Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer

Percs & Comps

2009-06-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

When a perk is not necessarily a "comp."

On a recent trip to the Copper Canyon of Chihuahua, Mexico, I visited a unique winery.

The Misión Winery and Hotel is in the small mile-high community of Cerocahui.

The trip was comped. The wine shown was bought (about $25 US). The "perk" was being able to savor this fine wine as I enjoyed the awesome experience of the Copper Canyon.

An article on this trip is now published in IFWTWA's web magazine--Global Writes.

Some of the perks (comps) on this trip were provided by AeroMexico Airline, The State of Chihuahua, Mexico and Mexico Tourism.

photos: Misión Church and Cross, Misión Rojo (Red)Wine, Sergio on Winery Tour.

All photographs © John Lamkin

John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Woodstock VT Took Us to Long Trail Beer

2009-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Long Trail Beer

It is easy to picture me sipping cold, freshly brewed Long Trail beer along the Ottaquechee River in Vermont's green Mountains.

This experience, learning about Long Trails environmentally conscious methods, was a delightful surprise during my recent visit to Vermont.

Now picture, Gail, Maralyn and Norm, who claim to be non-beer drinkers, trying all six tastes of the award winning beers. Later I spotted Gail leave Long Trail with two six-packs.

This story tells it all about how delicious Long Trail beer tastes. I loved the Blackberry Wheat, (healthy, too) the lighter Belgian White and golden colored Harvest Ale.

The ambiance and hospitality of the entire staff only added to the lovely May afternoon along the riverside.

Even during their humble beginnings, Long Trail was "green" before it became a buzzword.

For more information on their eco friendly facility, tours or ordering, visit
www. ECOBREW.NET.

WWW.LONGTRAIL.COM

Long Trail Brewing Company

Bridgewater Corners, Vermont 05035

(802) 672-5011

Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log

Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, "$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book."

Timothy Lack our Webmaster

2009-05-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn Hill and Brenda Hill, both joined IFWTWA at the same time. Maralyn is now President and Brenda is on the Conference & Media Trip Committee. Maralyn & Brenda have been working and writing together over 25+ years. They both feel there are many perks to IFWTWA.

One is working with such great people and getting to know members. We've a terrific contributing Board of Directors and a few people who donate their time on committees as well as Kim Rahilly, Editor of Global Writes, who has donated many hours editing all of our work in order to have a fine on-line magazine.

I was at a meeting in Bonita Springs, FL and decided to stop by and see our webmaster, Timothy Lack, of Charlotte County Websites. I drove north to Port Charlotte and Brenda drove south from Sarasota to have a relaxing lunch and visit with Tim and Karen. We've worked with Tim over 25+ years. It was great to have a chance to visit him, as it had been about 20 years since I'd last seen him face to face in Connecticut. We've all relocated to warmer climates.

We just posted the Crab Cake recipe that Karen made to our Where & What in the World Global Log. Tim caught and prepared the crab and Karen made the crab cakes, salad, etc.

It's easy to think of Tim sitting at the computer all day and night working on website designs, updates, learning new programs and solving computer problems. However, when you visit him in his own environment, you see him at his best. He is able to balance work with the fishing, gardening and home improvements that he enjoys. I know sometimes he doesn't get time to fish as much as he'd like, but he is happy that the work keeps coming in.

You may not know it, but Tim is also a writer. He doesn't claim to be, but his blog, Fishing Myakka River/Charlotte Harbor, Florida, has a good following. In addition, he has written quite a bit of the copy for our websites.

For Brenda, seeing Tim and Karen again was a welcome treat. For her, it had been an even longer time between visits. For me personally, I'm delighted that IFWTWA is able to work with Tim on the IFWTWA and Global Writes websites. He has done such a great job redesigning them (and not charging us) and it's easy for Tim and me to work together, coming up with advancements for our sites.

I know this is an unusual post, but Brenda suggested and I agreed it would be nice to give you a little insight on our webmaster. We both hope you enjoy.

By the way, if you click on my name or Brenda's, you'll see that it is linked to our new Public Member Profile. If you update your profile and make it public, you can have your bio, websites, blogs, clips and books all available in one spot. It makes it very easy to send the link as credentials for press trips.

Maralyn D. Hill, President & Brenda C. Hill, Member

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Perks of Being a Food, Wine & Travel Writer AND No Free Lunch

2009-03-26T12:59:00.001-07:00

John Lamkin

Tequila from Las Villas de Mexico

I agree heartily with the other bloggers that the real perks are the travel, the places you see and the people and cultures you meet.

As you travel these roads least traveled (and least paid) you are bound to receive more physical perks also. For example the tequila shown in the photo--a gift of the ultra-luxe residential project, Las Villas de Mexico.

The "no free lunch" is paying the back the individuals, companies and countries presenting you with the perks. Writing honest articles about them is the best perk you can give them back.

On a recent trip I was "perked" everything except tips and souvenirs. I am now writing and blogging about these hosts. At least one of these articles should appear soon on IFWTWA, web magazine--Global Writes. Some of the perks on this trip were provided by AeroMexico Airline, The State of Chihuahua, Mexico and Mexico Tourism.

All-in-all this is a very satisfying arrangement for all concerned.

John Lamkin
Freelance Travel Journalist & Photographer
Website
Suite 101
Examiner.com

Perk--Thornton Winery's Personal Invitation to Media

2009-03-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

How lucky are we to be advised that we can take advantage of attending one of these at no charge as long as we are media.

Good afternoon media partners:

Thornton Winery is pleased to announce the lineup for its 2009 Champagne Jazz Series.

The 21st Annual Thornton Winery Champagne Jazz Series kicks off in smooth style with Mindi Abair and David Benoit, Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 4 PM.. Tickets are $55.00 general admission, Gourmet Supper package at $ 130.00.

Additional information and a 2009 schedule is posted and a personal invitation to attend one of the of the 2009 concerts is available from Linda Kissam, Thornton Winery Media Director, lindakissam@aol.com.

Celebrating 21 years of excellence from 1988 - 2009! Thornton Winery is the premiere food, wine, and music experience in the Temecula Valley Wine Country.
http://thorntonwine.com

Please be sure to contact Linda if you would like to attend a jazz concert as media. They run from April through October.

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Perks Blog

Tea is a Perk

2009-03-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

While we were cruising, we received many gifts from Equal Exchange. It provides coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, snacks, gifts, equipment and fun stuff. They also offer educational material. Equal Exchange works with small farmers worldwide.

One of the products we received was Organic Wild Rooibos Pyramid Tea. Norm and I took ours home to enjoy and we've found it quite good. We were able to taste the vanilla without it overpowering. Even though we had been to South Africa, we had never experienced organic red bush tea.

They say, "Wild Rooibos is only harvested by a few farmers in the entire world. This rich, red tea has a fruity character with vanilla overtones and is naturally caffeine free. Rooibos contains antioxidants, which are known to promote good health."

Small farmers can make a big change. Mr. Hendrik Hesselman of Heiveld Co-operative says, "Equal Exchange is changing the tea system by working with small farmers... Most tea... comes from large-scale plantations where workers have little control or voice. By choosing this tea... you are helping small farmers of the Heiveid Co-operative in South Africa, you are helping plant seeds of democracy in tea country."

If you visit the Equal Exchange website, they have a store where you can learn about and try all sorts of great products.

Again, thanks to Joan Joffa for introducing us to this great organization and wonderful tea.

For those of you on our 2009 Conference at Sea, I'd enjoy hearing your comments on the tea.

Culinarily yours,

Maralyn D. Hill, President
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Books By Hills
Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; Success, Your Path to a Successful Book; Cooking Secrets the Why and How...; and Winner and Final Chairman.
Global Log
Success Log

Nepalese Paper Journal: Tree-Free and Fair Trade

2009-03-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Returning to my cabin after dinner one evening, I opened a small treasure placed on my bed next to the latest incarnation of the cruise towel animal. The journal's cover was a soft green paper,not unlike Japanese silk paper. The little book's pages were the color of deep sand.

Very tactile, very pleasing. I thought how a fountain pen might grab the surface of the paper leaving feathery curves across the page - a re-cap,the telling of an adventure in some secret place of the world, part of a life story, someone's dance with time.

Fellow writers these journals are perfection.

Nepalese Paper brings you the opportunity to journal your own story on handmade paper that is both sustainable and sustaining. This paper from the Lokta bush, found only above 6500ft in the Himalaya mountains, provides a living in the impovershed rural areas of Nepal. Chuck Pinnow, Founder of Nepalese Paper believes that 100% fair trade,tree-free,evironmentally sustainable products can be a viable enterprise. They produce very high quality notebooks, journals and other products. Go to www.NepalesePaper.com to see the product line and perhaps write the good news about a business with ethics and heart! They also donate a portion of every sale to a Nepalese non-profit. Thank you Chuck for sharing your story and journal us at our Conference at Sea in January. I'll always keep this special gift close to me.

Michelle Winner, Vice President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

essn sparkling juice drink:" Hydrate your Spirit"

2009-03-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm still wading through my goodie bag/pillow gifts from the IFWTWA's "Conference at Sea". And "the Perks" are still being enjoyed. Today's find is essn.

These cans of sparkling fruit juice where just perfect for a night-cap or a pick me up during the day. The combination of juices and unusual blends were a refreshing surprise. Skylar Haley innovative products brings you several flavor blends . All are pasteurized, with no added sweetener and no preservatives. Why grab a colored soda when you can have the real deal? USDA & Mission Organic™ certified energy drink with powerful antioxidants - completely essn juice.

Here is a description of their bestseller and winner of the Natural Product Association’s award for ‘Best in Cold Beverages’:"Sparkling blood orange and cranberry juice is a perfect balance of slightly-sweet, slightly tart fruit essence made with 100% juice, no added sugar, and zero preservatives. This concentrated, flavorful juice is distinguished by it's fragrant citrus aroma."

Of the four varietal blends: Blood Orange & Cranberry, Fuji Apple, Minneola Tangerine and Meyer Lemon, I can't figure out my favorite yet. essn are you listening? I just may need a shipment to chase away the last of the winter blahs!

All products available online or use their retail locator's at http://www.drinkessn.com/

Michelle Winner, Vice President

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association

Chocolate and More Chocolate

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Chocolate is a new perk of travel writing.

The Tandem Tasters, Maralyn Hill and I, thoroughly enjoyed our autumn journeys along the wine trail in Southern Oregon with the International Food & Wine Travel Writer's Association. We tasted wine, cheese and, of course, delectable chocolate from some of Oregon's 20 plus chocolatiers.

Our enthusiasm for this part of the world, the people and the earth-friendly products led to many glowing articles about Oregon.

Our efforts have brought us back to the charming city of Ashland for the annual Oregon Chocolate Festival. This time as chocolate and pastry judges, as well as travel and food writers.

Some of the many perks of travel writing? Chocolate is good enough for us.

Culinarily yours,

Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill
International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association
The Tandem Tasters
Books By Hills
Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel; Success, Your Path to a Successful Book; Cooking Secrets the Why and How...; and Winner and Final Chairman.
Global Log
Success Log

The Perk of Cary's of Oregon

2009-02-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

When we had our media trip to Southern Oregon in October, we were fortunate to tour Cary's. They make gourmet English Toffee at it’s finest!

What started as a family recipe has evolved into a recipe that has been perfected over the years.

Since I'm partial to English Toffee and this is the best I've ever tasted, it was only natural that I asked them if they would consider providing our attendees for our Conference at Sea a sample of their product to be given out as a pillow gift the first night.

Most reacted as Norm and I did--they loved it.

Cary's offers its English Toffee in 7 different flavors. Cary's coffee uses Guittard Chocolate along with other high quality ingredients. This toffee seems to have a "soft-crunch" and it tastes light and crisp.

Since visiting the plant, hearing the story and tasting the toffee, I'm a convert and I've ordered this a a gift for several different occasions.

Thank you Cary's for being supportive of the International Food, Wine and Travel Writers.

Culinilary yours,

Maralyn Hill, President

International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

Stolzle Wine Glasses - What a Perk

2009-02-16T07:48:00.000-08:00

One night while cruising, our pillow gift was a surprise we could not appreciate until we got home and redeemed the certificate.

Stolzle Wine Glasses presented us with two beautiful wine glasses. In addition to being beautiful, they are different. Stolzle encourages you to sample wine in your current glass and then try the same wine in your Stolzle glass. You’ll note the difference. I used a lead crystal glass, a lead free crystal glass and the Stolzle glass. The Stolzle glass is different.

This eco-friendly, 100 percent lead-free, dishwasher safe and maintains the highest standards in brilliance, breaking strength, scratch resistance and balance. It is elegant and practical.

Even though Stolzle has all the different sizes and varieties, they realize it is not practical for budget or space. Stolzle does not believe you need an entire collection of glasses to accommodate all of the wine varietals. Stolzle suggests a Burgundy glass for pinot noir and chardonnay, a Bordeaux for robust reds and one smaller tasting glass for light whites.

For those of you who have not sent in your certificates yet, I'd encourage you to do it. These glasses are fantastic; they are favorites of celebrities and famous restaurateurs alike. Do the taste test and you'll be convinced.

Let us hear how your taste tests worked out.

Maralyn D. Hill, President

International Food, Wine and Travel Writers Association

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Another Perk, Tasting Dr. Kracker's Krackers

2009-02-12T12:00:00.000-08:00

As you read all of our posts of special gifts on our Holland America Conference at Sea, you may wonder if that was all we did, receive gifts. Well, thanks to many people, we received more than you can imagine and Joan Joffa was responsible for Dr. Kracker Krackers.

I've been busy writing articles and had not posted my comments on Dr. Kracker. Well, I can't wait any longer. You see, I saved the last two crackers so I could be eating them when I did this. Well, sitting by my desk, I'm down to the last one and craving it, so now is the time to do the write-up.

Norm and I brought our two packages home. We went through our first package of Dr. Kracker's Seede Spelt crackers over a couple of days - they were delicious with soup or cheese. The second package I rationed out to last us longer.

What I really liked was it only took 3 or 4 to be completely satisfied and it is perfect for me around 3:30 or 4 when I need something.

What makes these artisan-baked to perfect crispness crackers different, a lot. The Seeded Spelt has sunflower seeds which bled well with the nutty organic sesame seeds. Apparently the organic spelt flour provides a sweeter flavor than wheat flour. This flavor also has organic flax seeds, organic spelt bran, sea salt, yeast and organic barley malt syrup.

Dr. Kracker offers five flavors: Klassic 3 Seed; Pumpkin Cheddar; Seeded Spelt; Seedlander and Sunflower Cheddar.

Knowing I want to try the other flavors, I went on line to the Dr. Kracker website to see where I could purchase more of these delicious crackers. They are distributed through many outlets including Fresh n'Easy, Sprouts, Warehouse Vitamins, Wegmans and Whole Foods. There are many more health conscious stores available and you can check out locations by state.

For those who want the convenience of the Internet, you can purchase Dr. Kracker's Krackers on Amazon and Green Shopper.com.

Let me know what you think. I'm curious to see if you like them as much as Norm and I do.

Culinarily yours,

Maralyn D. Hill, President

International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association

GLOG: Global Log

Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards- Skylar/Haley innovative products

2009-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

The perks? The Pillow Gifts! For the product research of course . . .

Each evening on our recent IFWTWA "Conference at Sea," aboard the ms Oosterdam, we would return to our cabin to find another delightful surprise on our pillows!

While waiting for my flight home in San Diego I had time to enjoy some of my goodies. The Whole Dried Peach Wedges from Stoneridge Orchards became one of my favorites as soon as I opened the package. Ok, I come from the land of fruits and nuts-literally (Oregon) so I know good fruit, but popping one of these slices into your mouth becomes a revelation. They taste like peaches! Not desiccant. Rich, ripe peaches. And you can't stop eating them. . .

As the back of the packages states, Stoneridge Orchards a Skylar/Haley product, brings you "the best tasting, all natural gourmet dried fruit and berries that nature has to offer." They also produce dried cranberries,and berry products sourced right here in the Pacific Northwest.

I checked their website at www.stoneridgeorchards.com and the dried fruit is available at Wegman's, Costco, Sam's Clubs, Albertson's and BJ's Club among others. I encourage you to pick some up. The taste and quality are that different. It smells like concentrated fruit. A perfect, healthy snack and I'm hooked.

I settled into my airplane seat and savored another wedge. If a peach can be described as having a perfumed odour - I'll have to say this dried fruit does.
Yummy research all the way to Portland. What a great job I have!

The Perks of Keyways

2009-01-29T23:32:00.000-08:00

We had so many wonderful perks on with our Conference at Sea, I need to share a little more about the Keyways Vineyard Winery in Temecula Valley Wine Country.

One night when we came back to our room, Keyways was gracious enough to provide each attendee a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc. It was packaged in a sheer rust colored material that had an inviting sheen.

I'm one of those people who gravitate toward red varietals. However, the next evening, the Keyways Sauvigon Blanc was calling me. This wine is similar to the well-known and appreciated Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre, France. On the Keyways website, it says "it is very food friendly with aromas of flint and fruit." What it doesn't say is that its extremely light fruity aromas draw you in completely. It was a true compliment to my scallops.

Since both Norm and I enjoyed this so well, I checked out the website once we were home. I expected it to retail around $24 to $29 and it is only $18 a bottle and $15.30 per bottle if you order a case - a tremendous value for a lovely light varietal.

While visiting their website, I discovered Keyways has the unique distinction of being the first woman owned and managed winery in Temecula Valley. Since 2004 when Terri Peblley purchased the winery, it has undergone an extensive make-over including the tasting room and landscaped grounds.

The original vineyards have been replaced with Viognier, Roussane, Tempranillo and Grenache which appeals to the palates of current wine enthusiasts. They also feature many special events.

If you are in the Temecula, CA area, you may want to visit Keyways and definitely their tasting room.

Keyways Vineyard Winery
37338 De Portola Road
Temecula, CA 92592
http://www.keywayswine.com/
951-302-7888

IFWTWA has Linda Kissam, lindakissam@aol.com, to thank for introducing us to Keyways. Linda represents many of the wineries of Temecula and the surround area. She also puts wine trips together. Linda is a great resource for all of you who write about and enjoy wine.

Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

GLOG:Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

The Perks? The Wine!

2009-01-28T10:10:00.001-08:00

The Perks? The Wine!

I was so excited about this wine, I just had to share it with you.

My husband Kurt Winner, a fellow IFWTWA member won a bottle of Briar Rose Winery's Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve in our IFWTWA drawing.

What a bottle!

We opened it the grand Vista Dining Room aboard Holland America's ms Oosterdam and enjoyed it with dinner. Sitting with us was a chef graduate of the renown CIA Ms. Diana Israel and notable wine expert and author Mr. Cork Millner. The rest of the complement tasting and commenting on the wine were notable writers,editors and foodies like us, delighting the moment!

The wine was pronounced "elegant, full-bodied, hints of berries, cinnamon and very, very smooth!" What a delightful way to enjoy a superb bottle of wine among companions who really appreciate the care it takes to produce.

I am a travel and food writer based in Oregon. With so many wineries to explore here I have not made the trek to the Temecula area of California. I say It's time for a pilgrimage. www.briarrosewinery.com

Michelle Winner

Vice President - IFWTWA
Travel and Food Freelance
Newspaper columnist " Culinary Traveler"

Another Perk from Thornton Winery

2009-01-25T03:13:00.000-08:00

Not that we ever want to stop the flow of champagne. But, we need to thank Thornton Winery in Temecula Valley for introducing us to their champagne stopper.

This Epic champagne stopper is elegant and useful. We find this airtight gem from Italy the perfect. gift for our friends as well as us. It is nickel plated. Ours happens to have the handsome black monogram of Thornton Winery. Not that champagne lasts 3 days in our homes, but it will with this resealable product. We are ordering several stoppers from Epic Products, Inc. In Newport Beach http://www.epicgifts.com/.

Now when you're in the Temecula Valley, you may want to stop by Thornton Winery. They provided a flavorable dessert wine for our special dinner in the Pinnacle Grill prepared by Chef Mario Martinoli on Holland America Line's Ms Oosterdam for the IFWTWA Conference at Sea.

Thornton was also generous in giving us a gift certificate for two for their Jazz Concert in the summer which was one of the prizes in our drawing.

If you are not near Temecula Valley, we urge you to visit their website http://www.thorntonwinery.com/.

Brenda C. Hill and Maralyn D. Hill

International Food, Wind & Travel Writers Association

Books By Hills

Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel

Cooking Secrets the Why and How...

Success, Your Path to a Successful Book

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

The Best Perks

2009-01-22T23:23:00.000-08:00

Recently, I just finished packing for a trip and was trying to unwind. Then I remember I forgot to put the sheet with my name, address, and phone numbers - along with my new wireless global number in my checked suitcase and carry on along with a copy of my passport - got up and did it.

For this particular trip, I need more clothes than my carry on since there will be business and formal functions. I'd skip the carry on, but my luggage has been lost more times than I can count on international connecting flights.

While trying to fall asleep, I started to think about what's good about travel? After all of these years, lost luggage, cancelled flights, etc. I still love it.

As I was thinking about the many perks of food, wine and travel writing, memories of the recently passed Conference at Sea where many of us were all able to renew old friendships and make new along with sharing food, wine, travel and educational experiences first came to mind.

Then I thought of years past and all of the wonderful individuals from various cultures I've been able to share meals with as I've heard their various tales. A bonus is that e-mail makes it so much easier for most of us to keep in touch. Some still require mail or phone, but that's o.k.

Currently, my excitement over sharing Bocuse d' Or with my long time writing partner, Brenda Hill, as well as our good friend, Master Chef Herve Laurent, is at the top of my list.

Brenda, Norm and I could write a book on our travel experiences that started with difficulties and turned into fond memories as well as those that went smoothly from the start. And, the best perk of all is being able to travel, experience various cultures, make new friends and share the tale.

What's the best for you?

Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

GLOG:Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Travel Perk--Caramoo Crumbles

2009-01-20T22:12:00.000-08:00

Definitely a Perk of our travel - Caramoo Crumbles candy - an unexpected scrumptious treat Maralyn Hill found for us on our last night aboard the Holland American Ms Oosterdam cruise to Mexico.

Maralyn says she didn't find it, she was fortunate for finding Joan Joffa, j.joffaacme@verizon.net. Joan represents many wonderful companies.

I rarely eat sweets or candy, however I devoured the entire box of Caramoo Caramel Crumbles.

The International Food and Wine Travel Writer's Association (IFWTWA) had been wined and dined like royalty throughout the entire journey from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera.

This was the last night at sea, my bags were packed. I was ready for one last sleep under a full moon, the waves lapping as we glided toward the USA.

My little pillow present on top of my freshly made bed looks tempting, thought I, but the last thing I needed. John Harnish, our Infinity publisher, and I recently polished off a bowl of real French onion soup, a thick, juicy T-bone, and hot, fluffy baked potato with all the trimmings with fresh crunchy veggies. Plus, a glass of the Holland American excellent Coastal house red wine. Candy was the last thing I needed.

I thought, I will give it to Yanto, my cabin person, whom I wanted to tuck into my bag and bring home, when I handed him his extra tip.

Oh well, maybe I will try just one, just to taste what they are like. My mouth watered at first bite, so I had one more. Then I read the label. Well, no wonder. Caramoo, note the moo, is made of real cream, European butter, and other cannot resist natural ingredients.

Carmoo even contain vitamins and calcium, so might as well have another. I, a food writer, cannot adequately describe these caramel crumbles - an old fashioned flavor, reminding me of childhood treats - chewy, soft, firm, creamy, sweet, different and - addictive.

Sadly, when I awoke in the morning, we had docked in San Diego and the box of Caramoo's was empty.

Julia Child taught Maralyn and I to savor and enjoy these delicious and decadent indulgences once in a while. Now, who are we to disagree with Julia, so we joyfully follow her sage advice.

You may want to order a carton or a gross and give them to all of your friends. A product of Poland, made exclusively for PD3, Inc. in Seattle, Washington. 98116 -http://www.caramoo.com/

For those of you who were on the cruise, please comment on how you enjoyed these treats. Thank you Joan, for knowing how much we'd enjoy this fantastic treat.

Bet you can't eat just one.

Brenda C. Hill

International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA)

Books By Hills

Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel

Cooking Secrets the Why and How...

Success, Your Path to a Successful Book

GLOG: Global Log

SLOG: Success Log

Talk About Perks--Our Drawing Was Full

2009-01-18T19:56:00.000-08:00

On our Conference at Sea, we had a drawing to start up a scholarship fund. With tickets at only $5 each or 3 for $10, we all had a chance to take advantage of wonderful opportunities. Let me tell you, the winners were thrilled. Our prizes were:

Ponte Family Estate Winery - Wine Club Membership for 8 shipments of wine.
Thornton Winery - 2 Tickets to 2009 Jazz Concert
Polo Shirts Coral Beach Club on Saint Maarten
One hour consultation - Jeniffer Thompson is the author of Web Site WOW: Turn Your Web Site Into Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool and the creator of the popular Web Site WOW seminar series.
Resume Package or Professional Bio - normally $450. The recipient will be provided with a professionally written resume, cover letter and a few other job-search resources of a professional bio. This service is provided by Lauren Milligan of ResuMAYDAY.com. (630) 836-9910 or (888) 556-2776
Getaway at The Heathman Hotel, Kirkland, WA - A two night weekend stay in a luxury suite, valet parking, a $75 food credit at Trellis and the Romance Package in Penterra Spa - Value $800.
Park Hyatt-Chicago on North Michigan gave 2 luxurious nights with a wonderful dinner for 2 at NOMI.
12 Bottles of Briar Rose Winery 2005 Award Winning Cabernet Sauvignon valued at $100 per bottle.
Grand Prize - A Publishing package from Infinity Publishing - With the Advance Reading Copies (ARCs), a combined value of $774 to a lucky attendee. Package includes the publishing and distribution of your book, 24 ARCs of the proof books to be sent out by the newly published author to harvest blurbs, reviews, and readers candid remarks for possible use on a fly sheet and back cover as well as promote the book

Our goal with establishing a scholarship fund is to raise enough money annually so we can provide a full or partial scholarship to our next annual conference. We raised $500+ with this drawing. We hope to get another wonderful selection for our next drawing. A great opportunity for a fantastic perk at a value price and provide us a chance to help someone striving to improve their writing skills.

Maralyn D. Hill President IFWTWA

Peelers Can be Different

2009-01-15T21:35:00.000-08:00

For our Conference at Sea, many P.R. firms, wineries, hotels, and others provided wonderful gifts. I’m going to comment on them over the next month or so.

Joan Joffa, j.joffaacme@verizon.net, represents over 300+ food and wine clients. Many are green or environmentally friendly. She was gracious enough to provide a series of gifts for welcome bags and pillow gifts. What’s better is Joan has stories about all of the companies.

One of the gifts we had was a new product from Swissmar Imports Limited, http://www.swissmar.com/, or info@swissmar.com, 1-800 216-3492. They gave us a card with three Swiss stainless steel classic peelers. I was anxious to put these to the test when we returned home.

The first is a serrated peeler and thinly peels delicate fruits and vegetables. I used it on a tomato and kiwi which was terrific. They say it also is good for mangoes and hard cheese and the side cutter removes potato eyes and blemishes and cuts groves in vegetables.

The second peeler is a simple way to have thin julienne sticks in one stroke with carrot, zucchini and more. I tried this on some hard cheese to get some thin strips.

The last peeler thinly peels hard fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and potatoes. I tried it on butternut squash and it was great.

After being impressed with the quality of these peelers, I checked out the website, http://www.swissmar.com/. Wow, they have the difficult to find products at reasonable prices. I spotted several Raclette Party Grills. I may have to break down and order one since that has been a favorite dish since I first experienced it in Switzerland.

For those of you who cook and want some easy peelers give these a try. Thank you Swissmar and Joan. For those who try these out, please let me know how you like them.

Maralyn D. Hill

President

IFWTWA

IFWTWA Gets Great Press for Jan 09 Visit

2009-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

As many of you may be aware, we've just returned from our 2009 Conference at Sea. It was tremendous and I'll say more about it later as well as those who contributed to our welcome bags, pillow gifts and drawing for our scholarship fund.

But, for those who did not attend, we wanted to share some of the press we received:

Mazatlan Press

Puerto Vallarta Press

Since the above two links are in English, we know you'll enjoy.

Be sure to join us next time.

Maralyn D. Hill
President

Travel is my favorite perk

2008-11-04T09:33:00.000-08:00

Today I feel blessed.

The Hill team loves to travel. Sometimes it does not matter where we go. We always seem to find that little, hidden spot around the corner, a great new wine or that delicious blueberry scone in a rural place such as Grants Pass, Oregon. (see Maralyn's What and Where in the World blog on November 1, for the recipe and story from the River Rock Gift Store and Cafe.

We were lucky to find sunny blue sky's and sweater weather temperatures in October along the Oregon coast and wine trail. Our favorite days were picnics in the grass, with the fall colors of crimson and gold reflected along the running rivers and crystal clear lakes.

Yet, Oregon is a place for all seasons. I wish I could return to a wonderful town and a top notch resort called The Running Y, in Klamath Falls, for the annual Snowflake Parade on November 7. Call 541-883-5351 for details.

January begins in Mexico and ends in France. You will read all of the delicious and surprising details on our blogs.

Brenda C. Hill

Books By Hills

GLOG=Global Log

SLOG=$uccess Log

Perks of Travel and Food Writing

2007-09-28T14:51:00.000-07:00

Perks is a perfect word for my chosen career. I am having too much fun to call food and travel writing a job. This way of life does not pay me well.

Yet, it keeps me well. I learn about parts of the world that I may have missed... A snowy night in the City of Lights devouring that steaming hot crock of sweet onion soup, those cheesy, crusty bits, clinging to the sides. A tangerine sunrise on a remote Fijian Island, up in time to land that big fish, so fresh it is still jumping as I wrap it in a banana leaf to roast on smoldering coals. The fisherman and I never spoke a word.

Eating well...regional farm fresh food from a local market, not fancy or gourmet, simply delicious in it's native skin.

The best perks are about friends I have met along the way. Including the ones I have yet to meet...Leigh Cort...who writes about "the relationships between the journalist and the people who make the destination come alive." My partner of several decades, Maralyn Hill, more than a friend. When the work or the pain overwhelms the pleasures, Maralyn is there to remind me what is good. It cannot be said enough, it is the people and the joy of doing what you love in life... true success.

Priceless!

Brenda Hill
www.noralyn.com

Travel Writing

2007-09-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

For me, travel writing is an education that will continue throughout my working life. I have learned more about other countries and other cultures through travel than I ever have by reading books.
As I also write fiction, travel writing has enabled me to set my stories in locations all over the world and to create the kind of detail and atmosphere that comes only from "being there."
Travel writing generally does not pay a great deal in dollars, but it can be...priceless.
Lillian Africano
www.lillianafricano.com

Not a Free Ride

2007-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

The perks of travel - Experiences that I gain represent my greatest perks. In a sense, I was born to travel so I'm doing what I love. I did write an article which sums it up, "Do we travel free"? http://www.noralyn.com/newsletter/bits1.lasso

Now, as a published writer, sometimes I'm hosted. However, I don't believe in free rides. If someone has been generous enough to host me, I feel I owe them a story. The only exception is a negative experience (Usually, I'll let my contact know why I'm not writing about the experience). It is my personal preference to focus on the good and great. Frequently it takes me longer to get the story written than I'd like, but I still do get it written.

Many times I'll use e-savers, or good airline fares, to cover my transportation. Unfortunately, not all hosts are able to provide air. But, a good story will help you in the future.

If I am not able to secure an assignment or get the article placed in print media, I get a version of it posted in http://www.global-writes.com/ , on one of the web outlets (many are available that pay per click), or my web newsletter. Then, I send the host the url or date of publication for print. Sometimes, it takes a year before it's in print. When it is published, I send a clip. Letting the host know it is availabile is important. This all builds credibility and results in more invitations. I also send a link to http://www.ifwtwa.org/ to add to their clip file with my name, date of publication and publication name.

What perks do you get when you travel?

Are you good about telling the story?

Do you keep your host updated on the story?

Please add your comments or questions.

By Maralyn D. Hill
http://www.noralyn.com/