Mountain Huckleberry

A dark chocolate shell filled with white chocolate huckleberry ganache. 

My uncle was a game warden for most of his career. He spent years of his life protecting the animals of the forests and natural area surrounding Mount Rainier in Washington. Huckleberries are a vital food source for many animals, including bears, birds, and deer, many of which he spent his life protecting. My aunt used to tell stories of him disappearing into the forest for days only to return with an entire pickup load full of huckleberries. She would spend hours sorting and cleaning the huckleberry so they could be frozen and preserved for use during the year. Even now I love going up to visit with my uncle. He'll take me for hikes in the woods to go huckleberry picking. When we don't have time for huckleberry picking, my uncle always has a large tupperware full of huckleberries that he is happy to send home with me. These unique berries are native to the Pacific Northwest which has been my home for most of my life. With a distinct sweet-tart flavor they pair perfectly with chocolate. Huckleberries are very valuable and if you go to purchase them, you will pay a hefty price. Picking them is always more fun. My uncle is clear that huckleberries can only be used when their flavor is showcased. It's permissible to use them for huckleberry yogurt smoothies, huckleberry lemon muffins, huckleberry pancakes, and now I'm honored to say, huckleberry bonbon's. May this delicious treat inspire you to tell a story of the Pacific Northwest and beautiful outdoor country of the forests and mountains.