Last week The Cordial Cherry partnered with Beansmith Coffee, a local artisan coffee bean roaster located in LaVista, Ne to combine the exquisite elements of single origin coffees with the decadence of handcrafted chocolates. Some of Creighton University's finest spent their morning with us learning how to pair chocolate with artisan coffees. Kait Berreckman and Jason Burkum of Beansmith Coffee, educated us on each coffee's origin, their roasting process, the proper way to slurp coffee, and the best methods for brewing coffee. We followed with a light discussion on how to select chocolates to best enhance your coffee experience.
Guatemala Huehuetenango ~ Almond, orange, fresh-cut cedar; hints of chocolate, honey and night-blooming flowers in aroma and cup. Big, sweet-toned acidity; lively, syrupy mouthfeel. Resonantly flavor saturated, gently drying finish. The sweet and syrupy elements of this coffee begged for our sweet and syrupy dark chocolate cordial cherry.
Peru Cajamarca ~ The Peru Cajamarca is delicately floral, with the sweetness and tanginess of a golden delicious apple, and a hint of nuttiness in the finish. We decided to pick up on the nuttiness in this coffee with our Pecan Truffle, made of rich dark chocolate and cream and then rolled in crushed pecan.
Papua New Guinea Koban ~ Aromas of spicy clove and sweet honeydew melon are
followed by quiet flavors of pineapple, lime, and coconut, and finish with a
lingering, creamy body. The sweet and complex flavors of this coffee paired beautifully with our 64% dark chocolate pieces.
Columbia Arnulfo Leguizamo ~ This coffee hails from the Huila region and was ranked in the top 10 of the America Roaster's Choice competition! It's an exceptionally well balanced coffee with notes of orange, pear, and caramel. We decided to compliment this coffee with our Orange Chocolate Truffle coupled with our Chocolate Covered Orange peel.
Raspberry Truffle - Kenya Igutha ~ This coffee is everything a great Kenyan should be – boldly bright with clean, crisp flavors of lemon, but tempered with a smooth body, and rich cherry sweetness. The berry flavors in this coffee were the perfect backdrop for our Raspberry Truffle, rolled with whole dried raspberries and coated in a sweetened cocoa powder.
Guess which incredibly beautiful and even more
talented female singer-songwriter will be enjoying our cordial cherry
butterflies after her concert tonight?
Hint: Her name rhymes with Sailor Lift.
You’ve driven by countless times….the windows are covered, the sign is simple, what is this place? Finally, a moment is spared in your busy day to explore….you open the door, and it takes a moment for your eyes to adjust to the sudden light change. But, when they do, you stop for a moment and try to take it all in. You look up and down, distant and near…there are sparkly things everywhere.
A sincere voice from just beyond a window in the distance welcomes you in. It’s almost overwhelming, the beautiful displays of chocolate, but alas the owner explains, “We’re a little unconventional here.” You listen intently as she continues….”We specialize in cordial cherries of more than 150 designs and more than 60 different flavors. We are the only company like ours in the world.” As instructed, you select a beautiful gift box, one more fitting for porcelain or jewelry than chocolate, and begin your chocolate experience. Just a few small steps from the front door, a curious sight catches your eye. Old doors, rich in history and distressed with memories, are laid to form rustic tables of the fanciful kind. Atop the faded wood, stand proud and glimmering, chrome cake stands. Inside, each holds precious, edible jewels that beckon the sense of taste. As you journey through this storybook shoppe, you see one cordial cherry more whimsical than the last. Your empty box begs for such treasures and you finally give in. First, the sweetest snowman with sugared hat, and then the most adorable penguin with hand-sculpted chocolate wings.
Before you know it, you’ve entered the domain of the flavor-infused cordial cherries. The delicate, hand-made paper tags that adorn each cherry’s stem tell of unique flavor combinations….Banana Crème, Raspberry, and Peppermint are just a few that intrigue you. Lifting the display lid propels aromas so intense, you’re eager to lift the next one. You can’t resist meandering throughout the store….everywhere you turn, there are beautiful things and decadent chocolates….fudge tied with satin ribbon, bonbons adorned with 23K gold leafing, truffles displayed beneath chandeliers…. At last, your box is full. The owner, while working away on the next tiny, chocolate sculpture, notices you approach the counter. Wearing a hand-made French toile apron and hair tied in a bun, she steps away from her art to package your chocolate gift box.
She inspects each chocolate before carefully placing the rustic French toile lid atop the shiny black base. A twine ribbon secures the box, and as if that wasn’t pretty enough, she reaches for a fresh sprig of greenery grown on her miniature tree farm behind her home and finishes with a simple tag and bow. This is the chocolate experience at The Cordial Cherry.
These ladies surprised their guys with a sweet and private French truffle-making class. Chocolate and cream are decadent enough, but we spiced it up with some candied ginger, cardamom, and cayenne....a bit of flaky coconut, raspberries, and cloves too! The flavor and texture combinations were endless, as was the playful banter, endless laughter, and fun ideas for future truffle-making endeavors!
Last Tuesday, a beautiful historical home in the heart of Lincoln unveiled an eclectic group of friendly strangers, one uniquely crafted cocktail after another, and of course, an artful display of delectable chocolates made by yours truly. The Cordial Cherry was invited to partner with Lincoln Secret Supper, a unique dining company that combines curiosity, surprise and an extraordinary culinary experience in one eventful evening. Each event boasts of an interesting meeting place that is kept top secret until the night before. Guests arrive at a secret location, meet new friends, enjoy great conversation, and of course experience amazing food!
