Butter + Jam Pastry Class at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn

The Butter and Jam Pastry Class at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn was a excellent experience of cooking sweet delights while I sipped wine in Ojai, California

There are certain experiences at certain locations that keep me coming back for more. This time, it was the Butter + Jam Pastry Class at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn.

Now, I grew up making jellies and baking with my mom during summer vacations in Texas. As I haven’t done in since her death, I thought this would be a fun way to remember my childhood and her memory.

Unlike the Making Burrata at The Farmhouse at Ojai Valley Inn class, there was a welcomed glass of wine waiting for me when I checked in for class. I was delighted! Sipping on my glass of chardonnay as I waited for class to begin was a pleasure.

It was only a short wait until the wide farmhouse doors opened and we were instructed to find a station we desired.

Of course, I prefer to be up front and center. So, that’s immediately where I went.

What happened next is something that made me tear up.

Chef Rachel, the head chef of the Ojai Valley Inn, walked up to me and said that after we had our conversation while walking in the Inn’s culinary garden, during the Burrata class,  she completely revamped her next class. As I’d overheard an attendee of the class in question, raving about how they’d been taught to pick herbs and vegetables in the garden and cook them during class, my eyes swelled with appreciation.

It’s a powerful moment to know that you cultured a spark, that influenced an “ah ha!” moment, that benefited people that you’ll never meet. That the power of influence. It felt like an affirmation of my curiosity and my writings on Eclectic Kim. I know that I’ll more than likely never meet anyone that reads my blog, beyond my friends and family. But, to know that I helped one stranger make a better inspired choice? Worth it.

Plus, the fact that Chef Rachel saw me on the guest list and personally waited to tell me that?

Grape Jelly

Class began with the Grape Jelly recipe.  I took delight in crushing the plump grapes in my hand.

Cooking it down, I hit with the memories of picking wild mustang grapes with my mother and grandmother, during summer vacations in Texas. We would drive around, pulling to the side of the road and pick the plump fruits that grew in the countryside. We’d then go to my grandmother’s house, cook the grapes down and make jelly. It’s one of the best memories I have of my mother. I’m so thankful for the  joy of her teaching me the simple pleasures of her childhood and life.

Meyer Lemon Thyme Marmalade

Next, we moved on to cooking the Meyer Lemon Thyme Marmalade. Cutting the Meyer lemons was a sensory delight. The distinct citrus filled my nostrils as I sliced each piece as small a possible.

The Marmalade itself was just simply fun to cook.

Butter

We finished our cooking experience by making butter. Watching the Kitchen Aid stand mixer quickly separate the heavy whipping cream into buttermilk and butter filled me with a sense of satisfaction.

I made butter with lavender, lemon and honey. Combined with the lemon marmalade and grape jelly, it was delightful. Plus, the Inn made us little English muffins to taste our butter on!

And I absolutely loved the gift of the shortbread cookies, for our pleasure.

After the class, I enjoyed the SPINACH ARTICHOKE DIP (crispy tortilla chips) and FISH TACOS A LA PLANCHA (cilantro lime cabbage slaw, ranchero aioli) at Jimmy’s Pub.

Sipping wine, cooking marmalade and jellies and eating lunch overlooking the golf course was simply a beautiful day in Ojai, California at the Ojai Valley Inn.

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