Thursday, March 27, 2008

Chocolate! It’s what’s for dinner!

Cordillera (cord-e-yeer-uh) is a rare treasure chest that has been buried deep inside a bountiful jungle in Colombia. Only instead of holding jewels, it holds hundreds of colorful cacao beans yearning to turn into chocolate and land a spot in your pastry kitchen. This is the best thing that has happened to us in a long time. We have been presented with a Colombian chocolate that is single origin, Kosher, and purely organic. An immense entity, Compañía Nacional de Chocolates is the ninth largest cacao producer on Earth. Not only do they help promote sustainable agriculture practices in South America, but they also employ over 35,000 families within rural Columbia. They have improved safe working and living conditions for everyone involved. The company is ISO certified, and has won numerous awards for its commitment to the people, the environment, recycling, and handling of natural resources.
That said, we at Dole and Bailey have been chosen as the sole distributor of Cordillera chocolate in the Northeast. What do we say to pastry chefs who have been working with the same chocolate for, let’s say, the last twenty years? It’s like taking a blanket away from a baby. Blabbing on about facts, figures, and statistics won’t do any justice. The only way to truly get in the door and make someone change their stubborn, traditional ways is to have them taste it. It truly is an amazing experience only the luckiest of mouths can say they’ve tried. All it takes is one bite, and a true chef will just know.
The word Cordillera is a geographical term used to define a
chain of mountains, usually one principal mountain system. They chose the name because the definition is alike in both English and Spanish speaking countries. In Colombia, just like other countries, there are several mountains in a region. And deep between each mountain, there are a plethora of cocoa beans scattered as far as the eye can see. The names chosen to indicate the difference between each type of Cordillera chocolate are named after mountains in the region.

Cocuy 70% Dark Extra Bitter Couverture
Sumapaz 65%
Bittersweet Couverture
Galeras 59%
Bittersweet Couverture
Tayrona 53%
Semisweet Couverture
Puracé 36%
Dark Milk Couverture
(White chocolate is still in the works)

The pack size they came up with is nothing less than convenient. Those at Compañía Nacional de Chocolates are different, and they understand that catering to the food industry means they should be as lenient as possible to give world class chefs exactly what they want. What they did was they went around and asked chefs what they preferred to work with; what would be most efficient. They came up with a simple solution. No more bulky 22# bags- those things are pains in the rear. Along with 5.5 pound blocks, they created a disc-dispensing eleven pound box. The pourable spout is a great, hassle-free way to staying neat and saving time. That and you can pour the chocolate directly into your mouth where it belongs!
Why Cordillera? It has been compared to the El Rey line of chocolate because of its high quality taste and unique production techniques, although the price is compared to both Callebaut and Schokinag. Basic applications used are dipping, molding, ebrobing, filling, mousse, ganache, glazes, ice cream, sorbet, and sauces. Use it however you see fit.
In the next couple weeks, we are expecting a shipment of brochures from Cordillera. Ask us, and we would be more than happy to throw some your way. They include charts and graphs, as well as nutritional facts, chemical analysis, formulation of the chocolate, tempering facts, pack size, shelf life, etc.
These booklets are extremely informational and beneficial if you plan on carrying this incredible line.
Also, check out www.chocolates.com.co for information not listed here. Ask your salesman for pricing, and as always, call inside sales for information. We are always here to help.

Wendy Matthews

Monday, March 24, 2008

Warm thoughts!

Thought I would share a picture of one of our Northeast Family Farms. This has been the longest winter ever and I thought this might warm some of you up!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Our Little Leprechaun Chimes In

I used to associate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish Themed cereal and those cute little marshmallows they so seldom threw in there. Perhaps, since I am no longer a young sprout, I can finally bid farewell to those tiny colorful pieces of future toothache. I’m starting to think differently. This year, I’m going to try some limerick action! And following that, I will go into detail on the plethora of specials we have going on this week only, in honor of the Saint himself. Gear up, you St. Paddy’s Day FANS!

"There once was a man named Patrick, and what he did for Ireland was fantastic. He was forced into slavery then became a missionary, now we will forever remember his bravery. His heroic tales propelled him into sainthood, and brethrens alike bowed at his feet for doing good. Today he is still remembered and served, by millions of people drinking lots and losing their nerve. To everyone who celebrates the great St. Patrick’s Day, raise your glasses and pray. Gather round and loudly cheer, to bring on another blessed year!”

618280 - Irish Soda Bread
122200 - Corned Red raw USDA Choice brisket; 16# average
122210 - Corned Grey raw USDA Choice brisket, frozen; 15# average

823321 - “Steaming Mix” Braising Greens
4# case. Colors include yellow, green, orange, purple, red, etc.
Great alternative to cabbage for classic Irish dishes.
814430
- Broccoli Crowns
20# case. Fresh and crisp.
813330 - White Asparagus
11# case. Such a great hit, we kept them on special one more week!

834012 - Edible GREEN Orchids
100 ct. Vibrant green color, excellent garnish. Must be ordered prior to 11 am.

587830 - IQF Haddock, 8-10 oz fillets
10# case. Long-line Atlantic fillets, boneless and skinless.
582490 – Fresh dry U-10 Scallops
By the gallon, 8#. 100% dry. Harvested from the Elephant Trunk in Georges Bank.
661700 - 16/20 Black Tiger Shrimp
2# bags. P&D, Tail-on. All natural with no added solution.

Contact your salesman for pricing information on these excellent products.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Wendy Matthews