Embark on a culinary journey and relive the magic of an unforgettable food blogger retreat on the stunning shores of Lake Michigan. Discover delectable recipes, inspiring connections, and exceptional brands that made this experience truly special!
A Culinary Escape on Lake Michigan’s Pristine Shores
Recently, I had the extraordinary privilege of immersing myself in a truly inspiring culinary retreat, nestled on the picturesque banks of Lake Michigan. This wasn’t just any getaway; it was an exclusive gathering of some of the most phenomenal food bloggers and innovative brands in the industry. Over several enriching days, we embraced a perfect blend of relaxation, collaborative learning, hands-on cooking, and deep connection. We forged invaluable memories, exchanged creative insights, and, as you might expect from a group of dedicated foodies, savored an abundance of exquisite food and delightful beverages.
The chosen setting for our revitalizing retreat was a magnificent home rental, offering unparalleled views of Lake Michigan. To call it “beautiful” feels like an understatement; the sheer grandeur and serene majesty of Lake Michigan are truly captivating. Every aspect of our lakeside experience was utterly enchanting. Mornings greeted us with a lake as smooth and reflective as glass, slowly giving way to gentle waves that kissed the shore as the sun dipped below the horizon each evening. The summer air offered a refreshing coolness in the mornings and evenings, balanced by a comfortable warmth throughout the day. It was, in every sense, pure perfection.
We maximized our incredible location, spending nearly all our time outdoors, enveloped by the lake’s tranquil presence. From invigorating morning yoga sessions to dynamic brainstorming discussions around a cozy fire pit, and the blissful moments of watching sunsets with our toes in the sand, every experience felt truly magical and rejuvenating. The natural beauty served as a constant source of inspiration, fostering an environment where creativity flourished.
Connecting with Culinary Visionaries: Meet the Extraordinary Food Bloggers
Spending such precious quality time with these incredibly talented, passionate, and supportive women was an absolute blessing. I am profoundly grateful that the vibrant world of food blogging brought us all together. It’s an honor to introduce you to each of them because their unique voices, innovative recipes, and inspiring content are truly worth discovering and following.
Liz Della Croce of The Lemon Bowl
Liz Della Croce, the brilliant mind behind The Lemon Bowl, is an absolute powerhouse. Her unwavering passion and contagious energy infuse everything she undertakes; she genuinely pursues only what she loves. Her zest for life is truly inspiring! A massive thank you goes to Liz for meticulously organizing this entire retreat in her home state of Michigan. Liz masterfully shares simple, healthy recipes, alongside cherished Lebanese favorites from her childhood. Her approach to nutritious eating is both accessible and delicious. I wholeheartedly recommend trying Liz’s incredibly tasty Mexican Layered Hummus Dip – it’s a game-changer! Connect with Liz for daily inspiration on Instagram @thelemonbowl.
Lauren Grier of Climbing Grier Mountain
Lauren Grier of Climbing Grier Mountain is a culinary artist and an absolute joy to be around. Her instrumental role in planning and executing this retreat ensured a seamless and enjoyable experience for everyone. Lauren’s culinary creations and stunning food photography skills are nothing short of breathtaking. Her cookbook, Modern Comfort Cooking, is an essential addition to any kitchen, brimming with delightful comfort food recipes reimagined with a contemporary twist. You’ll find endless inspiration within its pages. For a quick and delicious bite, I highly recommend Lauren’s Easy Labneh Scallion Dip. Follow Lauren’s captivating food journey on Instagram @griermountain.
Krista Rollins of Joyful Healthy Eats
Krista Rollins from Joyful Healthy Eats is a truly uplifting and inspiring friend. She shares a holistic approach to living, featuring beautifully crafted healthy recipes, effective home workouts, and invaluable lifestyle tips for achieving a balanced life. Her recipes are not only visually appealing but incredibly flavorful, making healthy eating a pleasure. The home workouts she regularly shares on her Instagram account are both fun and remarkably effective. Be sure to try her famous guacamole recipe; the balance of flavor and texture is absolutely perfect. You can connect with Krista and find daily motivation on Instagram @joyfulhealthyeats.
Melissa Griffiths of Bless This Mess
Melissa Griffiths of Bless This Mess is one of the kindest and most thoughtful women you’ll ever encounter. She excels at sharing approachable, wholesome recipes that effortlessly feed her family of seven. Beyond the kitchen, Melissa offers a charming glimpse into life on their beautiful farm in Utah, sharing inspiring stories of family adventures and experiences right from their doorstep. Her collection of cookbooks and meal planners are invaluable resources for making family mealtimes stress-free. Melissa is also a self-proclaimed sourdough queen, with a treasure trove of delicious sourdough recipes on her blog that are a must-try! Follow Melissa’s heartwarming journey on Instagram @blessthismessblog.
Laura Fuentes of MOMables
Laura Fuentes, the driving force behind MOMables, is a true rockstar on a mission to empower and inspire others to achieve their best. Through MOMables.com, she transforms mealtimes for parents with simple, organized meal plans and incredibly helpful videos on her dynamic YouTube Channel. As a mom myself, I am incredibly thankful for the wealth of practical advice and tips she generously shares. With five cookbooks to her name, one famously titled The Taco Tuesday Cookbook, need I say more? For the love of tacos, it’s an absolute must-have! Stay connected with Laura’s amazing work on Instagram @momables.
Annalise Sandberg of Completely Delicious
Annalise Sandberg, the creative genius behind Completely Delicious, embodies sweetness both in person and through her incredible recipes. I am constantly tempted to bake every single recipe Annalise shares because they all look undeniably delicious, and I implicitly trust they will turn out perfectly every time. Annalise provides the clear instructions and confidence you need to master a perfectly flaky pie crust and construct a stunning gorgeous layered cake. She also boasts the best recipe for Chocolate Chip-Less Cookies – yes, you read that right, chip-less! And trust me, you won’t even miss them in these amazingly delicious treats! Discover more baking inspiration by following Annalise on Instagram @completelydelicious.
Yumna Jawad of Feel Good Foodie
Yumna Jawad, the inspiring force behind Feel Good Foodie, is one of the kindest and most brilliant women I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. Her presence truly makes you feel good! Her recipes are a delightful blend of simplicity, nourishment, and, most importantly, incredible flavor. Yumna shares fantastic culinary tips, such as how to make perfect oatmeal and how to cook with canned tomatoes, alongside authentic Lebanese favorites like Stuffed Grape Leaves and crispy Crispy Falafel. Her blog is a treasure trove of yummy recipes and clever cooking ideas! Follow Yumna’s journey to feel-good food on Instagram @feelgoodfoodie.
Capturing the Moments: Arrae Creative Photography
Every single captivating image in this post, which so beautifully conveys the spirit of our retreat, was skillfully captured by the immensely talented Amanda Montgomery of Arrae Creative. Amanda’s artistic eye and keen ability to seize authentic moments allowed us to cherish these memories forever. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Amanda’s exceptional photography services are not limited by location; she is available to travel. If you are seeking a top-tier photographer to immortalize an event or a cherished moment, I wholeheartedly recommend reaching out to Amanda. Witness more of her stunning work on Instagram @arrae.creative.
Savoring Sponsorships: A Taste of Excellence from Our Esteemed Partners
This incredible retreat would not have been possible without the generous support of our amazing brand sponsors. A profound thank you goes out to Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. (on behalf of the Beef Checkoff), Stonyfield, Harry & David, Irie Kitchen, and George Walker III. Over the course of our few days together, I gained invaluable insights from each of these brands, experiencing their exceptional food, unwavering passion, and profound expertise firsthand. It was an absolute culinary treat and an enriching learning experience!
Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.: A Masterclass in Culinary Beef
Our first evening was crowned with a spectacular al fresco dinner, presented by Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., expertly prepared by Chef Adam Hedsted. More than just a delicious meal, it was an educational journey into the world of beef, featuring various cuts and diverse cooking methods. As someone who grew up in Oklahoma and now lives in Texas, beef has always been a staple, so this experience was particularly enlightening. I significantly expanded my knowledge and broadened my culinary horizons when it comes to preparing and serving beef. We delved into essential beef tips, covering topics such as how to perfectly grill steaks, determining doneness with precision, the basics of sous vide beef, and crucial guidelines for safely handling beef. These were truly invaluable tips and reminders for enjoying beef at its absolute best!
Bridget Wasser, representing Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, delivered an exceptional presentation. She meticulously broke down each cut of beef and patiently answered all our questions regarding cattle raising practices, as well as the best methods for purchasing, storing, cooking, and serving beef. For anyone looking to deepen their understanding of beef, along with a comprehensive collection of recipes and culinary inspiration, I highly recommend visiting www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com.
After all the beef was expertly cut and prepped, Chef Adam transformed it into an out-of-this-world teppanyaki-style feast! Chef Adam is the owner of Eat Good Group in Washington state, and after experiencing his culinary artistry, I am eagerly anticipating a trip there to dine at his renowned restaurants. The flavors were simply extraordinary, leaving me to imagine the incredible dining experiences awaiting at his establishments.
Be sure to follow Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. on Instagram, where they consistently share fantastic tips, insightful facts, and mouth-watering recipes for serving beef. The culinary possibilities truly are endless! Here are some memorable highlights from our incredible dinner with Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner:
Stonyfield Organic: Fueling Our Days with Wholesome Goodness
Each morning of the retreat, we were invigorated and ready for the day thanks to fabulous breakfast spreads featuring the wholesome goodness of Stonyfield Organic. Stonyfield stands as an incredibly reliable and respected brand, consistently delivering exceptional yogurts, smoothies, and family-friendly snacks. There’s an undeniable passion and pride infused into every one of their products, and you can genuinely taste the difference in their creamy, delicious offerings. Stonyfield yogurt is wonderfully versatile, perfect for enjoying on its own, blending into a refreshing smoothie, stirring into waffle batter, baking into fluffy muffins, and so much more.
On our first morning, Liz from The Lemon Bowl, delighted us with her incredibly yummy Blueberry Greek Yogurt Waffles, which we enjoyed alongside an array of fresh fruits and other delectable waffle toppings. Later that afternoon, for a delightful snack, Liz skillfully used Stonyfield yogurt to create her incredibly easy and flavorful Easy Homemade Labneh recipe, which we savored with soft, warm pita bread. Oh my, it was simply divine!
The following morning, sweet Melissa from Bless This Mess prepared her marvelous Lemon Blueberry Muffins, with the secret ingredient being – you guessed it – Stonyfield yogurt! These fluffy muffins were the perfect accompaniment to our interactive Make-Your-Own Smoothies and Parfait Bar. It was an invigorating and delicious way to kick-start our day! For your next craving, here are some fantastic smoothie and parfait recipes for inspiration:
- Triple Berry Smoothie from MOMables
- Tropical Superfruit Yogurt Parfait from Joyful Healthy Eats
- Simple Green Smoothie from Bless This Mess
- Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Smoothie from The Lemon Bowl
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie from Feel Good Foodie
As a family who adores yogurt, learning more about the Stonyfield philosophy and experiencing so many of their wonderful products was incredibly inspiring. What truly resonates with me about Stonyfield is their commitment that extends far beyond their products; they genuinely support communities and family farms across America. Their most ambitious initiative to date, the groundbreaking StonyFIELDS #playfree Initiative, is truly commendable. They collaborate with communities nationwide and experts in the field to transition playing fields to organic by eliminating harmful pesticides. Their objective is to guide American communities through the necessary steps to convert to organic field maintenance, empowering families everywhere with the tools and resources to effect change both locally and in their own backyards. Since 2018, the StonyFIELDS program has successfully helped 20 cities convert their parks or playing fields to organic, benefiting over a million people. This impactful dedication to health and sustainability is truly amazing!
To delve deeper into Stonyfield Organic’s mission, explore their fantastic recipes, and discover where to purchase their products, visit their comprehensive website: www.stonyfield.com. Here are some delightful highlights from our wholesome breakfasts and enjoyable snack times with Stonyfield during the retreat:
Harry & David: Crafting the Perfect Charcuterie Experience
For one of our lunches, we embarked on a delightful journey of building our own customized charcuterie and cheese boards, thanks to the exquisite provisions from Harry & David! You can imagine my excitement for this particular activity; it was undoubtedly one of the culinary highlights of the entire retreat for me. Harry & David generously supplied an incredible assortment of their finest cheeses, savory meats, and a wonderful array of gourmet accompaniments. They even included some exceptional wines, expertly crafted in Oregon, to perfectly complement our selections. We artfully arranged all the delectable goodies, then gathered around, each of us creating our own personalized small lunch boards. It was immensely enjoyable to sample a little of each cheese and cured meat, pairing them with their specialty spreads, artisan crackers, fresh fruits, and perfectly marinated vegetables. This was truly my kind of lunch! The refreshing glass of Pinot Noir Rosé that I chose to pair with my board was absolutely delightful and rounded out the experience beautifully.
Harry & David has long been my trusted online destination for sending exquisite gourmet gifts to cherished loved ones. Their extensive selection of beautifully curated gift baskets and delightful goodie boxes is simply unparalleled. They genuinely offer something perfect for every occasion imaginable, and the convenience of direct shipping anywhere across the United States makes them an ideal choice for thoughtful gifting.
Having had the pleasure of sampling so many of their gourmet charcuterie and cheese options, alongside their award-winning wines, during the retreat, I’ve already decided on my go-to gifts for friends and family this upcoming holiday season. Imagine the sheer delight of receiving a beautifully packaged gift box filled with fabulous cheeses, savory meats, artisanal accompaniments, and a perfectly paired bottle of wine! It’s a truly memorable gift, both to receive and to thoroughly enjoy.
Stay tuned, because very soon I’ll be sharing a stunning harvest charcuterie and cheese board featuring a bounty of Harry & David products, including their famously juicy Royal Riviera Pears. You will definitely want to recreate this spectacular board this fall for any intimate gatherings or celebrations you have planned.
To explore the complete array of beautiful gift sets and gourmet offerings Harry & David has, head over to their website: www.harryanddavid.com. Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram @harryanddavid for a continuous stream of seasonal inspiration and brilliant gift-giving ideas! Here are some captivating highlights from our delightful charcuterie and cheese board building lunch at the retreat:
A Fusion of Flavors: Irie Kitchen & Chef Adam’s Culinary Delights
When I mentioned we ate incredibly well at this retreat, I truly wasn’t exaggerating! Every single meal was a masterpiece, prepared with immense passion, skill, and love. As food bloggers, food and the art of its preparation are at the very core of our being, so each meal experience was deeply appreciated and savored.
One memorable evening, Liz and Vince, the dynamic duo behind Irie Lemon, prepared an absolutely astonishing meal for all of us. Liz and Vince are an exceptional team, both in the kitchen and in their entrepreneurial ventures. They host an inspiring podcast featuring empowering conversations designed to foster personal and professional growth. Furthermore, they recently launched a mastermind group, specifically tailored for entrepreneurs and business owners eager to elevate their enterprises to new heights. Their infectious passion for growth and their dedication to delicious food are truly contagious, filling the air with positive energy.
They possess an incredible talent for cooking truly outstanding food, and we were incredibly fortunate to experience their culinary artistry. The dinner was a sensational fusion of vibrant Lebanese and rich Jamaican flavors. From the utterly irresistible baked hummus, bursting with savory notes, to the intensely flavorful chipotle grilled chicken and shrimp, perfectly seasoned and cooked, and finally, a delightful Michigan blueberry crisp that offered a sweet, comforting finish, it was a meal to cherish and remember long after the last bite. A heartfelt thank you to Liz and Vince for this extraordinary feast!
Liz and Vince’s dinner was so incredibly good that it left me craving more the very next day. Thankfully, we were able to enjoy some delicious leftovers, and then Vince surprised us by treating everyone to a spectacular Caribbean-themed feast directly from his renowned restaurant, Irie Kitchen, that very night. I had been following Liz’s posts about Irie Kitchen for a few years and Vince’s culinary journey for a while, so when I heard I would actually get to taste some of his restaurant’s amazing food, I was beyond thrilled! It surpassed every expectation and craving I had. The lavish feast included perfectly seasoned jerk chicken, succulent curried goat, fluffy rice and peas, sweet plantains, tender greens, delightful festival bread, and comforting coco bread. Every single dish was absolutely amazing! If you ever find yourself in the Grand Rapids area, a visit to Irie Kitchen is an absolute must-try experience!
Graped Out: Demystifying Wine with Sommelier George Walker III
Another profound highlight of our retreat was the invaluable presence of George Walker III, an accomplished sommelier and the visionary owner of Graped Out. George meticulously planned and presented exquisite wine pairings for two of our magnificent meals. Through Graped Out, George is on a powerful mission to revolutionize the culture and perception of wine by “Taking the boujee out of wine,” one bottle at a time. And he certainly delivered! He introduced each wine with such infectious passion and deep knowledge, making the complex world of wine feel incredibly accessible and enjoyable for everyone. His expertly chosen pairings were truly exceptional, and I might have indulged a little too enthusiastically – haha! Seriously though, he matched each wine with its corresponding dish with such perfect harmony and creativity. I particularly loved the diverse and thoughtfully curated selection of wines he presented.
George’s vibrant passion and genuine excitement for fine wines and for life in general are truly inspiring! I am incredibly enthusiastic about following his journey because I know he will continue to achieve great things and positively impact people worldwide with his vast knowledge and unwavering enthusiasm for living life to its absolute fullest. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience another George Walker III wine pairing dinner again soon. Thank you, George, for an unforgettable experience!
Be sure to follow George’s captivating wine journey and exciting life adventures on Instagram @georgewalks3. Here are a few dynamic highlights from the retreat, showcasing George in his element:
My Culinary Contributions: Boards by The BakerMama
Among the many thoughtful touches that Liz and Lauren incorporated to make this retreat truly extraordinary was the request for each of us to prepare some of our favorite recipes to share with the group. My assignment was to create a few of my signature boards. It was such an honor to personally share my passion for creating these visually stunning and delicious spreads with my esteemed peers. It was also incredibly fun to collaborate with them on building these boards; everyone was so sweet, supportive, and eager to help.
On two enchanting evenings, we gathered around the fire pit by Lake Michigan and enjoyed a festive S’mores Tray, laden with all the fixings for perfect gooey s’mores. It was an incredibly fun and absolutely yummy experience!
And then, for the vibrant Irie Kitchen Caribbean night, we set up an exciting Mix-Your-Own Margarita spread. I was truly in my element, thoroughly enjoying every moment of crafting and sharing these refreshing drinks!
Reflections and Renewed Inspiration from Lake Michigan
I could truly continue recounting the countless amazing aspects of this retreat indefinitely! Every element – the remarkable people, the innovative brands, the exquisite food, and the breathtaking location – converged to create an experience that was nothing short of extraordinary. Upon leaving the retreat, I felt profoundly refreshed, creatively re-energized, and deeply inspired. That vibrant energy continues to fuel a cascade of fresh ideas that I’m eager to share and actionable strategies I’m excited to implement, all of which I believe will elevate both myself and The BakerMama brand to new heights.
My deepest gratitude goes once again to Liz and Lauren for meticulously planning and executing such an incredibly organized, enriching, and enjoyable retreat. And a heartfelt thank you to all our amazing sponsors and partners: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner., Stonyfield, Harry & David, Chef Adam Hedsted, Vince Mcintosh, the entire team at Irie Kitchen, George Walker III, and Arrae Creative Photography. Your contributions collectively made this retreat not just memorable, but truly delicious and inspiring.
If you ever have the incredible opportunity to travel to Lake Michigan, please consider it an absolute must! Its serene beauty and endless charm are unforgettable. I eagerly await the chance to return!
xoxo,
