In the cooler months between October and April, I make a series of single edition chocolate collections—six flavors, two of each, in a box.

Each collection focuses on a different theme. It might be a special place or region; birds; a season; love. Once the chocolates all illustrated the geology of the Grand Canyon. The possibilities are limitless.

Designs on the chocolates, the flavors, and a booklet all carry forward the theme. Each collection is unique, never repeated in the same form.

The types of fillings vary from ganaches to giandua, layers of pâte de fruit, and praliné. Flavors are always changing! One time a birch tree design might call for birch syrup; another a Madagascar theme calls for baobab powder.

I am Jonathan Doherty, owner and chocolatier of Clandestine Chocolates.

When I was a child, my father began dipping bourbon candies in chocolate each year to give as Christmas presents. Many years later I inherited the family tradition.

I had a long career in conservation with the National Park Service. But during that time, I began to explore chocolate further and Clandestine Chocolates was born.

My chocolates were sold through Etsy beginning in 2007. I'm a certified chocolatier through the Ecole Chocolate Professional Chocolatier program and a member of the Fine Chocolate Industry Association.

I am interested in story-telling and I do that through fine chocolates. For me, that is what fuels creativity and exploration, always keeping things new. It allows me to create a holistic experience for others to enjoy and contemplate.

I also care about good works. That means things like using ethically sourced chocolate, getting my cream from a nearby fifth generation family farm, and donating a portion of each collection's revenues to organizations doing important work.