Forte Chocolates: #GSVMemberMonday Feature
Since 2006, Forte Chocolates has earned over 100 prestigious National and International Awards, including coveted World Gold awards. Chef Karen Neugebauer’s beautiful artistry and captivating flavors have led her to being ranked as one of the world’s best chocolatiers.
A long time sponsor of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival and captain of the Forte Farmstrong Heart of Skagit bicycle team for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation; Forte values purchasing local ingredients whenever possible. This includes utilizing fresh rosemary, strawberries, and raspberries at the local farmer’s markets and having a long standing relationship with Mount Vernon’s Farmstrong Brewery, whose flavors are featured in Forte’s Cider and Stout caramels. Local cream is used knowing that several local Skagit County dairies (including our friends at Golden Glen Creamery) have a partnership with Darigold cooperative in making the 40% Heavy Whipping Cream.
We recently asked Karen what her favorite #SkagitValley fruit or vegetable was, and here’s what she said:
“Red Potatoes! I love seeing them grow and flower along my way to the kitchen, the fields looking so picturesque nestled beside the mountains! But what’s more, oh the things you can make with these flavorful little darlings. My favorite thing to cook is Roasted red potatoes seasoned with fresh cut rosemary and garlic cloves and topped with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkling of black pepper and sea salt. A good hardy yum every time!!!”
Thank you for supporting the Genuine Skagit Valley program, Forte Chocolates.
📷️: Mike Kane, KUOW Photo