Private Dinner with Canadian Lentils

The first night at BlogHerFood16, some of us went to a special dinner hosted by Canadian Lentils.  The dinner was hosted at a wonderful location in Austin named, Vuka, a wonderful indoor and outdoor space with music and outdoor games for adults (please click the link and check out the pictures, the space is amazing).  The weather was great for outdoor dining and since the dinner was being made on a food truck the outside atmosphere was perfect.

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We were greeted with an open bar and an antipasto station.  The antipasto station and the open bar was a great welcome to the first day of a conference.  It was important to pace myself because there was more food to come.  In addition to the antipasto station there were appetizers and then we were ready to order our final entree’s.  The premise of the dinner was to find different ways to experiment and cook with Lentils.  Canadian Lentils always pulls out all of the stops when they host us and this time was no exception.

We were able to go to the truck and select what we wanted from the menu.  My choice was the lentil salad with avocado, tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes and dressing, along with the salmon taco, and the Frito pie.  I have never had Frito pie so I was very excited to taste this particular dish.  The chef incorporated lentils into each of the dishes served as well as the dessert which was a sweet potato brownie with lentils.  The food was really good I just felt like the lentils could have been transformed a little more, they just felt like an additional ingredient.  But the food itself was tasty and satisfying.

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Another great thing about Canadian Lentils, is that after the feed you all of this amazing and tasty food, and serve you drinks to your hearts content, they also provide you with great parting gifts to compliment your kitchen and to inspire you to cook more at home and to cook more with Lentils.  From the cooking utensils, to the cook book and recipe cards Canadian Lentils definitely brings out the cook in you.

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While I have not had many experiences with Lentils prior to attending the BlogHerFood conference, I do have friends that cook and eat lentils often and I am learning.  One of the best things about Canadian Lentils as a company is that they get you excited about cooking lentils and experimenting with flavors.  During the conference Canadian Lentils had pre measured lentils in mason jars and a spice station with recipes and a chef on hand to assist you in making the best choices for your lentil creation.  I spent time putting together my Indian inspired and Creole inspired lentil recipes that I am waiting to cook.  (Video will be forthcoming).  I am looking forward to making and enjoying my lentil creations.  What are your favorite lentil creations?

 

 

Stay Blessed……..Stay Fabulous!

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BlogHerFood 16

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This time last week I was just getting back home exhausted from a weekend of eating, learning, eating, sharing, learning, networking, eating, meeting new people and experiencing new brands and did I mention earing?  This was my weekend at BlogHerFood16, oh yeah and the closeout party.  It was an amazing experience and a great investment.

Last November was my first experience with BlogHerFood.  It was held in Chicago, my hometown, and it was an excellent way for me to learn more about the craft of blogging.  While not a food blogger, I felt that surely there would be some universal lessons that could be learned at the conference so why not.  It was a great decision.  I learned more than I ever thought I would as well as met people who are still a prat of my life today.

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This year was no exception.  BlogHerFood16 was a great conference and an excellent opportunity to learn from the best and the brightest in the blogging community.  For those who think that this conference is only for food bloggers, you are wrong.  This conference is for anyone who wants to learn how to take their blog to the next level and how to use the latest and greatest tips, tools and techniques to be successful at blogging.  This conference is more intimate than the annual BlogHer conference, so it provides you the opportunity to learn in a more relaxed and less hectic environment than the annual conference.

The attendees at the conference as well as the presenters were awesome.  The Food Network Stars, the Smolletts, of Smollett Eats  gave a cooking demonstration of one of their famous family recipes and we were able to sample some of the food as well.  Helluva Good hosted a reception with the Real Housewives of Dallas Brandi Redmond with champagne and appetizers.  And for the closing keynote we were treated to the wit, wisdom and comedy of The Chew’sCarla Hall, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Lisa Lillien.

In addition to the presenters and workshops there are the sponsors.  A few of my favorites this year were Owls Brew as well as Helluva Good!.  Helluva Good had a recharge lounge where you could charge your electronic devices as well as sit back and enjoy endless chips and  dip.  Or veggies and dip, for those working on their figures.  Hamilton Beach was there as well as Analon, Bay’s English Muffins, Martins Potoato Rolls, and Canadian lentils among others.

If you were every contemplating whether or not to attend the conference, don’t hesitate.  The knowledge imparted as well as the people you meet and the things you learn are definitely worth the investment.  The workshops and presentations while mostly for food bloggers can be used for any blogger.  The atmosphere makes it easy to mix, mingle, network and ask questions, have discussions and learn from other bloggers as well.

And side note, these ladies know how to throw a party.  The closing party was at Maggie Maes on 6th street at a huge rooftop party space with more food, drinks and dancing.  It was a great way to end the conference and to spend time with new friends and old friends, laughing, dancing, and partying in the wonderful Texas weather.  I can’t wait for next year.   Hope to see you all there!

Stay Blessed…….Stay Fabulous!

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