Vlasic Farmer’s Garden Event

Thanks to the lovely Jackie Gordon, I was recently invited to attend the Farmer’s Garden Event hosted by Vlasic. 

Upon entering David Burke Kitchen, I was greated by slices of toast and jars of tomato/eggplant/ricotta to spread on said toast.  Love.  Next to it were lotus chips, surprisingly tasty since I dislike lotus root generally. 

And scattered everywhere were jars upon jars of Vlasic’s new line of pickles called Farmer’s Garden.

Literally, everywhere.  The pickles are their first foray into pickles that must be refrigerated and are free of preservatives and artificial colors.  Basically, these are pickles just like what you’d make at home. 

After a bit of mingling, we were ushered into another area to sit and enjoy a demonstration of how the pickles are made, and a meal that was to be served while we listened. 

First up, we got to try a pickle each of the two types now available: zesty garlic and kosher dill.  The zesty garlic was slightly too zesty for me, and wound up having too much of a kick, but thankfully, Jason, who was sitting next to me, loved it so I quickly traded with him (I cut off pieces to try). 

For a palate cleanser, we were presented with a different take on a traditional pickleback, a sweet pickle granite.  I found this really refreshing and light; the pickle juice really brightened my taste buds up and the cucumber cup it was served in, covered in chili powder, was a nice bite after I’d finished with the granita itself. 

As we enjoyed these first two items, we watched the chef demonstrate how the pickles are made without preservatives, a traditional pickling method. 

Then, our main course came out.  Look how pretty! 

Bison tartare – light and refreshing, topped with slices of pickles that did nicely to cut through the meatiness. 

Chicken club on pretzel bread – another win. 

Chicken club (another view).  Pretty tasty. 

Unfortunately, I had to run out to a bread making class before dessert was served – David Burke’s famous cheesecake lollipop trees.  Wah.  I saw them, too – so tantalizing! 

I have to say, I’ve been pickling at home myself for a few years now, and I was impressed how quickly and easily they were able to put together a batch of pickles.  The pickles were very tasty, and though the zesty was too spicy for me, I’ve been brainstorming ways to use them that would still allow them to be who they are, but let me enjoy them as well.  We were generously gifted with one jar each as we left, so I’ll be playing around with this – expect to see recipes soon!  I’ve mostly been toying with the idea of making a potato salad with some of the pickles chopped into it, to give it a zip – especially for a mayo-less potato salad for a hot summer picnic. 

Look for these in the refrigerated section of your supermarket – coming in August!  Are you excited to try Farmer’s Garden pickles?  Why?  Share in comments!

Please note that I attended this event courtesy of Vlasic. I want to thank them for their hospitality; however, I was under no obligation to post about this event, positively or negatively, and do so of my own free will. You can take that as you will.