Meet the Producer: Torie Burke

You can’t get candy this beautiful without a little design experience. Torie & Howard, makers of jewel-shaped candies in four sophisticated flavor combinations, is the brainchild of famed color consultant Torie Burke and interior design guru Howard Slatkin, founder of home-fragrance brand Slatkin & Co. The two met through their design work and bonded over their shared passions for design—and food.

The impetus to create their own specialty food line came when each endured and recovered from health-related experiences that had a profound impact on their lives. For Slatkin, losing more than 100 pounds led to a renewed focus on eating as healthy and nutritionally conscious as possible. For Burke, it was the onset of severe food allergies that forced her to make serious changes in her life and her diet. These new restrictions made finding satisfying snacks difficult, and all the more important.

Soon, Torie & Howard debuted their artfully crafted fruit-flavored organic candies. Launched at the Winter Fancy Food Show in January 2012, the product line features four gourmet flavors: Italian Tarocco Blood Orange & Wildflower Honey, Tart California Pomegranate & Sweet Freestone Nectarine, D’anjou Pear & Ceylon Cinnamon, and Pink Grapefruit & Tupelo Honey.

“We truly believe that food tastes better when it is made with organic, natural ingredients and responsible principles. All of our products are free of any preservatives, additives, artificial flavorings, chemicals or dyes,” says Burke. Further, a portion of the company’s profits will be donated to Wildlife Conservation Society and Autism Speaks.

Burke shares more with foodspring.com:

What’s your favorite flavor in your line and why?

I don’t really have one as each has its own character. I actually love them all. However, I eat them according to my mood. When I need a little lift I enjoy our zippy Pomegranate & Nectarine. Or the Blood Orange & Honey; since it’s one of our flavors I don’t have to wait for blood oranges to be in season.

Who is your culinary idol and why?

My mother was a complete rock star in the kitchen. When she had a dinner party, everyone pined to be there. In addition to her amazing personality, her cooking made it a must-attend event, demanded by your tummy.

What’s your guilty food pleasure?

Oh that’s easy. Potatoes of absolutely any kind. And Torie & Howard’s Organic Hard Candy!

Best meal ever?

I am a gluten-free gal, and when I started my new regime, I went to meat and potatoes, which I love.

If you weren’t making organic candy (or working in design), what would you be doing instead?

Riding horses full time.

Aside from your product, what three items can you always find in your kitchen?

My two dogs! They are always at the ready. And a colander. I don’t know why but I have tons of them.—Denise Shoukas

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