Terra Americana is a mission-driven specialty food company creating curated subscription boxes and artisanal products that celebrate global culinary traditions while supporting community impact. A proud 1% for the Planet® member.

Julie Cecchini Cook: The Heart Behind Terra Americana

Terra Americana was born from a passion for quality, tradition, and bringing people together. As founder, I've guided our journey from imported ceramics to award-winning specialty foods.

My Culinary Journey

My grandmothers instilled in me a love for cooking and storytelling. Their kitchens were classrooms where I learned that food connects people and preserves heritage. These early lessons followed me to college, where my dorm room became an impromptu canteen for friends amazed by what I could create with simple ingredients.

From Portugal to Production

White backpacking accross Europe, I discovered beautiful Portuguese pottery that became Terra Americana's first product line. We started with home parties showcasing these ceramics, but a pivotal holiday season revealed our true calling—our handcrafted food mixes packaged in the pottery were the real stars.

Evolution & Growth

We pivoted to focus entirely on specialty foods in the late '90s. Our spice blends, baking mixes, and gourmet products found success at farmers' markets before expanding to major retailers. Throughout our growth, we've maintained our commitment to quality ingredients and authentic flavors.

Terra Americana Today

Now our team of eight—including my husband Dan, our master spice blender—creates handcrafted specialty foods from our kitchen in the historic Mill at Crane Pond. We're passionate about helping busy people enjoy home cooking without sacrificing quality or taste.

Visit us at The Mercantile at Crane Pond, where our specialty foods stand alongside carefully curated vintage treasures.

Elm Brook Farm is dedicated to discovering, preserving, and sharing vintage treasures and antiques that tell the story of American heritage. Led by Chief Treasure Hunter Dan Cook, the company specializes in curated finds that honor craftsmanship and historical authenticity.

Celebrating History

The Art of Rediscovering America's Past

Treasure-hunting runs deep in my blood. My uncle was an auctioneer, and that legacy of appreciation for historical items shaped me and all my cousins into passionate collectors.

I've always been drawn to objects with character—those with a touch of patina and the rich stories they carry. Every scratch, every mark speaks of journeys taken and lives lived. These aren't just items; they're fragments of our collective past waiting to be recognized again.

My mission is to rescue and revitalize pieces of history that have been overlooked or discarded. I find profound joy in giving these treasures a second chance to be appreciated and to continue their stories in new homes.

Elm Brook Farm Vintage began as a practical solution when our barn could no longer contain all the remarkable finds I've accumulated over the years. But it's grown into something more—a celebration of craftsmanship, history, and the enduring quality of items made to last generations.

Every day, I set out in search of new treasures with stories to tell. Each discovery is an opportunity to preserve another small piece of our shared heritage.

Dan Cook
Chief Treasure Hunter

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Visit  The Mercantile at Crane Pond to discover your own piece of history.

The Mercantile at Crane Pond is a unique retail destination in Westfield, MA, featuring Terra Americana's mission-driven specialty foods alongside Elm Brook Farm's curated vintage treasures and antiques. This sister-company collaboration creates a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where culinary exploration meets historical preservation.

Terra Americana’s sisterhood of companies share a commitment to:

• Preserving cultural and historical heritage
• Supporting local economies and artisan producers
• Sustainable and conscious business practices
• Creating employment opportunities for students with disabilities
• Helping to Fight Food Insecurity through 1% for the Planet® membership