Blogging is something I do because I love sharing my life, connecting with you, discussing healthy living and enjoying the social interaction (which I realize may sound a little silly as I sit here in my robe typing on a computer).
I enjoy the day to day of blogging, but every now and then an opportunity comes along that makes it even that much cooler. Last night was one such example.
Along with a handful of other bloggers, I was invited to a Chobani dinner party in uptown Charlotte. I didn’t know what to expect when wandered to the 16th floor of a gorgeous glass building in the heart of the city, but after setting foot in their headquarters, I want to go there every day.
Admittedly, I’m out of the corporate scene, but if their office is the norm, I want back in! It’s open and airy with large glass windows. There is exposed beams and a large rustic wood conference table. Oh, and an office kitchen.
Your office kitchen is complete with Viking ranges and Vitamix mixers, too, right? Drool.
Speaking of drool…
This appetizer spread was set up when I arrived and after breaking the #1 rule of party going and showing up STARVING, I took advantage of their generosity immediately.
The first bookmark worthy recipe of the post is the Chobani Guacamole. I wanted to swim in it. So creamy.
Instead of being served dinner, we actually got to make it! We all grabbed stations and got to cutting, cooking, chatting and sipping wine. It was such a festive atmosphere!
Amy from Chobani NYC helped me tackle the butternut squash soup and it was instantly evident what makes Chobani such a great company- the people. (Certainly the yogurt, too, but the people!)
We lucked up by choosing a simple recipe, so we also had time to socialize.
Top: Jen, me and Lauren.
Bottom left: Chef Tim and me.
Bottom right: the adorable, all belly Brittney
It didn’t take long for delicious smells to fill the kitchen and I was shocked at the many different ways to use Chobani. My use of it as a sub for sour cream doesn’t even scratch the surface.
Pardon my excitement; it was my first time using a Vitamix! I believe you now; it’s not just another blender.
And, my must-make recipe #2 of the post, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. I promise it’s not just because I made it (though I’m certain that helped 
), but it was a hit all around. I’m making it again next week, if I can wait that long.
Eventually all the dishes came together to create a beautiful spread.
I want to jump through the screen and eat it all again. For as gorgeous as it looks, it tasted even better.
We all fixed plates and dug in.
Everything was really good. The asparagus with Chobani hollandaise was certainly notable, but my third must-make recipe is the pumpkin risotto.
If you have the patience to stand and stir, make it!
The evening eventually wound down (winded?) and we snagged a group shot. I wanted to be that annoying person that handed the professional my camera and ask him to take a picture, but I refrained.
…that’s a lie. I asked and was turned down
So group shot to come at a later date.
Edited- here it is!
The evening was fantastic. I loved getting to catch up with my friends, meet new people and create mouth-watering dishes while sipping wine. Pretty much my perfect kind of night.
Thank you, Chobani, for including me and for more recipes, check out Chobani’s online kitchen.
Have you ever used Greek yogurt in cooking or baking?
What’s your favorite way to use it that isn’t eating it straight?
blackhuff says
Oh wow! This looks like a great event you have been invited to.
I’m glad you had a great time.
The food you all made, really look like something to die for. Delicious!
Thanks for sharing the great evening with us.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Thanks for sharing the links to these recipes. They all sound (and look) amazing! Looks like such a fun and delicious night. I love that Chobani makes such a tremendous effort to reach out and build relationship with bloggers. SO FUN!
Brittany says
I’m really impressed with their outreach as well. Amy told me it started because they didn’t have much of a marketing budget in the beginning and even though are very successful now that they appreciate bloggers and the social media community so much and want to give back to them. So sweet!
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
Jealous. That all sounds soooo good, but even better to have an evening partnered with one of thebest companies around.
Brittany from Counting My Cupcakes says
What a fun event!! I’ve made baked blueberry donuts and cinnamon raisin bread with greek yogurt. Chobani is my favorite!
Lauren K says
Such a fun night! I feel so spoiled to have been included. I think I will have to repeat the risotto and gingerbread bundt cake!
Erica says
Aww Jen is one of my favorite bloggers – so cool to see people I follow meet up in real life!
Brittany says
She’s awesome in real life, too 🙂
Megan says
That looks like one big cooking party! So fun! I ate chobani by the gallon before I got pregnant, now the tartness just isn’t doing it for me- like I can’t have it in the house. I hope things get back to normal when I am eating for one again.
Brittany says
Doesn’t pregnancy do the craziest things to you? I thought I might not ever like to cook again at one point, but now I’m back to loving it 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Looks like a fun night!
I’m always subbing greek yogurt for anytime a recipe calls for sour cream. I can barely taste the difference so why not get more protein!?
katie says
Looks like a great night! And I love your shirt, mind sharing where you picked it up?
Brittany says
Thank you! It’s new- I just got it from LOFT. 🙂
Shanna, like Banana says
I make chobani scones all the time! they are so good and I have several of my friends hooked on them.
Hey Chobani, if you’re reading this and do anything in the SF Bay Area, find me 😉 Your events always look amazing!
Amy says
We’re reading it! And we’ve got lots of fun things planned for 2013. Stay tuned! 🙂
Amy
@Chobani
Lisa says
I still have yet to try Chobani! They don’t sell it here, sadly. It looks like so much fun at the event! I’m kind of in love with the idea of all these recipes! Thanks for sharing!
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean says
looks like an amazing time!!!! love chobani
Matt @ The Athlete's Plate says
Jealous! Chobani does so many cool things for bloggers.
Laura says
What a fun experience! Butternut squash soup is the BEST! I’ll have to try it with Chobani!
jen says
i had so much fun hanging out and cooking with you! it was such an awesome event and i’m so impressed by all the great stuff we made! 🙂
Allison W. says
I like the taste of Chobani, but prefer to buy organic dairy. I realize they choose to use more local dairy farms to keep prices down, but I wish they had the option of an organic line.
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
What a fun event. There are so many bloggers in Charlotte!
On a side note, you look so cute – love that color on you, Brittany.