The International Food Blogger Conference 2017

Last year my girlfriend Deb and I attended the International Food Blogger Conference (IFBC) in Sacramento and had a wonderful time. We learned a lot and saw a lot. That's why we decided to attend agin this year.  Sacramento is not just the capital of California but it calls itself the "farm-to- fork " capital of the world. California is the land of plenty-the largest agricultural producer in the country. There is a bounty of the juiciest fruit, freshest vegetables and many artisanal, farm-based products.  You can find anything from fresh goat cheese to olive oil. This year a  pre-conference excursion will go to the Cobram Estate & Olive Oil Commission of California.

Last year we went on an excursion to visit an endive farm and learned how endives are grown indoors.  It takes a lot of skill and knowledge to do this successfully.

When I got home I sautéed endives with herbs and butter and they turned out delicious.

We also visited a pear farm where we had a  delicious picnic lunch under a very old oak tree.
​I made a french pear tart with my pears when I got home.  Read about it on my blogpost and get the recipe here.

A local friend of Deb took us to Estelle's patisserie in Sacramento where I was introduced to the Croixnut, a mixture of a doughnut and croissant. It was divine. I brought some home for my husband. He thought they were dangerous.

We enjoyed the Saturday evening dinner with our fellow bloggers.

The City of Sacramento  and all of California was changed by the coming of the railroads. If you are interested visit the California State Railroad Museum. The museum features 21 restored locomotives and railroad cars, dating back from 1862.  My girlfriend and I are taking Amtrak from San Jose to Sacramento. This will be my first train ride in California. 
Near our conference center is  State Capitol Park. Last year I spent some time at the Vietnam Memorial. This year I might take a walk to McKinley Park Rose Garden that is nearby. ​

The Vietnam Memorial

It is time to pack my suitcase and get ready for this year's conference. I am looking forward to learning new things and meeting new people. For those of you who are not attending the conference and feel like baking I can recommend my  German Apple Strudel Cake to welcome  in October.