By Caroline Moran
“Trouvaille in French means a positive, unexpected find.” For Courtney and Andrew Howe, this word perfectly sums up both their professional endeavors and the entirety of their journey together. After leaving behind 16- and 12-year-long careers in the restaurant industry, respectively, Courtney and Andrew first explored the idea of starting a food truck.
“When the pandemic hit, our ideas began to shift,” Courtney explained when discussing how the pair instead chose cheesecakes as a vessel in which to channel their culinary creativity. From basil and sage whipped creams to graham cracker and cinnamon bun crusts, the couple has no shortage of dreamy flavor combinations–certainly enough to satisfy any palate.
Pulling inspiration anywhere they can, Courtney is constantly jotting down flavor ideas when ingredients and products catch her eye. “We want each layer of the dessert to bring out different flavors that pair together perfectly,” she explained. The separation of flavors between the toppings, fillings, and crusts created a “layered experience,” resulting in an ideal bite.
Each week, the pair selects their most seasonally appropriate flavors and carefully crafts each component of their cheesecakes. “We make our sauces, jams, [and] graham crackers,” said Courtney. They individually garnish and package up each slice, knowing that customers can “taste the love and effort” poured into the process.
This coming July marks two years of Trouvaille’s decadent desserts, with Courtney and Andrew looking forward to reintroducing gluten-free and vegan cheesecakes and experimenting with other cheesecake-based desserts.
“We truly enjoy working from our commercial kitchen for the time being,” the couple said. “We will keep running new flavors weekly to ensure our customers continue to have unique desserts to brighten up their weeks.”
Customers looking to enjoy a mouthwatering slice of Trouvaille’s cheesecake outside of the SFM’s hours can find them at the Schenectady Greenmarket and the Colonie Farmers’ Market, along with several local restaurants (the Mohawk Taproom, 10 McGillis, and Pinhead Susan’s) for a treat any day of the week. Pre-ordering options are also available on trouvailleeats.com, with options for both pick-up and delivery.
One of Courtney and Andrew’s favorite aspects of the business? “…converting people from non-cheesecake lovers to cheesecake lovers!” If you’re not yet convinced, stop by the SFM to check out this week’s flavors—we’re certain you might just find a new favorite dessert.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at High Rock Park in downtown Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
*Parking available in the City Center Parking Garage- free for the first hour then $1/hr after that*
