Hello to my dedicated readers. This month I am going to introduce to you one of my top chefs that help creates the magic in our kitchen. When I started this business, it was very important to find quality chefs that shared my passion and vision for the edible industry. I was fortunate to find not one, but two, great chefs that shared my vision.

Katelyn Keck is one of them and you will find out more about her in coming Kush issues, where she too will share her favorite recipes, but today I want to put the spotlight on Chris Carmel. I asked Chris to write a few words about himself and to share a few of his favorite recipes with you this month. I hope you enjoy reading about the great chefs at Simply Pure and their passion for the industry. Without them, I would be like Willy Wonka without his Umpalloompas (I hope I spelled it right)!

-Chef Scott Durrah

Spring is around the corner. In many states the bulbs are starting to pop up from the ground and the snow banks that were once mountains in parking lots are almost gone. For many of us it means outdoor exercising and long walks, for others it means cleaning out the closet or starting new relationships. All in all, spring brings joy, colors and, best of all, warm weather us all. 

Spring also give us the opportunity to eat healthier. Fruits and vegetables fill the stores, farmer’s markets are popping up everywhere, and many local gardens offer fresh produce. To help you take advantage of those opportunities, I’ve provided for you below a few spring dishes, which also make great on-the-go snacks.

February has been dubbed the month of love, and while Valentine’s Day is the obvious reason, it doesn’t have to end there. As men run around at the last minute to buy roses, jewelry, chocolates or find that little something that makes their significant other feel loved, we thought we would give you a little secret or two that will add something special to any evening. 

I asked, Chris Carmel, one of the Simply Pure Chefs, to help me out. He was the first chef we hired and has been involved with every stage of product development since. He also happens to currently be single, so we figured it would be a good opportunity to help show off his culinary chops to all you available ladies...

What we came up with is a simple 3-course meal that most men can prepare and be proud of.