Spring Giveaway: Sacramento Specialties

Sometimes blogging is a bit anonymous, but today I am proud to pay tribute to Sacramento, the city where I was raised and where I still reside. As you can see above, it's a beautiful place to live. Nicknamed "the city of trees", we have a great river and these gorgeous puffy clouds that always seem to appear on calm blue-sky days.

In the past, our city has sometimes been ignored in favor of the ever trendy LA to the south, or our iconic Bay area neighbor city of San Francisco. I feel, however, like Sacramentans can hold their heads high, because we have so much to offer, including a rich agricultural tradition and plenty of local artisans who excel at what they produce.

So today, I want to announce my first blogging giveaway: Sacramento Specialties. I want to highlight three outstanding local food companies and some of their best products. Your local Sacramento package will include:

A 500 ml bottle of Bariani olive oil. I've been olive oil tasting and tried a number of brands, but I'm telling you - this stuff is GOOD. Martha Stewart happens to be a huge fan of Bariani olive oil as well. It is produced by a local Sacramento family who originally emigrated from Northern Italy and has gained fans worldwide.

Earth & Vine is located in Loomis, northeast of Sacramento. Their website boasts that they offer "more than 60 jams, sauces, beverage elixirs and dressings, some of which are International award winners". I am featuring their Meyer Lemon Pear Marmalade. Suggested uses? "Mix with yogurt and fill tart shells. Blend with cream cheese to frost cakes. Glaze baked chicken or grilled fish. Toss into cooked bow tie pasta, chopped chicken, apples and grapes." Yum!
Finally, there's the Lundberg family, who have been growing rice in the town of Richvale (north of Sacramento) since the 1930's. Their commitment to ecologically sound farming and high quality products have earned them wide praise and a place on the menus of some of the most prestigious restaurants. I'm proud to offer a 1 lb. package of their Wild Rice blend: "Colorful to the eye, delightful texture and full-bodied flavor and aroma all come together in this blend of long grain brown rice, sweet brown rice, Wehani^®, Black Japonica™ and select wild rice pieces."

Whoever wins the giveaway will win the package and I will ship these wonderful items to them. To enter, just leave a comment below before the giveaway ends next Friday, April 29th at midnight. I will choose a winner using random.org and announce the winner the following day. The winner will have 48 hours to e-mail me and claim their prize or I will choose another winner. One entry per person per day please. Thanks for participating everyone! And remember, Sacramento is not just a cow town!