Of the three women for whom we have created treats this month, you are most likely to have heard of Toni Morrison. There's hardly an award or honor that was not bestowed upon her during her 88 years. Seriously. A Nobel. A Pulitzer. The Presidential Medal of Freedom. A U.S. postage stamp. Several Jeopardy clues. And several banned books lists.
Born Chloe Ardelia Wofford in Lorain, Ohio, Morrison spent the first portion of her professional career finding great writers and the rest being one. The world is better for her moving from crew to cast in the wild world of literature. Ever centering the stories of African-American women, her painstakingly crafted worlds draw you in and you do not leave the same.
If you are unfamiliar with her work, there are innumerable places to start. The Bluest Eye or Sula are great places to begin your adventure. If you're up for a challenge, Beloved is arguable the pinnacle of her writing.
The treat we've designed in her honor actually pays tribute to another great love of her life, cooking. Morrison was known as a masterful, if not secretive cook. And she was best known for one of the most amazing carrot cakes this side of glory. Unfortunately for all of us, she took the recipe to the great beyond with her. Our tribute comes in deconstructed form. We've used the elements of an amazing carrot cake, crisp dried carrots, organic raisins, toasted walnuts, dried mandarins (not pineapples; Dee is allergic), warm spices, a bit of cream cheese powder, and turned them into a snack mix that is sure to create a love affair on the tongue and in the belly.
As Ohio celebrates 95 years since her birth, we hope this sunshine-filled treat transports your heart to places that feel safe and warm.
Sold by the half dozen