It was only as an adult that I learned to play with my food and I love every minute that I do! It is only when you begin to play with food that you can begin to deconstruct it and appreciate the textures and subtleties of it.
I was recently playing with some product from Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company; Lavender Blackberry, Mukilteo Mocha Mousse, Loganberry, Chocolate Chardonnay, Pumpkin and Mexican Espresso Bean. I was experimenting with pairings of unconventional toppings of sweets and savories (a spicy honey, crème fraîche, fiori and salt, pepperdew with its liquid) to see what would yield a visual and tasteful presentation of something so simple as ice cream but yet reveal something unexpectedly pleasing with a complementary layering of flavors. In the end, I find I am limited only by my imagination and my willingness to explore.
Mike Rudd, Mary Stoll, Lola and Flame are the creative force behind Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company. At any given time they are producing over 25 flavors in bars and/or pints which are sold throughout the Island at many locations including the Star Store, a couple of Red Apple locations and both bayleaf shops. You will find this creamy sensation served at many of the better restaurants on the Island including Frasers, Beachfire Grill, Useless Bay Golf and Country Club, Prima Bistro and Edgecliff Restaraunt.
I often order vanity bars for special events that I produce. Who doesn't want an ice cream named after them! I have used naked bars and a chocolate fountain for a self-dipping dessert bar. The gang at Whidbey Island Ice Cream Company are always accommodating and go the extra mile. You will most likely find Mike, Mary, Lola and Flame at a farmer's market, festival and/or fair throughout the year so if you see the cart, stop by. They are the nicest group you will ever meet and the ice cream is just about the best you will ever taste.
I am always in awe of people who play exceptionally well with food and one such talented person is John Auburn of JW Desserts. John and three other amazing cake artists will compete in Food Network Challenge: Big City Cakes. Tune in this Sunday, October 12th at 8:00 pm on the Food Network to watch John take on the Seattle skyline and vie for $10,000 cash prize.
For those of you not familiar with John's work, John's desserts are sinfully delicious, seductfully addictive and forever talked about. No event or dinner party is ever complete without a JW Dessert to finish the night, period.
Have you stopped by JW Desserts lately now that John's retail space is open most days of the week in the Ken's Korner Shopping Center? You can get an assortment of cakes, tortes, sweet and savory cheesecakes and so much more on a whim and free cake on free-cake-day!
Are you a small grower/producer on Whidbey Island? Tell me more about you and your product. I would really enjoy hearing from you. Likewise, if you have a question for me gloria@whidbeypartygirls.com
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