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    Home » Everything Sweet

    Fresh Air Retreat NOLA Recap

    Published: May 23, 2023 · by Elizabeth Waterson · This post may contain affiliate links, which may pay me a small commission for my referral at no extra cost to you! Thank you for supporting Confessions of a Baking Queen!

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    A few weeks ago I had a fantastic opportunity to spend some time in New Orleans with some amazing professional food bloggers and wonderful brands at the Fresh Air Retreat. We laughed, learned, relaxed, and most of all filled our bellies with the most delicious food.  

    group of food bloggers on a green lawn

    The masterminds behind the Fresh Air Retreat are Liz from The Lemon Bowl and Lauren from The Curious Plate. These two ladies know how to throw a beautiful retreat, this is my second Fresh Air Retreat and I hope it is not my last!

    We stayed at a beautiful property in the heart of New Orleans and were spoiled with Chef Trimell Hawkins as our in-house private chef. And it was all captured by the ever-so-talented Amanda of Arrae Creative. 

    group of food bloggers taking a picture of a lady holding a food board outside

    The trip started off with some po boys my girl Ari from Well Seasoned Studio picked up for us to enjoy! Then we checked into the house with the rest of the crew. Chef Trimmell created a stunning whole fish dinner we all devoured, and his red beans were UNREAL! 

    whole fish on a dinning table with other dinner meals
    group of people next to a pool on a rooftop bar

    The next day we ventured out to downtown NOLA and naturally stopped at Cafe du Monde for some beignets. Then headed back to the house for an extra special afternoon treat. Kaitlin from La Panzanella and Raincoast Crisps presented a stunning setup of savory and sweet treats for the ultimate grazing board. I loved how versatile the La Panzanella Crocotini and Raincoast Crisps were.

    cracker bar with lots of toppings on a wood table
    la panzanella biscuits on a tablecloth on a wood table next to floweres

    I would have never thought to spread peanut butter and jelly with fresh strawberry slices and a candied walnut on top but let me tell you so so good! Chef Trimmell created some delicious pairings of whipped goat cheese with poached pears, smoked salmon, tomato mozzarella with pesto, and more. With beautiful flavors and textures, these crackers are perfect for entertaining.

    smores bar with crackers on a wooden table

    Don’t miss out on these scrumptious crackers. Find La Panzanella at your local Whole Foods (or other nearby retailers, depending on location) and Find raincoast crisps® at your local Whole Foods (or other nearby retailers, depending on location)

    We went out that night and had the best time on the town. We heard some great live music while we danced the night away.

    group of people out at a bar
    girl holding beignets up to the camear

    On our third day, we started by spending lots of time talking shop, it's so special to be with a close-knit group of people and talk business. Community over competition. The afternoon was filled with a fabulous workshop with Gabby of Del Duca. She taught us how to make some salami roses and craft a stunning charcuterie board.

    charcuterie board ingredients on a wooden table

    Del Duca is the perfect selection of Italian Meats at a great price point so you can fill your Charcutirie board up for your party or Friday night date night in! Naturally, as a group of food bloggers, we loved making our own Charcuterie boards

    elizabeth waterson holding a charcuterie board up to the camera
    food bloggers holding individual charcuterie boards

    Attending the Fresh Air Retreat is such an honor, to be around such inspiring fellow food bloggers and generous sponsors who are helping pave the way for connections between creators and brands is so special.

    Don't miss some of my old (and new) friends and their delicious recipes.

    • Ari from Well Seasoned Studio
    • Maegan from The Baker Mama
    • Danielle from The Salty Cooker
    • Mackenzie from Grilled Cheese Social
    • Nick from Macheesmo
    • Jordan from JZ Eats
    • Lauren from The Curious Plate
    • Liz from The Lemon Bowl
    group of people taking an selfie
    two girls on bourbon street in new orleans
    liz from the lemon bowl and elizabeth from confessions of a baking queen smiling at the camera
    two girls smiling at a rooftopbar

    Thank you to all of the incredible sponsors for making such a special week possible: 

    Del Duca, La Panzanella, and Raincoast Crisps 

    Photography by Arrae Creative

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    Waterson, Elizabeth Cropped Size Photo CAke copy 2

    Hiya! I am Elizabeth Waterson, welcome to my treat-filled site. After spending 15 years in the restaurant industry and growing up baking, I wanted to share my love of baking with you all. My step-by-step tutorials will help you learn how to bake at home. Confessions of a Baking Queen (CBQ) has been featured in CBS LA, HuffPost Taste, BuzzFeed, Taste of Home, and more! Here you will find loads of sweet recipes with a few savory ones for good measure. Feel free to message me with any questions! Happy Baking! 

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