Week 4, Oct. 27

Halloween is right around the corner, which means an inevitable influx of high fructose corn syrup and trans fat-laden treats.  It also means great costumes, and fun parties and get togethers.  For this week's pick-up, each CSB member will receive a few better-for-you treats that I handmade with seasonal, local ingredients, perfect for sharing at events, with drop-in guests or trick-or-treaters, or for helping to curb cravings for store-bought treats. 

In each item I incorporated a very special honey.  My cousin, who lives in Portland, OR, has been dabbling in beekeeping (and gardening, home brewing, etc.), and harvested some amazingly flavored honey this fall!  My husband spent last week up north training and picked up a jar for me on his way home.  This honey is full flavored, yet delicate, and has a hint of rose and spice to it.  Yum.  There are so many different honey varieties, and it's fun to sample them side by side to compare (each year the flavor will often change if the bees visit different flowers).  I knew I had to share this special treat with CSB members.

Included in each share this week:

~Caramel Apple Marshmallows.  These are handmade, fluffy pillows of candy that have organic apple juice and my homemade bourbon caramel sauce in them.  Enjoy straight out of the package or floating on a cup of hot apple cider.

~Honey Orange Marshmallows with Dark Chocolate.  Freshly squeezed organic orange juice and honey give these candies a bright, delicious flavor.  Each one is drizzled with organic dark chocolate from Lillie Belle Farms in Central Point, OR. 

~Honey Butter Popcorn.  Fluffy organic air popped popcorn tossed with fresh butter, honey, special spices, and a hint of fleur de sel make this crunchy sweet snack a special treat.  Curl up with a scary movie, pack in lunchboxes, or set out as party munchies.

All of these goodies should be kept in an air tight container at room temperature.  Do NOT refrigerate!  They should stay fresh for at least a week, if they last that long.