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HERNÁN Hernán Mexican Hot Chocolate
FOOD IS OFTEN SAID TO BE THE GREATEST PATH to learning about another culture, an idea Hernán has embraced. Founder Isela Hernandez, who grew up along the U.S.-Mexico border in Del Rio, Texas, strives to share the rich culture of her roots with her American peers. Hernán launched in 2007 with a beautiful line of traditional Mexican cookware, prep tools and serveware crafted by artisans in Mexico. One product inspired an idea to expand the story, to build the brand and the cause: the Mexican hot chocolate frother, or molinillo. "We felt that the Mexican hot chocolate story would be a great one to tell because drinking chocolate in Mexico has been one of those traditions that's been around for thousands of years," she explains. Made with organic cacao from a biodiverse plantation in Chiapas, Mexico, the rich chocolate features a slightly granular texture. It is available in three forms: powder, Tablillas (square blocks) and Bolitas (small pellets); the pieces can also be enjoyed as a confection, as a baking ingredient or in making mole sauce. Together with the molinillo and the Olla de Barro Ceramic Pot (in which to froth the drink), the collection introduces a new, yet age-old, way of enjoying chocolate. Furthering Hernán's mission, the company strives for social responsibility, through its storytelling and in working with a biodiverse farm that emulates the cacao production of the Mayans. This collection introduces consumers to a vibrant culinary tradition—and helps to preserve it. Suggested retail price: $7.98–$9.98/8.4 ounces. Contact: Isela Hernandez, Hernán; 646.263.3598; ihernandez@hernanllc.com; hernanllc.com—E.M.
FINALISTS ➊ CHOCOLAT MODERNE
Kama Sutra Cocoa Casbah Dark Drinking Chocolate
Contact: Joan E. Coukos joan@chocolatmoderne.com 212.229.4797 chocolatmoderne.com
➋ TEA FORTÉ
Lemon Sorbetti Tea Contact: Susan Muller smuller@teaforte.com 978.369.7777, ext. 73; 978.808.4017 teaforte.com
SEPTEMBER 2012 S33
HOT BEVERAGE