A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of heading to Medford, Oregon to spend a few days with the folks at Harry & David.
First of all, as you can probably guess, I loved Oregon. Completely and totally to pieces. And yes, I may have said one or two times that I want to move there… big shocker, right? I promise I don’t say that about every place I visit… just many!
Friends from left to right: Maria, Rebecca, Amy, Jenna, Heidi, Jessica, Lori, Sandy, me, Rachel and Bridget
Joining me on the trip to Oregon were some of my great friends in the blogging business. You know them all, I’m sure, and I bet you read their recaps weeks ago… these gals are talented, smart, beautiful and totally on the ball. I would be the slacker of the group.
We gathered together in Medford to spend some time getting to know the folks at Harry & David, a bit better. We were given the opportunity to take an inside peek at the company, look at how their operations run, and discover the true heart of their organization… the people who have worked for them throughout the years. Needless to say, I was impressed.
While I was in Oregon I learned a few things. I discovered that Harry & David grows their pears and peaches right there in Oregon. I also learned that they are the most incredible peaches and pears I have ever tasted (which is why I am signing up for The Harry & David Fruit of the Month club ASAP… you can’t get fruit like this in Kansas!)
I learned that I have fairly mad skills when it comes to basket arranging. Creating and tying bows… not so much. (Plus I found out that Harry & David is full of long-term, dedicated employees. People who work there, stay there. As a former Human Resources person, I know what a special thing that is… they are obviously doing something right!)
I discovered that even though I thought I hated blue cheese, I actually LOVE blue cheese… specifically blue cheese from a friend of Harry & David, Rogue Creamery. See that simple little app up there with Harry & David peaches and a piece of blue cheese? I could eat that every single day and nothing else and be perfectly happy. So good.
I was also reminded of my love for the friendship I have with people I have met through the years from blogging. It’s crazy that some of the people I consider to be some of my dearest friends are people I met on the interwebs. I am so thankful to have these ladies in my life and am especially grateful to Harry & David for bringing us together for an epic event. It was truly fantastic.
The recipe I’m sharing today is a throw together of an incredible salad we had on the Harry & David event. It was probably one of the best salads I have ever had and the dressing was so light…I had to try and create a version at home. I have no idea if I’m even close, but this Red Wine Peach Vinaigrette is almost as good!)
Recipe: Red Wine Peach Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 Harry & David peaches pitted and sliced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons red onion chopped
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 4 Tablespoons dry red wine
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Serve over a fresh spring mix salad. Refrigerate after use.
Disclaimer: Harry and David paid for my travel and accommodations and treated us to an amazing event. All opinions expressed are my own.
I am so glad you had a great time. I was born and raised in Oregon and miss it. It is so pretty and you went at a great time of year. And yes Oregon peaches and pears are the best. Nothing quite like a fresh from the tree peach or pear. I have never had that cheese though. Now I know what I will be trying on my next trip to Oregon. 🙂
ADORE. THIS.
This looks like a wonderful time! I need to go visit the North West some time. Oh and the dressing sounds absolutely delish!
I love, love, love peaches! It sounds like you had a great time in Oregon (I’ve only been to the Eastern part of the state and have wanted to go to the coastal area.)
I use to think I didn’t like blue cheese as well – until I was about 20 and had it in a salad with spinach and nectarines with a vinaigrette dressing. Then I figured out I didn’t like blue cheese dressing and just transferred that hate to the cheese.
I love this post! I’m a big fan of Harry and David and my family has been getting the fruit-of-the-month club for about 12 years now (maybe more??) from my aunt and uncle. The pears are to DIE for!! And now I want one with blue cheese 🙂 This looks like such a fabulous trip!
I love this! This sounds amazing!!!
What an incredibly interesting trip you all had! I followed along on Twitter and other blogs and thought how neat it would be to see the H&D operation in person. And, you know being a Georgia girl and all, I just love this peachy vinaigrette 🙂
I want to go back to that weekend right now! Best ever! Miss you! xo
Sounds like a wonderful time! Definitely making the vinaigrette.
That looks like a wonderful trip. So glad you all got to get to know each other a little more.
This looks amazing and easy. And a way to use up that ginormous box of peaches I carted home the other day. Yours is the second post I’ve seen about this event. Ironically I grew up in the Rogue Valley, and had no idea about how huge Harry & David is until I moved away (to Portland, Oregon). The fruit in that area is amazing, and I remember my mother canning 49er peaches until the wee hours of the morning.
So, thanks for the recipe, I’ll be adding it to my box!
I saw the photos last night on Facebook. so beautiful.
Your girls had a great time!
Ooo…I want to try that vinaigrette!
So nice spending time with you, Kristen….it had been TOO long!!! Love reliving the trip through your post this morning. And I’m loving that picture of the back of the bus.
Can we go back?!?
I loved our time, Kristen. It was truly a gift.
Thanks for the great post and recap! xo
I want to rewind and go back to that weekend. It was just so spectacular and it was such a treat to spend time with all of you. And that dressing? I’m making it tonight! I just happen to have peaches (although *sad trombone* they’re not Harry & David ones. They’ll just have to do!) Muchas Smooches!
This event looked so wonderful! And the dressing – making my drool. I love peaches!
That sounds right! I loved that salad and I miss you ladies so much!
Gorgeous pics, K!
Downloaded Bossypants today and thought of you 🙂
I loved following along with you all on IG! looks like a beautiful time was had by all, and I wouldn’t expect any less from H&D!
Beautiful pictures too Kristen!!
I’m soooooo happy reading these wrap up posts. What a FUN time! ♥
What a lovely trip with lovely friends. I want some of that blue cheese! And that vinaigrette sounds amazing.
Just made this vinaigrette for family visiting. So delicious and easy!