I like being wrong sometimes. Yes, I do indeed. Why you wonder? Well, it seems natural for most of us to judge or have a pre-determined idea in our head. Sometimes we have reason to prejudge but most times, we do not.
Let me explain a bit more about being wrong twice in an 18-hour period: I was, along with a dozen or so other food bloggers and writers, invited to King Arthur Flour in Vermont for a blogging and baking event. I volunteered to pick up two bloggers in Massachusetts on my way North this past Sunday. I did not know them but figured I am driving that way so why not help out. But then I imagined an uncomfortable ride: What if they are not friendly? What if they are two besties who only want to talk to each other? Darn it, I guess I should have just planned to drive by myself right? wrong #1.
We met at the assigned location and thanks to some unforseen bathroom experience at a gas station, I bonded with Fiona and Aimee instantly. I was wrong to worry or question my offer.
Once we got to the Norwich Inn (a lovely, lovely place to stay), we each went to our rooms and then met for a casual dinner at the Inn. Both Aimee and I had the Black Bean Burgers with sweet potatoes fries and the best Aioli eva. Fiona had a roasted pork loin Hoagie (yes, I said Hoagie)
After dinner, we wandered next door in hopes of finding a good read and other items but instead we found the coolest store in the world, ever! This general store had everything. It was a dream come true for all hoarders (calling TLC) and seekers of funky Americana.
Looking for a 50-ear old super-sized Morton Salt container for your man cave? Got it! A 30-year old cake breaker like your momma had? Got it!
A spoon rest your grandma had? Got it! How about a half filled box of Coca-Cola salt & pepper shakers? Done!
Monday started with a gathering of bloggers at the main part of the Inn followed by a shuttle to the King Arthur facility. We made a basic bread recipe, learned how to braid bread, made scones (Kelsey and I made a whole wheat blend with dried apricots and cardamon).
Our lunch included a variety of sandwiches, a refreshing wheat berry salad as well a pretty leafy lettuce salad. We talked blogging and shared fun stories. We then learned about the dizzying number of varieties of flours and were able to taste test the same muffin recipe made with different flours. Then we ran over to the King Arthur store for a little shopping. Wait until the kids (and you) see what I bought there.
After that delicious experience, we headed back to make pizza dough. Once the dough was set aside, we meandered to another room for our two hour cooking demonstration with Sara Moulton (yes, as in Gourmet and Food Network).
Here is where being wrong #2 was rewarding: For some reason, I thought Sara Moulton would be unapproachable and maybe not interested in chit-chatting with all of but boy was I wrong! She was completely approachable, witty, funny, a great listener, has soulful eyes and was the epitome of a lovely person and great company.
Cheers to being wrong – again!
Krista @ Meet The Swans says
Sounds like an amazing experience! How awesome to be invited on the trip!
Shaina says
Looks like a fabulous time, Jen!
jenna says
what a fun time! that general store looks like so much fun! 🙂
Glenda says
Jen, it was great to meet you and what a fun 48 hours! I still can’t believe I missed the general store! Maybe next trip. Your writing is as warm and funny as visiting with you in person.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
So fun! Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Jennifer says
Allison, It was amazing to meet you and everyone at KAF. I have more postings coming for sure. I acutally planned on getting one up tonight but after the excitement with my daughter in the ER, I am done for today.
Allison@KingArthurFlour says
So glad you enjoyed your time here in Norwich and made some new friends! Did you know that Dan & Whit’s motto is “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it”? I guess they’re not kidding!
It was wonderful to meet you!
Jen H says
So jealous that you got to go to this event, I’m mildly obsessed with King Arthur. But so happy you had such a good time and made some new friends. Though after finally meeting you at Camp Blogaway, I know that yo easily make friends wherever you go!
I will absolutely be stopping at that shop next time I make the drive from TO to Boston to visit the fam! Thanks for the recco
El says
So glad it was a fun experience. I love the retro shop you found. How fun. I guess being wrong sometimes is a good thing.
brandi says
Wow – sounds like an amazing time! I LOVE King Arthur products – I can’t imagine how cool their facility is 🙂
Aimee says
JEN! It was so wonderful meeting you, too! I had the same worries – and was totally delighted to meet you at that gas station and realize (of course) that you were fun, friendly, and clearly super nice because you picked our butts up and drove us there and back! So glad we got the chance to have dinner together Sunday night and bond over girl talk in the car. You’re a fantastic lady and I am so glad you are close enough where our paths should (and will!) cross again often! XO, sistah!
Donna @ Cookistry says
It was great meeting you – and everyone else. I completely get what you mean about worrying if you’ll get along with other people at a small event like this. I’m sure you weren’t the only one who has those thoughts.
Jeanette says
Jennifer, what a fun event to have the chance to attend, and to meet some new blogging friends as well as Sara Moulton, one of my old favorites from Food TV Network!
Rebecca says
What a fun post! Looks like you had an amazing time — how could you not?! And isn’t Dan & Whit’s the coolest? I don’t know what we’d do without that store, and KA, too, of course. 🙂
Jennifer says
Jane, you have made day/month/year with the writing compliment. Thank You!
Casey@Good. Food. Stories. says
I’m kicking myself – forgot to check out Dan and Whit’s before we left! I have a feeling I’ll be back in Norwich eventually for more classes, though.
Diane {Created by Diane} says
sounds like so much fun!!!!!
Jane Bonacci - The Heritage Cook says
What a wonderful opportunity for you! Congratulations, I love your writing!
Erika - In Erika's Kitchen says
Sounds like a great day! I’m swinging through Vermont over the summer to drop my kid off at music camp and I’m planning a stop at KAF for sure. No celebrity chefs, I bet, but just wait to see what I bring home from the shop….