Actress Noel Baker is known for her recurring role in the CW network's teen drama "One Tree Hill" as well as the upcoming science ficition film "Station 4." But she is also becoming more known for her truffle and baked goods business she started last year (http://www.noelthebaker.com/), thanks to her grandmother's old family recipes.As the granddaughter of former champion NASCAR race car driver Buddy Baker, Noel has been a big fan of racing as well, but her passion has remained acting and now, running her baking business. Thanks to her friends in the entertainment industry and others, Noel's business is taking off with her now famous truffles leading the way. With her Southern background, Noel creates truffles with some spicy goodness thrown in. The truffles are small, sweet and hot! "My business started with my spicy dark chocolate cayenne truffles. I grow my own chili peppers and make chili powder to infuse with my own homemade dark chocolate ganache. Very delicious, and just enough burn to make you happy!" she said. For those who aren't fans of chocolate or spicy goods, Noel's vanilla cream marshmallow melts are the perfect dessert with its homemade vanilla ganache and creamy marshmallow fluff in the center. Much of Noel's success comes from the size of her baked goods. They are all bite size, or mini versions of the original pies, truffles and cakes."One of the more unique things that I do would be my pie bites. They are very complex," she said. "It depends on your taste, but it's a split between black tie cheesecake bites, chili key lime pie bites and pumpkin pie bites, wrapped in a graham cracker, butter and brown sugar crust, dipped in vanilla or chocolate. Very yummy!"
HONORE COMFORT - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SONOMA COUNTY VINTNERS
"Sonoma County is a world-class wine region," said Chris Hanna, SCV President, "and Honore Comfort's appointment better positions SCV to significantly increase our visibility in the media, drive more traffic to member wineries, and help augment the perceived value of the wines produced here in Sonoma County." Ms. Comfort, a Sonoma County resident, has worked for over 5 years as a senior strategist on leading domestic and imported wine brands including Penfolds and Rosemount Estate, Australian wines owned by Fosters Wine Estates. Before transitioning to the wine industry she was Director of Print Media for Macy's West in San Francisco. Prior to that position she worked for 4 years as a successful strategic planner and corporate fundraiser for the Art Institute of Chicago and other non-profit museums and institutions around the USA.Sonoma County is not just a special place to grow world-class grapes and make great wines: It’s one of the most beautiful and resource-rich places on earth! 60 miles of pristine Pacific coastline and many other natural wonders are only the beginning of the story. We are blessed with amazing diversity of foods and produce, along with chefs who take full advantage of Sonoma’s bounty. Add to that our relaxed and friendly vibe and it all converges here. Want to learn more about Sonoma County’s rich wine history, Sonoma’s 13 appellations, and other wine facts? It’s all here waiting for you to discover.