Brenda and I will soon be going to Rancho LaPuerta from February 27 to March 6, to present a workshop on “How to Start Journaling and Why.”

Since we also plan to write about the fitness, health and spa aspect, we were excited to hear that the James Beard Foundation has honored “Cooking with The Seasons at Rancho LaPuerta” by Deborah Szekely and Deborah Schneider with Jesus Gonzalez as a nominee for the 2009 competition.

Rancho LaPuerta says, “This cookbook was released in the Fall, 2008 and highlights recipes using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients–an approach that lies at the heart of the guest experience at this spa and fitness resort. Here guests eat meals cooked with vegetables and fruits fresh from the spa’s own 5-acre organic farm. In addition, they have the option of taking cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen That Sings), the spa’s cooking school, which is set at the very edge of the farm’s fields.”

We look forward to our visit to the Ranch and getting a closer look at “Cooking with The Seasons at Rancho LaPuerta.” Brenda has experience Rancho LaPuerta several times. It will be my first, and I’m eagerly anticipating this well respected destination.

Website: www.rancholapuerta.com.

Phone number: 800-443-7565.

Watch for our posts in March and April for more on Rancho LaPuerta.

Big Blend Magazine
Member: Society of Professional Journalists

“Success” was Indie Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Maralyn
Author: Maralyn

Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.