Weather, Wine and Work — California Style
Last month I packed my bags and headed to the Golden State for a two-day Almond Orchard Experience. Sponsored by the Almond Board of California (you’ll hear all about the wonderful world of almonds in upcoming posts), this excursion was not only educational, but also fascinating and left me feeling just so dang Californian.
The day started with sunrise yoga at the picturesque Wine and Roses Hotel. While the mercury was reaching the 100-degree mark in Kansas City, in Cali it was cool enough at 6 a.m. to start the day with an extra layer.
At home, sweat would be dripping off my nose after the first vinyasa.
After yoga, we fortified ourselves with an al fresco breakfast (of course), and then got busy learning about the nut du jour.
Soon our heads were swimming with almondesque facts, and it was time for a break.
Crunchy almond granola, basil pesto almonds and chocolate almond truffles were just a few of our treats.
More schooling, then lunch in another beautiful outdoor setting.
Earthquakes aside, Californians have got it made.
The afternoon was filled with lessons on history, production, sustainability, nutrition, marketing and research. I learned a lot about that powerhouse of a nut and garnered a newfound respect for the almond industry.
I still had time before dinner to wander the property and enjoy more of the state’s beautiful climate.
Three talkative parrots called the property home.
We spent the evening at School Street Bistro, enjoying a four-course dinner featuring wines from the LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyard. Each and every course utilized the heart-healthy almond, proving their versatility in the kitchen.
I returned to Kansas City and the smothering heat with a notebook full of recipes just itching to get my hands on some almonds. (Don’t worry — I’ll share some!)
Snack or ingredient? How is your almond consumption split? —Karen