Our March local vendor spotlight is the delicious honey maker Kettle Moraine Honey. Here's a few of their As to our Qs:

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself/your mission/family/what you create or farm.
Doug, Deana and Elijah Grall started Kettle Moraine Honey in 2013. Elijah had made a visit to one of Uncle Larry Cain’s apiaries and had caught the bug (pun intended). Upon Elijah’s return home, he vividly described his experience. Doug had always been fascinated with insects since his high school biology class insect collection project. At the same time, Doug was looking for additional opportunities for their small farm south of Whitewater. Thus Kettle Moraine Honey was born.

The farm is located in the Southern Kettle Moraine glaciated region. The Southern Kettle Moraine area produces high quality honey with numerous sources of quality forage for the bees. Doug is responsible for day to day beekeeping and all aspects of honey production. Deana assists in honey production, marketing and is responsible for beeswax product development.

Kettle Moraine Honey is dedicated to producing high quality local honey and beeswax products. Our apiaries are sustainable and we only use organic practices. We have grown from eight colonies our first year to 130 plus colonies with plans for further expansion. We currently have ten apiaries dispersed throughout Jefferson, Rock and Walworth counties. Local queen raising was added to the operation in 2014.

Doug served as vice-president of the Walworth County Beekeepers Club for several years. He also actively participates in beekeeping and pollinator preservation education. Educational activities included presentations to 4H groups, University groups and local markets. Doug also serves as a mentor to new beekeepers.

2. What’s your favorite thing to do on/at the farm/your business?
Favorite beekeeping activities include raising queens and selling honey at markets.

3. Do you have a go-to recipe to share? And why is it your #1 go-to?

Honey Ginger Frosted Cookies

1 ½ cups shortening(butter)
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
½ cup honey
4 cups flour
4 tsp baking soda
2 tsp ginger
3tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and honey, beat well. Combine other dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add slowly beating until dough is combined. Form into balls, flatten and bake at 360 for 13 minutes. Cool.

Frosting

½ cup butter
8 oz. cream cheese
½ tsp vanilla
3 ½ cups powdered sugar

Cream cream cheese and butter. Add vanilla and powdered sugar. Frost cookies and add holiday sprinkles if desired.

It is family recipe and also it was published in 2017 WE Energies Cookie Book.

4. What’s a little known fact about you or your farm/business?
I am co-owner/co-founder of Komboocho Brewing. KMH Honey is used as an ingredient in Komboocho kombucha.

5. What are you most looking forward to about the Whitewater Grocery Co.?
I am looking forward to having a high quality local grocery store that supports local vendors.

For more information, you can give them a call! (262) 472-0507