Thursday, October 9, 2008

Taste of Home Cooking School

I just got back from the Taste of Home Cooking School. Years and years ago, the Ledger-Enquirer sponsored the Southern Living Cooking School.

I worked every single one of those shows and had a wonderful time.

I was part of this one, too, and had a great time.

My colleague, Andrea Hernandez, who is a business writer, and I co-hosted the show.

Basically, all we did was thank everyone for coming, introduced the culinary specialist, Michelle Roberts, and gave away door prizes.

At one point, a freshly-baked almond and caramel monkey bread came out of the oven. The first one was made to be given away to a lucky audience member. The second one was for us, those of us working backstage. Even though Andrea and I were technically not working backstage, we each took a piece. 

As we were eating, Michelle, who was onstage, says she needs me and Andrea to give away a cookbook. Heather Williams, who was in charge of the show, yells, "They're eating!"

Michelle turns and asks, "Eating?"

We run onstage to laughter.

I swear it was really, really good. I'd never had monkey bread like this. Michelle put a dab of cream cheese in the middle of piece of dough. You've got to try it.

I'll get the recipe tomorrow and post it.

You'll love it.

By the way, the cooking school was very, very successful. It was filled to capacity -- 800 people showed up.

Last year, when the school was here, Michelle said there were 200 people.

I spoke to someone in the audience who said she came last year and there were no vendors. This year, local restaurants had samples of food. Many of them ran out of food by the first intermission. I know that Kevin Jones of the Villa Nova, ran out even before the show started.

I think everyone had a great time, except for those who waited too long to buy tickets. 

This thing sold out on Monday!

So if you were one of those folks who thought you could buy tickets at the door, I know you were turned away.

Next year, buy a ticket when they first go on sale.

I'll see you at next year's cooking school.

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