First Kentucky Food Bloggers Event and Some Soup Beans and Spoonbread

For once in my blogging career I didn't feel like a weirdo talking about food blogging in my own city! Nope, sure didn't because I was surrounded by folks just like me. Talk about a comforting feeling. No, I was not in a food rehab group! Much more helpful than that-  I was part of the 1st Kentucky Food Bloggers Association event!

It all started with the master minds- a.k.a. Lori from Fake Food Free and Mindy from The World in My Kitchen, that pulled together a Facebook fan page recruiting other food bloggers residing in Kentucky to introduce themselves and join a new community. First there were only a handful.
Then before we knew it we had about 30.
Then there were discussions of an outing.
And see, Lori has fabulous connections with Alltech which have connections with some chefs in Lexington.-- So, an outing was planned around the Incredible Food Show! Alltech worked with Jonathan’s at Gratz Park Inn and our devine meal was prepared by Jonathan and his excellent staff.

Oh- and now we have over 60 food bloggers who have signed up on our group page! Who knew there were that many other crazies like me in my backyard! Woohoo!

Part of our dinner event included nothing other than a lovely swag bag!! I mean what blogging event doesn't include a swag (goodie bag for those wondering) bag. Lori and Mindy worked really hard with local companies and stores to provide us with some Kentucky Proud products! When I pulled out the Weisenberger Mills spoonbread mix it got me thinking of an upcoming meal idea!

Photos of event taken by Lori/Fake Food Free

The dinner was wonderful, almost to wonderful since I went home with a terrible stomach ache after eating way too much food. But- hey I didn't complain since it was came with new friendships and thoughtful conversation!

Weisenberger Mills Spoonbread and Soup Beans

Soup Beans

2 cup dried great northern beans
1 cup dried pinto beans
5 cups water
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium size onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 green pepper, seeded and diced
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2 in. chunks
3 tbsp. Herb n’ Renewal Chili Season'n
2 tsp coarse kosher salt

In a large bowl soak beans in 5 cups of water overnight.
When ready, drain and rinse and set aside. In large stock pot heat olive oil and sautee celery, onion and garlic until soft and transparent, about 5 minutes. Add green pepper, carrots and vegetable broth. Cook for 10 minutes. Pour in beans, seasonings and turn burner to medium low and let cook for 30-45 minutes or longer.

Spoonbread

Easy- fix according to directions on the back of the bag. Promise- this is one "box" mix that is worth every bite!!!
Oh- a note- I added 1 cup of frozen corn to the mix and I cooked this in a cast iron skillet! Yummy!




Here are some of the other Kentucky Proud products that we received in our swag bags.
Americandy
Kentucky Cutting Boards
Marksbury Farm Market
Bleugrass Chevre
Elmwood Fine Tea
Herb n’ Renewal
Holly Hill Inn Restaurant
Howard’s Creek Authentic Beer Cheese
Bourbon Barrel Foods



Disclosure: The foods and products mentioned in this post were given to me free of charge. I was under no obligation to post about them nor received compensation for doing so.