Participate in Chocolate for Congo in Portland in February 2022

I only recent became aware of the campaign, Chocolate for Congo, a month-long benefit for Action Kivu and Eastern Congo Initiative. These are two organizations that work to repair the harm done by years of violence and neglect in Eastern Congo by investing in the women, children and communities in the region. You can read about the Kivu conflict on Wikipedia for more background.

The benefit works like this: you enjoy chocolate at restaurants and bakeries in Portland throughout February and $1 from each dessert will benefit these organizations. You still have about half a month to participate!

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Portland’s 2022 Good Food Awards Finalists

Portland area food artisans did well this year in the Good Food Awards, a project of the SF-based Good Food Foundation, with a strong showing in the West region (there are five regions total). According to the Foundation, “crafters from 42 states and D.C. rose to the top across 17 categories after a Blind Tasting of 1,966 products. They then passed a rigorous vetting to confirm meeting Good Food Awards sustainability standards.”

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Small Bites: Pumpkin Edition

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A scoop of Jack o’ Lantern Pumpkin Bread ice cream from Salt & Straw. Photo credit: Salt & Straw.

The fall weather has arrived and that means it’s time for fall flavors—including pumpkin. Savory or sweet, it tastes like autumn, and for me the season is incomplete without it. Here are some pumpkin (and more) foods you can get in Portland that I think sound particularly good.

Bakeshop. Their Caramelized Apple and Pumpkin Hand Pie is superb (I had one a couple of weeks ago) and can be ordered on the website for the weekend (when Bakeshop is open these days). Warning: this pastry is very flaky, so you might find yourself covered in delicious, delicious pastry shards while eating it. 5351 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland 

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Extraordinary Hand Pie and Cake at Bee’s Cakes Pop-up

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Some of the tasty treats at Bee’s Cakes during their pop-up retail event.

Today was the day—the day of the bakery pop-up at Bee’s Cakes! My friend Charlene and I headed over there this morning and found an abundance of irresistible choices. So many delicious options, from full-on cake slices to cookies to savory pastries. And speaking of savory pastries, the roasted red pepper, corn & goat cheese hand pie was stellar. Continue reading “Extraordinary Hand Pie and Cake at Bee’s Cakes Pop-up”