The Bog is Back!

Last night Ocean Spray celebrated their 80th cranberry harvest and the 5th one in the bog on Rock Center. Today and Thursday the bog will be back and open to visitors. Learn more about the history of the harvesting process and sample some juice. Last night, I had the opportunity to join the folks from Ocean Spray at a party in honor of the wonderberry and try my very first taste of a Charm City cake. Mmm...cake...

The Ocean Spray event was held at the 620 Loft and Garden and they transformed the little back garden and fountain into a mini bog. I totally wanted to go wading...

You couldn't miss Chef Duff Goldman's cake when you came in...

The cake had so many details! If you're interested in seeing how it came together, the cake will be included in an episode of “Ace of Cakes” that premieres on Thursday, October 29 at 10pm ET/PT.

Tyler Florence was the master of ceremonies and also a judge the previous day for Ocean Spray's Third Annual Ultimate Cranberry Recipe Contest. Samples of the finalists in the food service and consumer category were served.

Chris Wright of Saz's in Waukesha, Wisconsin took top honors in the food service category for his Cranberry Wontons with Cranberry Jalapeno Jelly Dipping Sauce. The were delicious sort of a spicy cranberry crab rangoon. Definitely a different take on cranberries.

Patrice Hurd from Bemidji, Minnesota took home the grand prize for her Cranberry Bacon Brunch Scones with Cranberry-Pecan Cream Cheese. I couldn't try these because of the nut factor, but they looked (and smelled) heavenly.

Wearing a hot from where the best cranberries come from (Red Sox, represent!), Chef Duff gave us a little behind the scenes peek at his trip to the cranberry bog. Everything on the cake is actually part of the harvesting process. I can't wait to the see the episode with the footage from Charm City's field trip.

The cake itself was really good and super moist. One layer was made with Craisins and the other was made with fresh cranberries and it was filled with a cranberry filling made from the cranberries that Duff and co harvested on their Cape Cod trip. I wouldn't pass up another slice...

Chef Duff was really approachable and took the time to chat with everyone and sign copies of his new book. Celebrity chefs like getting their books signed, too....

You can find the other foodservice recipe finalists here and the consumer recipe finalists here. If you're around Rock Center today or tomorrow swing by the bog. I snagged a free small bottle of cranberry juice on my lunch break yesterday. If you need your dose of fall, what could be better than gazing out on an urban bog with a bottle of cranberry juice?

For more event pictures check out this slide show...