The Whole Wheat

It will be hard for me to say enough positive things about the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival that took place in San Francisco this past weekend!  Not only was the event just fantastic, but I met amazing people: bloggers, farmers, artisan producers.  Amazing!!!

Friday night we started with drink & h’ors d’oeurves at Hotel Vitale. We had a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge – slightly shrouded in fog – and the Ferry Building. Afterward we walked over to the Ferry Building for a special street fare dinner that featured some local yummy treats.

Saturday afternoon was an amazing Tasting Pavilion event.  This event had another spectacular view from the top of the Metreon. The layout was fantastic – far larger than I would have ever predicted. And so many generous and talented purveyors sharing samples of their food.  For me, the sparkling wine fiend, one highlight was the California Sparklers Tasting hosted by Alder Yarrow of Vinography.com.  Well done & delicious!

Saturday night was a dinner hosted at the Greenleaf distribution center. What a treat to see their headquarters (immaculate!) and have such an amazing dinner served to us.  I was lucky enough to share a table with folks from Greenleaf, Frog Hollow Farms, and some other local bloggers.  We had wonderful conversations and found a lot of common ground.

I wanted to simply thank FoodBuzz again for hosting this event. I loved it and look forward to future years of exciting food blogging! What a great community you have created!

Prunes never really scream YUM to most people.  Its really a cultural sadness that we think of them only as a health food.  They are so delicious and worth a try as a snack.  Additionally I’ve found that making prunes into a puree is delicious, and can be used in so many things! Its naturally sweet and flavorful.

For Margaux I often mix prune puree into oatmeal.  Or with ricotta cheese.  She is wild for prune puree no matter how its served, but those are some ideas that are baby and adult friendly.

The best thing is – its super fast and easy to make:

• Put about 8 prunes in a small pan with ~1 c. of water.  Bring to a simmer & cook about 10 minutes (covered).  The prunes should be plump and soft.  Puree the prunes and water together or just the prunes alone.  Add to anything!