‘The Bang Your Head Festival’ in Germany as well as ‘Rambling Man’ in England receiving rave reviews. The group is now currently back in the U S wrapping up there 2017 world tour! The group plans on a new record release in 2018.
They say a cat has nine lives and it seems Dokken is enjoying more than a few as well!
Lynch Mob Plays Penn’s Peak Saturday, February 18, 2023
Lynch Mob
Lynch Mob was formed by George Lynch in 1989 after the breakup of Dokken, his long time band of which he was a founding member and main song writer. The band signed with Elektra Records, and immediately released “Wicked Sensation” which would go on to achieve gold status. The album received much critical and fan acclaim, and would pave the way for over a dozen records over the next 30+ years.
The band is known for it’s high energy, guitar driven, hard rock vibe, while featuring elements of classic rock, blues, metal, with a propensity for improvisation. The current lineup features Lynch, along side of Jimmy D’Anda, Gabriel Colon, and Jaron Gulino.
On drums, O.G. BULLETBOYS drummer Jimmy D’Anda brings the band an old school Dr Funkenstein funky, but heavy back beat. He’s also known for being the pie eating champion of Boyle Heights East Los Angeles 84’. Go Rough Riders!
Gabriel Colón is a Puerto Rican singer who started his career with a band called Fast Taker. The band would go on to release a top 10 single in Puerto Rico’s rock radio market. Since arriving in the states, he has showcased his wide range of vocal talent with many rock acts including, Gothic Knights, Culprit, White Wizzard, and Rowan Robertson.
New Jersey’s own Jaron Gulino brings the east coast attitude and energy. He has prospered in a long career as the bassist in a variety of bands, most notably post-grunge rock band Tantric. Gulino achieved chart topping success with multiple releases from Tantric, as well as performing on many high profile tours and events with numerous other acts.
Lynch Mob is currently celebrating the legacy of an incredible history, with shows consisting of classic, career spanning material, as well as a heavy dose of Dokken material.
Tickets on sale Friday, November 11th at 10:00AM at all Ticketmaster outlets, the Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant and Bar.
Penn’s Peak Box Office and Roadies Restaurant ticket sales are walk-up only, no phone orders.
Go to www.pennspeak.com
General Admission
Advance: $41.00
Day of Show: $46.00
About Penn’s Peak
Penn’s Peak, a beautiful mountaintop entertainment venue located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, can comfortably host 1,800 concertgoers. Enjoy a spacious dance floor, lofty ceilings, concert bar/concession area and a full service restaurant and bar aptly named Roadie’s. Complete with a broad open-air deck for summertime revelry, Penn’s Peak patrons enjoy a breathtaking overlook of nearby Beltzville Lake, plus a commanding, picturesque 50-mile panoramic view of northeastern Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Mountains. Choose Penn’s Peak for your next wedding, banquet or special event and treat your guests to an event truly “Above the Rest”.
-
Emmaus Cat Shop, Purr Haus, to host “unusual cats” Adoption Event on April 1
Emmaus Cat Shop to host “unusual cats” on April 1
Purr Haus, a one-of-a-kind boutique carrying “The Best Stuff for Cats and the People Who Love Them,” will welcome several “unusual cats” for an adoption event on Saturday, April 1., 2:30 to 4:00 p.m.
The strange-looking “cats” are seeking homes through Starting Over Animal Rescue one of several local rescue organizations that team with Purr Haus to find adopters.
Purr Haus owner Laurie Mason Schroeder said she was happy to welcome the animals, even though they’re not the store’s typical visitors.
“Cats are usually sleek and quiet,”
she noted.
“These ones tend to wag their tails a lot, bark and even slobber.
But they’re really cute.”
Visitors to the shop during SOAR’s visit can take a chance at winning a $25 Purr Haus gift card by donating a bag of pet food (Blue Buffalo chicken and rice for dogs or Optimum from Pet Supplies Plus of any flavor are the preferred brands however any donation is welcome!) The winner will be drawn at the end of the event.
Purr Haus is located at 27 S. 7th Street in Emmaus, one block off Chestnut Street, behind CVS. The shop holds adoption events every Saturday and Sunday. To date, 72 cats have found their forever homes after visiting Purr Haus.
Starting Over Animal Rescue facilitates high quality affordable spay/neuter surgeries for feral, stray, and house pets and provides shelter to abused, neglected, and abandoned animals.
Picture of Maggie, one of the visiting “cats” is attached.
Photos and videos are encouraged during the event. For more information contact Laurie at 484-619-0350 orpurrhaus@gmail.com
