The Makers Issue

Photography By | Last Updated November 30, 2023
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Local makers Chef Kenny Gilbert, Potter Breanne Rupp, Candy Maker Lisa Kiral, Chef Vernetta Stewart and Woodworker Pete Mignone

“We are born makers. We move what we’re learning from our heads to our hearts through our hands.”

Brené Brown

The holidays provide a wonderful excuse to pause and give thanks to the makers who take an idea and bring it to life. Let’s hear it for the businesses and individuals who have a hand in crafting our local food and drink businesses, engage with our community and share the goal of an even better future. When we buy a product from a local maker, we see the hands that shaped the ceramic plate or measured out the ingredients in the hot sauce or a loaf of bread. A connection is made, and whenever we use that product, we are reminded of a place, a story, a person.

The Makers issue is a celebration of local entrepreneurs, those who seek answers and solutions to questions, and the roles they play in making our community more vibrant. In a story by Josué A. Cruz, you’ll learn how Rethreaded, a nonprofit in Jacksonville, is using artisanal toffee to make life better for survivors of human trafficking. Jack Twachtman chats with Pete Mignone, whose near-death experience with a tree led him to start his woodworking business. Go behind the scenes and read why, in this digital age where almost any recipe can be at your fingers in moments, Chef Kenny Gilbert decided it was time to make a cookbook. Find out how a little-known piece of African American history determined the name of a new line of bourbon whiskey.

This issue's From the Oven serves up pie recipes that are guaranteed to make any gathering a little sweeter. If you’re looking for inspiration to turn holiday leftovers into new culinary masterpieces, check out the Seasonal Plate recipes, with tips from local chefs on ways to reuse and recycle food to reduce waste. And speaking of cutting down on waste, learn how to wrap presents with tea towels instead of paper. (Plus, you end up giving two gifts to the lucky recipient!)

However you make your way through the holidays, I hope you can share meals with loved ones during the coming days and that your celebrations include appreciation for all those who play a part in growing and preparing our food. I would like to extend gratitude to our loyal advertisers, readers, subscribers and contributors who have helped make Edible Northeast Florida a community platform for the discussion and celebration of our local food system.

Lauren TitusEditor

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STORIES FROM THE MAKERS ISSUE

Toffee Changes Lives at Rethreaded

rethreaded toffee making
Making a sweet difference using an old family recipe

Behind the Scenes: Making a Cookbook

kenny gilbert Southern Cooking: Global Flavor
Recipes that celebrates the diversity of America

Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Shop local this holiday season and show your support for small businesses in our community.

Sustainable Gift Wrapping

diy gift wrap
Try this alternative to paper

A Story in Every Bottle

victor george spirits
A new product with a connection to an important part of America’s past

A Cookie Made for Memories

A recipe traced back to the Great Depression

Santa Cookies

boiled cookies
Also called No Boil Cookies. Perfect cookies are firm enough that they don’t crumble, but still have a nice gloss on top. Although no one has yet to turn down a less than perfect cookie. Be sure to...

Savory Bread Pudding

savory bread pudding
Transform the morsels of your holiday meal into a savory bread pudding using an assortment of rolls, croissants, Pullman loaf, dense white sandwich bread or any combination of bread. Get creative...

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower and Potato Soup

The beauty of this vegan soup is that it works with cauliflower as well as whatever leftover roasted vegetables you have on hand.

Birria de Pavo

birria de pavo
Traditionally birria is prepared with lamb or goat, but variations using beef short rib, various roasts and almost any type of meat have grown in popularity. This version uses turkey, called pavo in...

Sweet Potato and Mashed Potato Gnocchi

Add these little gnocchi pillows to your favorite soup or on a salad. Leftover turkey or vegetable soups work great. These also work well with grilled shrimp or lobster topped with a citrus butter...

Machacado con Huevos

Turn your leftover holiday roast into this Tex-Mex breakfast favorite. Ranchers and cowboys of Northern Mexico air-dried beef with chilis and regional spices so it would be preserved, machaca. The key...

Roselle Meringue Tart

roselle meringue tart
Also known as Florida cranberry, roselle is in the edible hibiscus family and can be found fresh, dried or in tea bags. Its tart yet floral flavor in the curd filling is a good balance to the cardamom...

Drunken-Nut Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

bourbon chocolate pecan pie
This adults-only version of a holiday favorite is brushed with bourbon, which pairs well with the semi-sweet chocolate and gives this dessert an extra rich finish.

Key Lime Pie

key lime pie
This twist on a classic dessert starts with a crust made with ginger snap cookies instead of the more traditional graham crackers.
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