4th Annual Vegan Chili Cook off!

It's time once again for our annual chili cook-off! 

When: Saturday, March 16th. 12:00-2:30 pm

Where: Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Road, Bayside, CA

Prizes will be awarded in several categories. (including best dessert and best side dish)

Bring either a pot of chili or a complimentary side dish. (cornbread, salad, etc.) or dessert.

Please make sure that anything you bring is vegan. ( no meat, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatin, etc.)

Judging and voting starts at 12:30. Please do your best to arrive on time;  we know your creations will be awesome and we don't want anyone to miss out on getting their chili included in the competition.  :-)

Open Mic

This year we're hosting an open mic for a limited number of musicians and singers who are just dying to entertain us with some awesome background music during the event!    
Contact Josephine Johnson for details.  Email  or Facebook.

See you soon!

Fair Trade Chocolate Love

Happy New Year everyone!

Our first official event of the year will be our annual chili cook off, on Saturday March 16th. Stay tuned for more details.

So, whether you're looking to surprise your "sweet' with some amazing treats or planning on spoiling yourself a bit(and what's wrong with that?)  here are some great suggestions on how to fill the bill..

As many of your know, the chocolate industry is rife with stories of child slavery and misery.  Who wants that in their chocolate? Who wants to contribute to that?  I know I don't.

Below are some great local chocolate suppliers right here in Humboldt County.

 Venlo Chocolates and their sister company, Sjaak's Organic Chocolates
Founded by Jacques, who opened his chocolate shop and factory in Eureka over 20 years ago.
They have many delicious vegan options available like their nondairy Turtles and my personal favorite, organic Chocolate Caramel Bites.  
You can find their products at the Northcoast Co-op, Eureka Natural Foods, and the Venlo line at their shop at 425 Snug Alley #B, Eureka.

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolate
Founded by Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor, these guys pride themselves on their handcrafted chocolate, starting with the best raw cacao from such exotic locals as Belize and Ecuador, and roasting it themselves. I love the Black Fig myself.  Dark, rich and decadent.
You can find these amazing bars at Eureka Natural Foods, NorthCoast Co-op, Humboldt Healthy Foods in Fortuna, and many other locations around town.

If you want to explore other chocolate makers for your Valentines gift giving, but need to know for sure you're supporting vegan, fair trade products, the Food Empowerment Project has put together a frequently updated list of companies providing chocolate free of slavery. The list is comprehensive in that you will also learn which companies are not forthcoming of the origins of their cacao.

Happy Valentines Day, and we'll see you next month!