I also took my Aunt Laura and her husband Mike. Mike is a manager and chef at one of the few fine dining restaurants in Des Moines so he had a great experience, especially chatting with Ben Ford about various cooking tips.
Here we are in the pastry kitchen of Ford’s Filling Station, which is where we had our cooking lesson. Don’t we look lovely in our DOLE aprons?
Mike is attentively watching Ben Ford demonstrating how to make the Pina Colada Creme Caramel with Pineapple Chantilly Cream
Here I am eating the Pineapple Shrimp Curry. I have actually never had a curry before. This was delicious and very simple to make. In my “Cooking Experience with Ben Ford and Dole,” Part 2, I will demonstrate how to make each of the recipes Ben Ford taught us how to make. They are simple to make, perfect for the Busy Mom. I am sure many of you have the recipe ingredients in your pantry (like DOLE canned fruit :) )
Here is the whole group. The winners, DOLE, and the Rogers Group who is DOLE’s Public Relations. Everyone was very nice. We actually didn’t think anyone was going to be at Ford’s Filling Station when we got there. We were debating on whether to walk in and say “Hi, we are here for the cooking lesson,” and be afraid Ben Ford would respond, “Huh? Who are you dorks?” But when we arrived, as soon as we got out of the car, a camera man came rushing towards us and started taking photos. (I have those photos and they are hilarious. We have strange looks on our faces like, “what is going on?”)
I don’t know if you can see the family resemblance here, but Ben is Harrison Ford’s son. I know he probably doesn’t like to be referred to that, but it is funny how they look alike. We all had a great time chatting and Ben Ford seems like a great guy. He told us about many of the upcoming shows he is going to be on and I think he will become a regular on TV. How exciting!
Be on the lookout for more photos of my “adventure,” as well as the step by step photo instructions of Ben Ford’s DOLE recipes.
What a awesome experience. I love DOLE and that sounds so delicious and looked delicious too.
Hey is my picture showing up now? I tried to upload it on wordpress and wasn’t sure if it worked and wasn’t sure what the heck it looked like!!
What great pictures! Sounds like you had a really good time too… sounds so fun!
Yummmm! What a wonderful opportunity! My husband and I are from Iowa (now live in Omaha); what restuarant does your uncle work at? We’re always looking for new places to try for date night when we’re in Des Moines.
How awesome! You look great, and it sounds like you had a fabulous time! I can’t wait for that curry recipe, it sounds delicious.
WOW!! that looks amazing. bet that was a ton of fun. i love the comment about corn rash.. i never heard of that, and i grew up on a farm. lol… nice post.
Wow! Can’t wait to see the other photos LOL! I haven’t had time to make any of the recipes yet but will let you know how they turn out.
Thank-you for sharing your wonderful rip with us! You look like you had the time of your life!
Awesome. :)
I grew up on Dole products and have continued the tradition with my own small boys! I especially love the 4-pack individual cups of different fruits–perfect to take when we run errands or travel. Looks like you had a great time in the kitchen with Ben Ford. What an awesome promotion to win!
Now, this is really making me hungry for some seafood
That is so awesome! The Shrimp looks scrumptious! i love Shrimp! With Pineapple?! OMG!
You are so pretty too!
Sounds like a fun trip! I can’t wait to see the recipes!
Wow, looks like you had a ton of fun.
How fun! Can’t wait for part 2!
Looks like you had a fantastic, yummy time! Is it weird that I like those Dole aprons? Cause…I do :D
What a great opportunity! I can’t wait until you share the recipes! I visited the Dole Pineapple Plantation when we were in Hawaii a couple of years ago and to to sample the food and of course the soft-serve ice cream! I would be very interested in recipes that feature only partial cans. My 15 month old daughter LOVES pineapple, but of course can’t finish the whole can. I’d like to find creative and easy ways to use the leftovers.
I am so jealous! What a great experience, it looked like you had a great time. My family is from Hawaii so Dole is close to my heart :) Both of those recipes sound soooooo good, I can’t wait to see post part 2 so I can learn how to make them!
Sounds like you had a great time! The Pineapple Shrimp Curry looks delicious!
That must’ve been an amazing experience!
What a fabulous opportunity! I’m sure it was great to learn some easy eats recipes and I cannot WAIT for you to share them!
As a young girl I grew up thinking that ALL pineapple, fresh or canned was called “Dole Pineapple”! Heee..
Really, one of the beautiful things about canned Dole pineapple is that it doesn’t matter weather you are from Iowa or Idaho, you can always have some in your pantry to create a simple snack or a signature supper!
What a great idea to have “Make Me A Chef” contest! Just go to show ya’- good things do come in small cans!
What a great opportunity! Thanks for sharing all the details and photos!
What a great experience!! I would have been stunned by the cameras, too! I love working with DOLE and am so glad to see them doing more work with mom bloggers (btw, love The Bomb Mom Tee!)!
Must of been a fun time! What a great trip to win. I love Dole products!!!
He does look like his dad, just as handsome.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
The Rogers Group people are so nice, aren’t they? :)
He indeed looks like his father, both handsome men!
Ah, Dole is such a fabulous company, it looks like you had a marvelous time! I wish I would’ve remembered to ask if you could find out the recipe for the ever-addicting “Dole Whip” from Disney! I’ve been trying desperately to concoct it at home until I can get the real thing again this fall, with no luck! :)
Pina Colada Creme Caramel with Pineapple Chantilly Cream sounds delicious!
“Huh? Who are you dorks?” LOL I am sure he was waiting for you to whip up these delicious recipes.
BTW- I love your hair in these pics. I was thinking of going lighter now for summer, but your pics had me wanting that color hair.