Food Bloggers Canada Conference -Ottawa 2017, Part One
The highlight of Food Musings’ year has come and gone. I have attended the FBC conference every year since its inception with the exception of the year that it was scheduled on the same weekend as daughter Boo and the Frenchman’s wedding day. The direct flight from Winnipeg was a breeze and because I was watching downloaded episodes of The Night Manager, I actually wished that the flight had been longer.
I arrived before my roommate Bridget and was pleased with the view from our 17th floor window.
The afternoon started with a lovely Cabernet Merlot from Peller Estates as we fetched our swag bags.
I chatted with the wine server about staying right next to the Peller vineyards when we visited Niagara on the Lake a couple of years ago. I had to run my bag back upstairs as it was bulging with loot.
Green lentil and roasted garlic humus
Sundried tomato and split pea hummus
Lentils .org was to be the sponsor of our first dinner and kick off cocktail party and they apparently must have thought that we needed a pre-cocktail party nibble and glass of wine. I for one was grateful. It helped me shrug off some stress and allow others to take care of me (not something I usually do).
Bacon Chocolate Cookie Truffles
The official Cocktail Reception was in the penthouse of the hotel. I did a lap and found the most delectable morsel from the Ontario Pork table. They generously shared the recipe with me. It is below.
- 20-24 chocolate chip cookies (homemade or store bought)
- 4 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
- 8 slices Ontario bacon, cooked, drained, finely chopped and divided
- 2 cups chocolate chips, melted
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil
- Crush 2 dozen cookies into crumbs into a mixing bowl.
- Add 6 slices of finely chopped bacon and cream cheese. Mix together until a ball of cookie dough forms. If dough feels dry, add 1 Tbsp. of cream cheese until desired consistency is achieved.
- Roll into 2 inch balls. Place rolled cookie balls onto a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- While cookie balls are freezing, place chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave safe dish. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until creamy and lump free.
- Dip balls into chocolate with a fork, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place truffles back onto cookie sheet and immediately sprinkle with a generous pinch of chopped bacon. Once all truffles have been coated, place in fridge to allow chocolate to set. Store truffles refrigerated in an airtight container.
Lentils.org also was the sponsor of that evening’s dinner. The organizers had assembled some of Ottawa’s best chefs. The intention was a dine-around atmosphere selecting small plates when we were tempted.
Representing the Wellington Gastropub was Chef Chris Deraiche. He served a Lentil, Sweet Potato Pierogi, accompanied by Cider Pickled Cabbage and Crème Fraiche. I guess my Slavic roots were showing as I chose the pierogi as my favourite taste of the evening.
A Lentil Sausage was created by Chef Kevin Benes of Carben Food + Drink.
Chef Olivia Cruikshank of Pure Kitchen served a Green lentil Enchilada with Salsa Verde, Cashew Cheese and Split Red Lentil Garnish. Unfortunately, I missed out on Chef Joe Thottungal of Coconut Lagoon.
I was lucky enough to snag one of the few dining tables that had been set up. Because chairs were at a premium and everyone was pretty bushed from the day, we had a revolving door of visitors.
The beds at the Delta were divine and I was ready to settle in for the night.
Kath’s quote: “Lentils are friendly – the Miss Congeniality of the bean world”.-Laurie Colwin
Love never fails.
