Just got back from Aspen Fashion Week and it was a blast! I stayed at the Viceroy Snowmass where I spent almost two weeks indulging in eco luxury and exceptional service. Make sure to stop by K-8 restaurant and try the Loch Duart Salmon, one of the few fish approved by Clean Fish Council, and the yummy fruit plate accompanied by greek yogurt dipping sauce. If you are looking for something quick, ski right off of Assay hill into Nest, the Viceroy’s pool side lounge cafe for a lowfat greek yogurt parfait served in to-go eco containers, or my other favorite-the organic mixed green salad topped with chipotle grilled chicken.

My trip just happened to coincide with Clicquot in the Snow, a four day champagne  filled event held around Aspen and Viceroy’s Nest and Pool Deck . Highlights were Saturday’s Apres Ski party at the Viceroy. Revelers, including E! Entertainment Giuliana Rancic tossed down champagne, oysters, and crab legs while dancing to tunes spun by Baya Voice. Veuve Clicquot made a donation to Challenge Aspen for every flute sold, and let me tell you-there was a lot of champagne going around, guests were donning their bright orange rayban-esque glasses and jumping into the Veuve Clicqout Gondola photo booth to snap party shots with retro fur coats and bottles of Veuve.

After recovering by the pool on Sunday, I headed downtown to the Snowstage, where KJUS and Obermeyer kicked off the Aspen Fashion Week with a energy charged show at the base of Aspen Mountain. Following the runway I headed to the Wolverine party at Tenet, where owner Jesse Warren  picks out hard to find eco luxury brands including Rogan Jeans.  After that I was off to the W Magazine Fashion Week kick-off party at Brexi and Dancing Bear. A fully packed upstairs and downstairs was filled with models, some I may have mistook for models, after all it is Aspen, and fashionistas from everywhere. Lauren Bush was there, sporting the weeks must have item, a FEED bag, featuring Aspen Fashion Week’s Logo in natural canvas and environmentally friendly dyes.

Monday had me back at Snowstage to watch Uber-Chic German designer Dannennmann and Obermeyer strut next years winter gear on the runway. Afterwards I headed over to Pucci for a cocktail party where shoppers envied hot pink retro swirl prints, gowns and puffer vests.  Ended the evening at Wheeler Opera House to watch Naomi Conquers Africa, a Douglas Keeves Film, that features her visit with Nelson Mendela, accompanied by Kate Moss, Christy Turlington, and Amber Valetta.

Tuesday was the FEED event at Ralph Lauren where I met FEED Co-founder Lauren Bush who was striking without an ounce of make-up! Picked up two FEED bears and headed over to Belly-Up for a memorable performance by John Forte.

Wednesday was my last day in Aspen and I spent it lounging at the Viceroy spa, and later went to town for a final Snow Magazine’s best of winter round-up, an after-party at Il Mulino with the Us Ski Team, followed by tacos and cervesas at Marmot.

Leaving my hotel Thursday morning, I was introduced to Bobby Kennedy, in town speaking to business leaders about his vision for clean energy and economic growth for our country-he even took the time to speak to the entire staff of the LEED certified Viceroy hotel, more on that later this week…

 Make sure not to miss the “mouse couture”, cleverly dressed  4 inch stuffed mice dressed by the real deals such as Carolina Herrera and Armani.  

Helpers Bazaar, 900 North Point Street, Lower Plaza, Ghirardelli Square, 11:30-5:30

Anyone who has been to Boulettes Larder at the Ferry Building knows that discriminating taste is abound. Their new hand-care for culinary professionals is no exception. With ingredients like organic aloe and lavender, the line is sure to delight any self professed gourmet on your gift list this season. 

Boulettes Handcare Products are sourced from environmentally and animal friendly ingredients, are crafted locally and are 100% organic. 

Cleansing Pomace

Deep cleanses, exfoliates and removes surface food stains and odors from hands.

$65

Healing solution 

A soothing, antibacterial gel which facilitates healing.

$42

Moisture Seal Creme 

A rich emollient hand creme to hydrate and soften the hands. 

$65 

 All items are in stock and available to ship. For details go to Bouletteslarder.com

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 Agave Sweetened Cranberry Sauce

1 pound fresh organic cranberries 

1 1/4 cups water

1/2 cup organic currants

2 tablespoons organic raw agave nectar

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon 

1 teaspoon orange zest

1/4 teaspoon fresh ginger zest

Pour cranberries and water into a pot, bring to a boil for about 30 seconds then simmer for 10 minutes, add currants and simmer for 3 more minutes, add cinnamon, ginger and orange zest and simmer for 5 more. 

Date Crusted Agave Sweetened Pumpkin Pie

One can organic pumpkin

4-6 tablespoons raw organic agave nectar 

1 can evaporated skim milk

2 organic eggs 

1 teaspoon organic cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon organic ginger

1/8 teaspoon organic allspice or cloves 

For the crust:

2 cups raw organic walnuts

8 organic dates 

Blend walnuts in food processor adding one date at a time until a chunky think paste forms. Take paste and press into pie dish to create shell.

Combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, and spices. Mix in eggs and agave until smooth. Pour into pie crust and bake for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, then reduce to 350 degrees for additional 35-40 minutes. Cool before serving. 

Come tonight, tickets are still available at www.commenwealthclub.org.

Girlonabike will be there! 

This reminds me of an excellent book, Chocolate, A Bittersweet Saga of Dark and Light,  by Mort Rosenblum, whom I met at his launch of Dispatches, Beyond Iraq. Rosenblum, who lives in my other favorite city, Paris, was a special correspondent to The Associated Press and Editor of the International Herald Tribune. His insight and investigation into the dark side of the chocolate trade is compelling and revealing for anyone who loves chocolate and feels social responsibility with the foods we love to eat. The book is available for purchase at Book Passage online or at the Ferry Building. 

Boil water and reduce to medium simmer, add all ingredients and stir occasionally for 5 minutes. Enjoy!