Cookies & 15 Minutes of Fame

I won't deny my fascination with the Food Network. You know those challenges and cook-off's they have? Well, it's my dream to be on one. I believe I've shared this not-so-secret fantasy with you folks before.



My mom makes the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. It's no lie. They're the best. I can't even explain them to you without salivating, so I won't even try. (She uses this recipe, but alters it and switches a few things up....but for the most part, this is the foundation of the cookie.)



A few months ago, I was browsing cooking contests online and I stumbled upon one for Nestle. I was thrilled when I saw that not only was it a cooking contest, but in order to qualify, you had to write an essay.

Writing! Cooking! Two of my most favorite past times.

The chosen essay winner would be flown to New York City, put up in a fancy hotel and be featured on the Food Network while cooking with 3 famous chefs. How. Much. Fun. Is. That. ?!?!

So, I put the pedal to the metal and started writing.

The topic was to write a sentimental memory you have regarding Nestle. I have to admit, I wondered how many people actually had a sentimental memory regarding a world wide corporation, but I dug deep into the depths my mind to find mine. I was sure I had one.

There was a limit on words, so it was a struggle to keep it short. But here is what I came up with....


Nestle has always been close to my heart because it reminds me of my Mom. She whipped up a batch of cookies for every holiday, get-together, or guest who dropped in unexpectedly. Simply my coming home from college for a weekend, promised a platter of baked delicacies mounded on an ornate platter sitting atop her dark granite countertops. It was the essence of a perfect homecoming. There was nothing like walking through the front door, greeted with the sweet aroma of her famous Nestle cookies. I say famous, because no one can duplicate them. She willingly shares her baking secrets and many hands have prepared them exactly the way she instructs, yet they remain unmatched. I have watched her make them thousands of times – from being a wide eyed child wearing plastic high heels and observing with a sense of awe plastered on my face, dreaming of one day becoming exactly like her - to now, a married lady who tries desperately to perfect her recipe so that I, too, can impress everyone who takes a bite. There is not one event that defines my love for baking; it’s lifetime of memories with Mom that I will cherish forever.


I proudly read my essay aloud to Husby and he encouraged me that I was most definitely going to win this contest. I e-mailed the finished product to Mom and she, too, agreed that I was a shoe-in.

Um.

Seven months later, and I'm pretty sure the contest has come and gone.

I missed out on my chance of fame and fortune...er, I mean my 15 minutes of fame, but I shall not let that get me down!

I will keep trying! Keep cooking! Keep writing! And I WILL be on a cook off.

Even if it takes me 'til I'm 90.

Nestle. Who needs em. I'd rather do THIS anyway. Hrmph.