As you saw from Carolyn’s post on Heirlooms at Blackberry Farms, we were lucky enough to spend the weekend. I have wanted to visit since I purchased the first of Sam Beall’s cookbooks, The Blackberry Farm Cookbook, in 2010. I own both of his cookbooks and have tried many recipes from them over the years.
Sam was tragically killed in a ski accident this past March at the young age of 39. He grew up on the farm and returned to run it after he had studied at The California Culinary Academy, apprenticed at the French Laundry Restaurant in Yountville, Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes and on a few farms and wineries in the Napa Valley. His recipes for Blackberry Farm definitely have a Southern flair, but the ingredients remind me of the farm to table movement that was started in Northern California in the 1970’s.
Blackberry Farm also has a world-class spa with great workout facilities and activities to work off the fabulous cuisine.
Staying at Blackberry Farm was such a culinary treat. Most of the ingredients are either grown on Blackberry Farm or on farms close by. The seasonal ingredients used in the recipes were not only a feast for the eyes, but tasted so fresh and delicious. We arrived just in time for lunch of Cucumber Almond Avocado Soup followed by a Cucumber Salad. I also tried their Sweet Tea, a southern staple, which was so refreshing.
Recipe for Cucumber Almond Avocado Soup
8 cups cucumber juice
1 cup marcona almonds
1/2 onion
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup champagne vinegar
2 avocados
zest and juice of 3 limes
3 cups almond milk
Mix everything together and puree in a blender until smooth. Pass thru a fine mesh strainer and season with kosher salt. Garnish with a couple of drops of avocado oil and chopped chives. Serves about 8. DELICIOUS!
This simple starter of fresh watermelon with pickled watermelon rind, Blackberry Farms fresh sheep’s cheese and a simple chard salad was so refreshing on a hot humid afternoon.
And…we just had to finish dinner with the best chocolate cake with buttercream frosting. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Blackberry Farms, take advantage and go.
