I know that it’s been like a month-and-a-half since my last post. I’ve done a little re-design of the site, as you may have noticed. I have a few posts that are in the pipeline, but gotta get through some other stuff first. There are a couple really exciting things happening soon:
The Flatlander Fund Auction happens on December 9th, where the remaining bars of chocolate that Dan made will be auctioned off, along with many fabulous items donated by local (and not-so-local) businesses. Read all about the items up for bid on the Flatlander Fund site. I’m going to be in charge of putting together trays of passed appetizers that evening made with some food generously donated by excellent local businesses, including Prairie Fruits Farm, Sweet Indulgence, and World Harvest. They probably won’t last all night, so come early and bid often!
On a more personal note, I’ve grown the courage to embark on a journey of exploration, innovation, and much degustation. You’ve read (many times by now) of my fondness for Dan’s chocolate, and how inspiring he was to me. I want to take that inspiration and focus it on re-starting bean-to-bar chocolate making in Central Illinois.
I’m planning on taking the same first steps that Dan did, starting with small equipment, building my own skills as my portfolio of creations grows. I plan on offering “beta test” chocolate through various venues, and I hope to make my way up the ranks to being a part of the Farmers’ Market by next summer.
Since I really owe so much of this to Dan, and because it’s a cause I believe in, I plan on donating a portion of all profits to the Flatlander Fund, and I’m thinking about offering a special “Dan” bar or “Flatlander” bar where much more goes to the Fund.
I don’t quite have a name picked out (suggestions welcome!), and I’m still in the process of finding what equipment I’m going to be starting out with, but I am really excited to start this journey.
If you want to be among the first to hear about this as it develops, and/or want an opportunity to become a beta tester, fill out this Google Docs form. Thanks!
